If we bring our snorkle gear and start walking away from Banana Beach resort, what direction should we go down the beach to find good places to walk into the water for snorkle spots? Can you walk to where the Manatees are? Is this a bad idea? We will be doing diving with at least one company but was wondering if we want some quiet time together if we coud do this? We also dont want to meet any gators so what way will help us avoid this?

Hi islandreamer,

An excellent beach (Mar del Tumbo) is next door to the north of Banana beach. To know you're going north, keep your right foot in the sea. Snorkeling is a bit weak in that area but always worth a try. Banyan Bay has been developing some artificial reef habitats near Ricos Restaurant on Mar del Tumbo Beach that might be worth checking out, but you really will get the best snorkeling experience by taking some of the great snorkel tours available out towards the reef and the marine reserves. You're unlikely to see Manatees unless you are on an organised tour and even so, there is no guarantees. They are very private creatures. There are no gators in Belize but we do have crocodiles. You're unlikely to bump into one (though it is not unheard of) on the Caribbean beach side. They will be more frightened of you than you are of them.

Artificial reef habitat translates into garbage off the coast!

For snorkeling I would walk a little south and go off one of the piers. You are not going to see a lot compared to the reef. The water around Banyan Bay is usually stirred up by waves. They are not large waves but do tend to keep the water cloudy. If you walk farther north, Ramon's has a small artificial reef under their pier.

My son and I stayed at Banana Beach in Sept and snorkeled all the docks North and South. There was far more to see going South towards Victor House. VH has a very nice dock and easy access, but the next small pier South was a surprise. I saw the largest Moray ell I have ever seen in only 6' of water. This big guy belonged out on the reef but had made himself a home. You will find different things under each pier, so have fun!!!!!

and if you keep headed South, you will come across some Belizean dragons as well, including a couple of babies lurking on the mangroves.

An artificial reef is great under the right circumstances.We have visited many sites that have taken on habitat which otherwise couldn't survive.Its been proven to be successful,I think it is a good thing and we should be doing more of them.jmo

wonderful information, I have a photo of one of our guides last time we were there and it is such a perfect photo and I would like to use him again but I cqn not remember his name. (we did 4 tours and my memory has not stayed true). is there a way to forward the photo to one of you that could help me? I would like to have the photo made for him as well as it is so beautiful.

I can hardley wait to see them all. I wonder where the best sites are for diving to see the "local fish". It would be great if the whale sharks where there for a visit the same time.... but I will also bring our gear for wade in snorkling.