Snorkeling With A Caveman In Belize
a unique underwater adventure in caye caulker, belize
Updated: April 20, 2018
non-windy day? DOwn for an amazing underwater adventure with the best snorkel company in caye caulker? Check out our review of Caveman Snorkeling Tours!
Article Highlights
Looking to swim alongside sea turtles, glimpse a graceful manatee or brave the water with a frenzy of hungry sharks? All of this (and more!) can be done with Caveman Snorkeling Tours, a local outfitter on Caye Caulker in Belize. On a recent trip to Caye Caulker, Ryan and I had the opportunity to do a full day snorkel tour with Caveman Snorkel. The tour was an amazing experience! Caveman caters to folks of all different abilities and offers up a chance to see astonishing Belizian aquatic life. On our tour we saw spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, nurse sharks, manatees, moray eels and more! After our full day tour, we were stoked to have cruised the waters with one of the top companies in Caye Caulker. Their enthusiasm and energy to make our trip incredible left a smile on our face that lasted the rest of our time on the island.
An incredible draw to explore the water of Belize is the proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, which sits about a mile from the shores of Caye Caulker. The second largest reef system in the world, the Belize Great Reef is a 300-km long system of impressive corals, unique wildlife, and warm, clear water. We were beyond stoked to grab some snorkel gear and check out such a fascinating underwater scene.
Not having booked any tours prior to arriving, Ryan and I were flexible in our plans. We perused the island, chatting up the locals to see what snorkeling tours came the most recommended. Eventually we landed upon Caveman Snorkeling Tours, a short stroll from our accommodation at The Blue Wave Guest House. Our tour was set for the Saturday of Easter Weekend, a popular time for the island. We were lucky to book a tour on a busy weekend. If you are on a tight schedule or are visiting the island while touring on a cruise ship, booking ahead is possible and would likely be the best choice for you!
Aside from private custom tours and manatee viewing tours, there are two main options for snorkeling excursions through Caveman. The most notable difference between the two is the full day trip includes Hol Chan Marine Reserve, an ideal place to view sea life. Seeing Hol Chan was a priority for us so we selected the full day tour. Upon selecting your preference you have the option to put down a deposit or pay in full (Caveman Tours does accept credit cards). The friendly staff will ask you to select a lunch choice. At the time of our trip the options were a few variations of sandwiches, including a vegetarian option, as well as a “local” dish. Without a doubt, choose the local dish! Barring any dietary restrictions, of course. More on this later!
As of April 2019, the prices and route variations were as follows:
full day tour
- 65 USD per person
- 10:30 - 15:30 (5 hours)
- Includes: gear, fruit, water & lunch
Locations Visited
Hol Chan Marine Reserve – Shark Ray Alley (near San Pedro) – Coral Gardens – Chatos Area – shipwreck seahorse & tarpon area – manatee area
half day tour
- 35 USD per person
-
10:30 - 13:30 or 14:00 - 17:00
(3 hours) - Includes: gear, fruit, & water
Locations Visited
Shark Ray Alley (near caye caulker) – Coral Gardens – South Channel
Saturday morning brought not a trace of wind and bright sunny skies, a perfect day to snorkel! After a brief morning adventure for a fryjack breakfast we prepared for our day on the water.
Here are some essentials we brought that helped us prepare for a day out on the water:
Quick Dry Clothing
Reusable Water Bottle
Sunscreen
GoPro (waterproof camera)
Towel + Extra Layers
Energy!
this will be a long day, a high level of stoke is essential
Arriving at the recommended 10 am time, we joined the line to check in and be fitted for snorkel gear. Though both half day and full day tours meet at this time, the process is streamlined and goes fast. While waiting to board the boat we were welcomed by the joyous Caveman himself! Quite the character, he went over what to expect for the day and most importantly how to best respect the environment throughout the day. It was one of the more inspirational speeches I’ve yet to hear on a guided tour! Across the board, Caveman Tour employees have a supreme respect for their home. Everyone we interacted with was very welcoming, friendly and knowledgable.
Shoes are collected, guests are divided into small groups of about 8-10 and then ushered onto their chosen accompanying vessel in the Caveman fleet. Time to explore!
Caveman Snorkeling advertises the full day tour as 5 stops, in reality it’s about 7-8 stops. Such a packed itinerary could be overwhelming were it not for Caveman Tour’s professionalism. Your fellow passengers along with two crew members first set around the island for stops #1 and #2, a unique seahorse habitat and local tarpon hangout.
