Belize Snorkeling – What It’s Like And Where To Snorkel

Posted on March 11, 2026

With hundreds of offshore islands and a long stretch of the world’s second-biggest barrier reef, Belize is a paradise for snorkeling. Although coral reefs compose less than 4% of the ocean’s surface, they provide shelter and feeding grounds for an astonishing 25% of all marine life species. The crystal clear waters of the Caribbean and white sandy seafloor make the islands and reefs in Belize the ideal place to spot fish, anemones, whale sharks, sea grasses, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays in their natural habitat.

If you are traveling to Placencia and the southern Belize area, here are some of the top spots to enjoy snorkeling:

Laughing Bird Caye

Named for the so-called laughing gull flocks that once were the island’s only residents, Laughing Bird Caye is partly a protected nature reserve and part adventure destination. Just a short distance (13 miles/21 km) from Placencia, Laughing Bird Caye looks like a tropical island paradise from a book or film. The palm trees and sugar white sand beaches are the perfect accompaniment to snorkeling expeditions to the shallow reef around the island where you can marvel at the rich diversity of underwater life.

The Silk Cayes

Sometimes known as the Queen Cayes, the Silk Cayes are part of a much larger protected marine reserve. These islands are uninhabited by humans but are home to an astonishing number of avian and marine species. Just a short boat ride from Placencia, the Silk Cayes have nearly transparent water that has to be seen to believed. The shallow, gentle waters are ideal for snorkeling, and sunset barbecues underneath the coconut palms are rapidly becoming a popular tradition.

Gladden Spit

One of just three coral atolls found outside of the Atlantic Ocean, Gladden Spit is part of a vast 26,000-acre marine reserve and contains three different islands. No one lives on these islands, but the atoll plays an important role in sheltering more than two dozen species of local fish. Every spring, migrating schools of whale sharks come to the waters off of Gladden Spit to feed on spawn, giving divers and snorkelers a unique opportunity to interact with the largest non-whale species in the world’s oceans.

Chabil Mar

If you would like to explore the beautiful snorkeling areas described in this article, Chabil Mar in Placencia has several packages that include lodging and organized trips out to the Belize Barrier Reef.

While it’s true that top snorkeling spots can be found even in northern Belize such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve near Ambergris Caye, southern Belize and the islands near Placencia are less crowded and are perfect for travelers who want to see some of the most beautiful areas of the southern reef where a rich diversity of colorful marine flora and fauna thrives.

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

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10 Reasons Why You Should Attend the Placencia Lobsterfest

Posted on March 11, 2026

See Belize from the Saddle of a Horse!

Posted on February 25, 2026

It’s not the sort of ranch one would expect in an ocean paradise, but in fact, if you’re the adventurous sort and have a penchant for touring that transcends hiking and sailing, how about a horseback riding tour of Belize to see this land from a different perspective? Not every resort offers a signature horseback riding tour, but Chabil Mar, the luxury destination preference of North Americans does, so this is the place you will want to stay for multiple reasons while visiting Belize. Lush accommodations. First-class service. An onsite restaurant that’s a gourmet’s dream. But when you take your horseback tour, the dress code runs from jeans and t-shirts to sturdy shoes!

No experience required

If you were about to say thanks but no thanks because the last time you rode a horse was during a carousel ride ages ago, Chabil Mar’s horseback riding excursion is designed for you. Easy trails, lots of instruction and gentle horses make it a relaxing experience. On the other hand, if you know your way around saddles, bridles and reins, guides will take you on the ride your life, over paths that wind around jungles and rain forests where plants, flowers, trees, birds and perhaps a curious member of Belize’s wildlife community will welcome you to their world.

Horse talk

Horses and jungles? Not usually a common pairing, but in fact, horses have been right at home in Belize for centuries. They’ve been used for pulling wagons, tilling fields, general transport and recreational riding. Though smaller in size than the horses you may be used to riding, these animals are specifically trained to navigate Belize terrain, including hillsides where mud and obstacles require surefooted animals. Because the ranch that’s home to these horses is quite expansive, mounts born and bred on premises are gentle, rider-friendly horses—-trained from the day they’re born to respond to riders of all ages.

