Guests at Casa Vista Belize ask the same two questions before they arrive: can we snorkel from the house, and can we fish from the dock. The answer to both is yes, with limits. Here is how the free version compares to a tour.
Snorkeling off the dock
- The water in front of the house is shallow, about chest deep at most, with mangroves nearby
- The seawall has become an artificial reef and attracts a lot of sea life
- Good for kids, first timers and a quick look before breakfast
- We have only a few masks at the house, so bring your own if you have one
Snorkeling on a tour
The barrier reef is about two minutes away by boat, and this is where Belize earns its reputation. A half day or full day tour typically includes:
- Swimming with nurse sharks and rays
- Sea turtles and coral gardens in the marine reserves
- A stop to look for manatees, depending on the route
Tour boats provide gear and life jackets and will pick you up at our dock. Carlos Tours is an operator guests ask for by name, and for custom private trips we like West Coast Tours and Black Angel.
Trips people talk about afterward
- A night snorkel or night dive: the reef is a different place after dark, with octopus, lobster and sleeping parrotfish
- The Blue Hole: a full day by boat for divers and snorkelers, or a scenic flight over it
- Turneffe Atoll: a day trip for diving and fishing
- A sunset sail: the easy one that the whole group can do
Fishing off the dock
We keep rods and reels at the house. Fishing from the dock is free, relaxed and a favorite with kids. Expect smaller fish and the occasional surprise.
Fishing charters
For bigger fish, charter a boat. Captains run reef fishing, flats fishing for bonefish, tarpon and permit, and deep sea trips beyond the reef. Your guide can help turn the catch into dinner, and a cook can prepare it at the house.
Good to know
- A boat is not included with the house. Every boat in Belize needs a licensed captain
- Lobster season runs June 15 to February 14
- When seagrass is heavy out front, the other side of the island usually has clear water
- Our property manager books all of this and the captains collect you at the dock