The seahorse habitat is area protected by Iguana Reef Inn. This area is accessible by land and is free to visit. If you don’t get a chance to do a tour or would like to check out the area again later, you can always visit this area on your own. It’s hard to capture a close up of the little cuties! Ryan and I were so stoked to see the seahorses we came back the next day to watch them in the seaweeds.
Have you ever seen a tarpon? If not, no worries, just envision a gigantic dinosaur-like fish. Turns out these big boys really like sardines! How would you feel about tempting them with one?!
Tarpon are prehistoric fish that can grow to some impressive weights and lengths. Their jaws are enormously intimidating, however, they have really tiny teeth. That makes it a bit better, right?! It was a bit freaky feeling a fish jaw around my hand, but it didn’t hurt! There is a dock area accessible from Caye Caulker if you would like to visit the tarpon area again after your trip.
Cruising out further into the Caribbean Sea, the boat slows down to stop in an unmarked, seemingly random area. Daniel, our captain, informs us this is a great spot to see the infamous sea cow, otherwise known as the West Indian Manatee. How he knew this was a mystery to me! Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Daniel spotted a manatee surfacing nearby marking our arrival at stop #3. The Caveman Crew have great knowledge of the area, being locals, they have an uncanny sense of knowing the exact spots where critters frequently hang out. I appreciated their constant recognition that our presence is a disturbance to these animals. We were gently reminded throughout the day to respect sea life and their habitat.
Getting into the water is pretty simple! Just roll off whatever way you see fit. Be it a graceful dive or a splashy flop. I chose the latter most often! To get back in, the crew hangs a ladder over the edge and is always there to lend a hand. I imagine it requires a bit of physical finesse to continuously get on and off the boat during the day. Caveman Snorkel Tours is very beginner friendly. They are aware of first-time snorkelers and make sure everyone feels comfortable throughout the day. We had one guest aboard the boat that was just along for the ride and chose to remain on board during stops. If a beautiful boat ride is more up your alley but your adventure partners want to dive in, Caveman is very accommodating.
Stop #4 was marked by a bobbing, white fishing boat with a smiling man sitting inside. Greeted with a grin and a friendly wave, we met Chato who has been fishing conch in the area for over 40 years. Under Chato’s boat is a conch graveyard. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of shells reveal their vibrant pink canals as sea turtles, fish and the peaceful Southern Stingrays glide past you.
As we jetted off to further stops, we were treated to some fresh conch sashimi from Chato’s daily catch. It was interesting to try, though I must say the deep fried, “fritter” version is a bit easier to nibble on. A few guests went so far as to compare the fresh conch to a “very weird carrot”. Would you give it a try?!
The anchor is dropped near a break in the reef, Ryan and I realize we’ve made it to the much anticipated Hol Chan, stop #5. This is the first place we have dropped anchor near other boats. While there are quite a few groups of snorkel tubes circling the area, it’s not crowded by any means. Everyone is anxious to get into the water. The crew divides us into two smaller groups. Unlike the other stops where the policy was virtually free reign, at Hol Chan the Caveman crew gives you a guided tour of the reef. There are strong currents here and boat traffic. Having our captain swim alongside us made for a more comfortable journey.
Ryan and I, as well as four others, were placed in Captain Daniel’s group. Following along at a steady pace, Daniel pointed out various species of fish, named incredible coral formations and spotted wildlife hiding away in the most inconspicuous of places. I would admiring waving fans of coral, gawking over the delicate structures. Daniel would swim up alongside me and point out the Morray Eel lurking in nearby rocks. I appreciated his tuned in eyes, as I believe much would have been missed without them! On our tour of Hol Chan, we swam above Spotted Eagle Rays, held our breath through underwater caves, spied multiple eel family members and felt as though life were a Disney movie (at least I did!).
Throughout the journey, I continued to be amazed at Daniel’s intuition. It was unreal how keen he was to identify the hideouts of creatures. The pride of Belizians towards their reef is apparent; Hol Chan takes great measures to protect the area. Please note that swim gloves are strictly not aloud within the marine reserve as unfortunately these have become synonymous with visitors touching coral and animals.
