Port Excursion: Spectacular Snorkel at Rendezvous Caye (Belize)

QUESTION: What do you recommend on a port excursion while in Belize City?

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Cruise Ship

Carnival Vista

Port Excursion

Spectacular Snorkel at Rendezvous Caye via Carnival Shore Excursions.

More Info:

Arrives at Port: 7:15am
Departs: 8:15am
Pick Up at Ship
No Tender Needed

Pricing:

$79.99 / adult (4-5hrs)
* Bring cash! There are no ATMS or credit card machines on the island.

Visit a private island with snorkeling opportunities in the second largest coral reef in the world… yes, please! We visit Rendezvous Caye which sits along the Belize Barrier Reef. Actually, the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (585 miles in length)… is also called the Great Mayan Reef... is part of a UNESCO site also containing the Belize Barrier Reef. "This reef features 106 coral species (both hard and soft) and houses 500 fish species." –LeisurePro

Conveniently, our tour picks up right at the cruise ship. Typically, there’d be a tender on other port excursions at Belize City. We board our 2-story water shuttle.

It was about a 40 minute ride to Rendezvous Caye.

At first glimpse, this place is gorgeous! Space to spread out and sit under shade or on a hammock.

Here are a few captures of the island's scenery:

What’s Included:
    Burgers and rum punch.
    Snorkeling gear.
    Beach chair and umbrella.
    with Extras ($) on the menu.

The shore excursion to Rendezvous Caye is great for beginners because you’re snorkeling at a shallow reef where it’ll be easier to spot the underwater sea life. I also liked the choice of lifejackets they provided. It allowed those who were more advanced to dive down while the beginners can inflate their vests.

Off to explore with the more intermediate group.

Cappy, our snorkeling guide, was so knowledgeable of all things under the sea… constantly pointing out things we’d float past.

Spotted Drum

Spiny Sea Urchin

Threespot Damselfish

Signs of Spiny Lobsters

As others exited to get their lunch, we continued to snorkel little longer.

Here are this day’s Reef’s Wonderers:

1. Bluehead Wrasse
2. Squirrelfish
3. Sergeant Majors (not to be confused with convict tang which has a black stripe go down it’s face & eye)
4. Gray Angelfish
5. Jawfish

6. Fish feeding on a tiny crab
7. Green Algae Sea Pearls
8. Smooth Trunkfish trying to hide through the baitfish
9. Tiny fish sticking its head out of the conch