Wranglers

Guests of Chabil Mar opting for a day of horseback riding often return to the resort raving about the horses and the people who handle them and you’ll likely feel the same way. These professional guides are skilled at working with kids and adults, and they always accompany riders out into the jungle, guiding them along paths with which they are extremely familiar. But that’s not the end of the story: guides also know a lot about Belize’s history, culture and wildlife, so as you ride beneath tree canopies and along the Sittee River, where jumping off the horse to take a swim is part of the tour, you’ll learn plenty about Belize’s natural resources.

Arrangements

To take advantage of Chabil Mar’s unique horseback riding experience, all you need do is book the tour with resort staff and you’ve done the hard work. Plan to go as a couple or in a group of up to 12. As long as members of your party are over the age of 7 and weigh less than 250 pounds, everyone can be accommodated. You’ll leave the resort in the morning—travel to the ranch and ride throughout the morning, returning to Chabil Mar for lunch. Bring bug spray, sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses, and don’t forget a camera so you can snap photos of everything from natural wonders to your horse. This all-inclusive tour is popular, so book your horseback riding experience when you reserve your accommodations and you won’t miss a moment of fun.

Why Visiting Belize in 2026 Should Top Your Must-Do List!

Posted on February 19, 2026

Why Belize is worth visiting in 2026

Belize is a hot destination for myriad reasons and to attract even more visitors, the nation will roll out a giant welcome mat this new year for newcomers and return visitors. Reasons you’ll want to visit in 2026 are courtesy of Mother Nature, airliners, attractions and resorts like Chabil Mar Villas where hosts love showing off their hospitality.

Come for the weather

No matter which month in 2026 you decide to make Belize your relaxation epicenter, temperatures will be consistent, averaging 88 degrees but dipping down to 70 at night in some seasons. One small suitcase can get you through a longish vacation if you pack right!

Come for the whale sharks

Arrange your 2026 calendar smartly to be on hand for Belize’s annual whale shark sightings near Gladden Spit. You can dive with them if you like or just watch friends frolic with these giants between March and June. Your diving adventure begins at the Chabil Mar booking desk.

Come for the rates

One of the reasons visiting Belize has become so popular has to do with the graduated rate structures offered by resorts throughout the country. In low season, discounts are as prevalent as colorful fish on the Belize Barrier Reef, so if you holiday on a budget, a 2026 visit won’t ruin yours!

Come for the Maya ruins

Vestiges of Maya civilizations are scattered across Belize like stars in the sky, so if you’ve put off visiting sacred sites, what are you waiting for? Chabil Mar staff can set you up with as many Mayan ruin tours as your time allows.

Come for the flights

Once upon a time, direct flights to Belize were infrequent, but thanks to heavy demand, a number of airlines such as JetBlue, SouthWest, WestJet, Air Canada, American Airlines, now serve Belize City, as do other major U.S. carriers. If you originate in Panama, catch a short Copa Air flight and you’ll be up and down before you can say 2025.

Come for the fishing

Even the unluckiest of amateur fishermen have been known to strike it rich in the waters off Belize. Take a photo of your catch before you hand it off to the chef at Chabil Mar who will prepare it for you with a tropical flourish.

Come for the sailing

If 2025 is the year you’ve committed to ridding your life of stressors, set sail for relaxing time on Caribbean waters as you feel your blood pressure numbers drop. Hire the boat that meets your criteria and even picnics will be provided!

Come for adventure

Which adventure, you ask? Select from excursions and day trips posted on the Chabil Mar website menu or customize your plan to fill every hour of your 2026 holiday with nature walks, jungle exploration, cave tubing, wildlife discoveries, zip lining and much more.

Come for the romance

Prioritize Belize when making 2026 plans for romantic getaways including honeymoons. Intimate gardens, beaches and guestrooms so lavishly appointed, they redefine the term honeymoon suite awaits couples at Chabil Mar. You might even qualify for discounted rates during the low season so you start your life together on a thrifty note.