Our nearly hour long Hol Chan adventure worked up an appetite among the group. After everyone boarded the boat, we jetted off to a less crowded area to drop anchor and bust open the lunch cooler. Ryan and I watched eagerly as the sandwiches were distributed. Now, there’s nothing like a good sandwich to satisfy an appetite. If a meal includes bread, it usually has my mouth watering at just the thought of gluten goodness. When Ryan and I saw a couple of sandwiches then an option for a “local” lunch, the choice seemed obvious! The reassuring look from the Caveman staff sealed our lunch fate. We were surprised to see that aside from the two guides, Ryan and I were the only ones enjoying the local lunch option. I was feeling pretty stoked to see two sizable containers being passed down to Ryan and I. Inside was a bed of perfectly cooked rice, salty beans, crunchy slaw and a mouth-watering savory jerk-season chicken. I sat before an entire feast of deliciousness. Dipping my toes in the water, I accepted a sugary pineapple soda from Daniel and delighted in an unreal Belizian lunch.
Bellies full and hearts happy, we ventured onward towards what was perhaps the most nerve-wrecking adventure of the day, stop #6, Shark Ray Alley. On the full day tour, Shark Valley is located inside of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Previously a place where fisherman would clean their daily catches, it holds a great opportunity to view rare wildlife such as nurse sharks, stingrays and sea turtles. Our guides remind us that although these are nurse sharks, accustomed to seeing humans and relatively docile, they are still wild animals which need space and respect. Hearing the approaching motor, the sharks head towards the boat knowing a snack awaits. Caveman Snorkeling Tours, as well as other outfitters throughout the Belizian Cayes dump small buckets of chum in the water to attract sharks. Caveman is very open about this from the beginning, and during his welcome speech he encourages anyone who may feel uncomfortable about the feeding of wildlife to chat with him and sort out their trip logistics. The local guides aboard the small boats reiterate this, reminding passengers that their comfort is a priority.
Our guides remind us that although these are nurse sharks, accustomed to seeing humans and relatively docile, they are still wild animals which need space and respect.
The sharks distracted by the arrival of their snack, we all eagerly (and timidly) dove in on the side of the boat opposite to where the snack was being delivered. The feeding area is a frenzy with numerous sharks vying for a taste of squid and quite a few willing tourists inching their way into the action, GoPro in hand. Ryan and I choose to hang back a bit, taking in the scene from afar. The feeding is quick and the sharks are soon to swim away. Hanging back allowed us to check out the sharks minus too many other viewers, as well as see the turtles and rays also along for the action. Because, hey, they’re pretty epic too!
Overall, I imagined this would be much more intense and terrifying that it was. There’s a certain dramatic aspect to the concept of swimming with sharks, but one has to remember these guys aren’t all the toothy grinned bad boys we are quick to envision. The sneaky swimmers were incredible to watch, their murky eyes dodging around, all too aware of your presence. It’s easy to imagine it all being quite spooky, but in reality, they’re just not that into you. They show up, chow down, then make for a quick exit. Honestly, that’s my usual game plan at holiday parties. Did I just discover my spirit animal?
The final stops of our trip, #7 and #8, made for a relaxing finale. At stop #7, we anchored near a shipwreck. I was quick to envision an epic Caribbean pirate tale, however, picture more of a sunken barge too expensive to remove and too appealing as a tourist attraction. Sea life is abundant here on this metal home. This stop displayed some of the most impressive corals of the day. Keep your eyes out for fire coral as it is abundant here. The ship is also rumored to be a popular hang out for a group of male sharks in the area.
Splashing through salty waters for most of the day seemed to catch up with everyone post-shipwreck. The cool breeze and mellowing sun had us all reaching for extra layers and towels to warm up a bit. The boat will not keep your items 100% dry, but if you have clothing to spare you may want to consider bringing a few extra layers. I was beyond stoked to have my Dakine Surf Hoodie for sun protection and added warmth. Ryan and I stored our layers, water bottle and sunscreen in our Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack. Aside from shoving wet snorkels in and out, our gear stayed mostly dry under the boat seats.
A few passengers, feeling a bit tired and cold, skipped out on hopping back into the water. Folks, try to keep on keepin’ on! Stop #8 has much to offer. Welcome to the Coral Gardens, home to squid, nurse sharks, parrotfish and more! Having the place to ourselves, we had about 30 minutes to explore on our own.
Can you spy the nurse shark above?
