A recent San Pedro Sun newspaper article about the
Hol Chan Marine Reserve trip for diving and snorkeling.
Today we are on our way to dive Hol
Chan (a Maya word that means small channel) Marine Reserve. The weather is
perfect with only a slight breeze, and the water is crystal clear, highlighting
the array of blues and turquoise colors that make the Caribbean famous. Belize
has long been considered among the best dive destinations on the planet. And in
this small Caribbean country, the island of Ambergris Caye offers countless
diving experiences just minutes from her shore.
San Pedro town offers numerous dive operations with dive masters who ensure a
memorable and safe experience. Today we are with White Sands Dive Shop, among
the oldest and prestigious dive operations on the island. Owner and operator
Elbert Greer has a staff of seven who are dive masters, diving instructors,
fishing guides, snorkel guides and boat captains. Four of the guides are with
us today as we travel the short distance to Hol Chan, which offers an
underwater experience for every class of diver.
Five of us who are experienced
divers will tour with Carlos; two are snorkeling with their own guide; two are
first time divers who will attain their open water certification with head
instructor Ruben; and a couple from England have their own guide. Each guide
helps their patrons with their equipment, double-checking every detail.
One by one we plunge into the water.
Immediately we are greeted by a diverse array of underwater creatures. A huge
grouper appears to be about the same size as our dive master! Gradually our
group descends along the south wall of the channel. A majestic eagle ray passes
just feet below, and soon a pair of nurse sharks swim past.
As we move up the north wall, we see
a countless variety of fish as they either traverse the coral, or clump
together in huge schools, such as the yellow snappers and blue tangs. Soon we
catch sight of a sea turtle whose shell glistens as it surfaces for a quick
gulp of air before diving again to dine on turtle grass.
The shallow dive of less than 30
feet allows us to stay under for nearly an hour. As we emerge, more stories are
shared. “Did you see the eel?” exclaimed Margret Bayston. “It came right out
and touched my BC,” she continued. Having dived all over the world, Margaret
shared that this is among the best dive destinations she has ever experienced
and the people of White Sands Dive Shop among the most professional and fun.
Once back at the dive shop, she and her husband immediately book another dive
for the next day.