Come for your weddin

Destination weddings in Belize are so trendy, resorts like Chabil Mar have designed different types of celebrations so couples enjoy exactly the type of wedding they dream about. Whether you desire a beach, garden or under-roof event, 2026 is your year to start your married life off right here in paradise!

Best Time To Visit Belize: When Should I Come?

Posted on February 18, 2026

Best Time To Travel To Belize

Unlike temperature countries farther north like Canada and the United States, there are no change of seasons in Belize. The weather is warm and sunny all year round. The only seasonal variations are denoted in terms of the amount of rainfall, usually divided into the “dry season” and the “green season”.

High and Low Seasons

Because tourism is an important mainstay of the economy, many people in Belize divide the calendar year into the high season and the low season which roughly correspond to the greener and drier months. The high season runs from December to April when the weather is drier and many people from temperature latitudes flock to Belize to escape the icy clutches of wintry weather. Because these are the most popular months to visit, accommodation rates are usually higher during this period.

The low season runs from approximately May to November. Rainfall is higher during this period but it is usually restricted to early morning showers and overnight storms, keeping most days clear and sunny. With fewer crowds to deal with and lower tour and room rates, many travelers prefer to visit Belize during the low season.

Visiting Belize in January – March

One of the most popular times to visit Belize, the first few months of the year are marked by plenty of warm temperatures and sunshine. The fabulous weather makes it easy to enjoy mainland attractions like nature tours or relaxing on the beach as well as trips to the islands and reef to enjoy snorkeling, sailing, fishing, and scuba diving.

Visiting Belize in April and May

This is a transitional period as sunny skies remain dominant while humidity levels begin to climb a bit. Easter is one of the biggest holidays in the country with many lodges, resorts, and beach hotels booked up.

Visiting Belize in June and July

The beginning of the green season when brief afternoon showers and overnight rains replenish nature’s vitality. Lobster fishing is strictly regulated in Belize, so the opening of lobster season in mid-June is celebrated in places like Ambergris Caye and Placencia with lobster festivals.

Visiting Belize in August – October

The height of the green season sees abundant rain overnight and the jungles and rainforests bursting with life. With fewer visitors, this is the best time to take advantage of off-season discounts on accommodations, airfare, and guided tours to the top attractions in the country.

Visiting Belize in November and December

This is the beginning of the dry season with lots of sunny skies and low humidity. One of the most popular times to visit, resorts, beach hotels, and jungle lodges are usually booked several months in advance during the holidays.

Belize Festivals and Events

Belizeans are a fun-loving people and there are plenty of festivals and events throughout the year.

Lobster Festivals – The island of Caye Caulker, the town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and the Placencia Peninsula each host a popular festival to celebrate the mighty lobster. These events are held in June to coincide with the beginning of the lobster fishing season.

The International Costa Maya Festival – A mixture of a beauty pageant and event to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Maya, this lively week-long celebration is held in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.

September – Throughout the country, important holidays like Independence Day (Sep 21), St. George’s Caye Day (September 10 in honor of an important naval battle where the British defeated the Spanish on St. George’s Caye) and Carnival (similar to but different than the springtime Carnival held before Easter) keep September lively.

Toledo Chocolate Festival – Held in the heart of the cacao-growing part of Belize, it’s a mouthwatering celebration of all things chocolate (dates vary).

La Ruta Maya River Challenge – Held every March, La Ruta Maya challenges canoe crews to navigate hundreds of miles of river on a four-day race to get to the finish line in Belize City.

Garifuna Settlement Day – Every November 19, the Garifuna people re-enact their perilous boat voyage across the Caribbean to arrive in Belize with plenty of music, dancing, drumming, and food.

Where to Stay in Belize

One of the finest resorts in the country is Chabil Mar on the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. Just a short distance away from the Belize Barrier Reef and the most popular mainland attractions, Chabil Mar offers guests unparalleled luxury with several tastefully appointed villas with a full range of modern amenities, an onsite restaurant, bar, and a gorgeous infinity pool.