Experiencing the amazing corals, abundant wildlife and healthy ocean ecosystem is motivation to further help protect such an important habitat. Caveman Snorkel Tours does a great job of reminding guests to be conscious of the environment. Ryan and I are avid water lovers. This passion often has us adventuring to places with sensitive aquatic ecosystems, such as coral reefs.
Below are some tried and true methods for helping to reduce impact in an oceanic environment:
Quick dry clothes vs. Sunscreen
Many sunscreens contain components damaging to coral reefs. Water rinses off sun lotion and the toxic chemicals linger long after your vacation ends, damaging the marine life. Ryan and I always try to purchase reef-safe sunscreen (we typically use Badger’s sport version) but this can be hard to find and pricey over time. We’ve gotten in the habit of wearing our quick dry clothing, such as rash guards and surf leggings, to keep our skin safe from the sun. This reduces the need for sunscreen on most of our body, thereby decreasing the amount we use, the cost to us, and most importantly the price the environment pays. Dakine and Sensi Graves are two companies offering up some stylish and comfortable water wear, and are local to our home base of Hood River, Oregon!
Reusable water bottles
A travel essential wherever you go! Caveman Tours brings along a container of purified water on each boat to fill up water bottles. Ryan and I each brought along our Hydroflasks and filled them up about 3 to 4 times each. So awesome of Caveman to bring along nature’s greatest fuel to get you through the day! It wasn’t a windy one, but I can just imagine if anyone brought a plastic water bottle it would easily be whipped out of the boat while zipping from place to place. Make sure to pack your reusable water bottle! If you don’t have one, consider the purchase. Bonus, they make a stellar canvas for the “ya better Belize it” stickers you are sure to pick up along the way. And our super rad “Harnesing Life” stickers. Contact us if you’re interested in being sent some!
Respect the wildlife
This one is tricky and requires loads of personal restraint. But don’t worry, you can do it! Really it’s about making choices that are the best for you and for the environment. Give creatures their distance. I used to teach wilderness courses in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and we adhered to the thumb rule. It you close one eye and hold your thumb up to a creature you should not be able to see it. If after closing one eye and holding up your thumb you still see bits of it peeking around the edges you are way too close. (Please imagine explaining this to 12 year olds ogling herds of elk during the mating season, cue: lots and lots of reminders). This can be a particular challenge in water; it is hard to view long distances and anyone who has swam with turtles know those babies are especially good at being sneaky. You turn away for a mere second and there’s suddenly a two hundred pound sea turtle coming up for a high five. Try your best, folks! I try to think of the world’s reef systems as the ultimate window shopping experience. It’s encouraged to look and admire, but please don’t touch!
Treading water is not my favorite pastime, but while snorkeling I try my best to be aware of shallower parts where if I straighten my legs I will touch coral. Deeper parts of water are great areas to stop and adjust your snorkel mask or take a break from swimming. In these deeper areas, the reefs are not close enough to step on and there’s less of a chance to brush up against potential hazards such as an urchin or fire coral. Yikes!
Ryan is always such a graceful swimmer! Me, well, I could use a bit of mermaid school.
Throughout the day Caye Caulker had disguised itself as an inconspicuous dark strip of land, indistinguishable in the tangle of neighboring mangroves. As the boat returned, the familiar colorful shacks and swaying trees greeted us. A plate of fresh fruit was passed around, replacing the saltiness of our mouths with sweet pineapple. The smell of grilled fish on a local BBQ made me momentarily forget about all the adorable creatures I just spent the day with and sent visions of tender fish filets to my mind. My tummy grumbled in anticipation.
Caveman Snorkel Tours was a professional, friendly and humble outfitter. From the initial booking to recieving our estranged sandals at the end of the day, our interactions and experiences deepened our admiration for the unique Belizian environment and it’s friendly citizens. Our guides did a wonderful job explaining how seriously Belize values its natural resources and the lengths it goes to in order to protect them. We appreciated the consistent professionalism and energetic spirit from Caveman Snorkeling, as well as the respect it grants to its guests and the environment.
Strolling through the sandy Caye Caulker streets, if you happen to hear a charming voice greeting their “sista from anotha mista and brotha from anotha motha”, you’ll know you’ve stumbled upon one of the best snorkeling outfitters in Caye Caulker.
Website
info@cavemansnorkelingtours.com