Hol Chan Marine Reserve is recognized as a marine serve situated near Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye which are outside the coast of Belize. Its vast area is at estimated 18 square kilometers composed of sea grass beds, mangrove forest and coral reefs. Its name originated from a Mayan term which means little channel.
Originally, this marine reserve was divided into three areas namely Zone A, Zone B and Zone C. The first zone covers in and out of the reef where diving and snorkeling are allowed but not fishing. The next zone is for the sea grass beds found inside the reef. In this area, sport fishing and commercial fishing are permitted provided there is a license. Lastly, the remaining area is for the mangrove swamps of Ambergris Caye. The only activity permitted here is sport fishing even without license.
Hol Chan Cut permits marine species to go in and out from the reef where more than 160 fish species have been listed together with five sponge species, forty five kinds of coral, two species of sea grasses, three sea turtle species and marine mammals. Its mangrove forest acts as a nursery for French grunts, Gray snappers, White grunts, Sea horses, Gray angelfish, Blue-striped grunts.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve climate is generally warm perfect for summer vacations. Though visits can be made any time of the year, May is known to be the best time.