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The small reef of Mexico Rocks emerges from the middle of Ambergis Caye lagoon. It is a great location to discover Belize’s shallow underwater world. Not only can you find small colorful fish, but you can also spot huge moray eels, sharks, and rays- all in less than 10 feet of water.

Hawksbill sea turtle at Mexico Rocks, Belize
Hawksbill sea turtles sometimes visit Mexico Rocks area.

How to get to Mexico Rocks snorkeling spot

Mexico Rocks is located in the middle of the lagoon, north of San Pedro. You can go there with half-day boat tours, which often combine snorkeling in Mexico Rocks and Tres Cocos (around $50 per person, with National Park tax included).

Mexico Rocks snorkeling map

Water entrance for snorkeling Mexico Rocks

Water entrance is from your boat.

Mexico Rocks snorkeling exploration

Mexico Rocks features small patch reefs surrounded by seagrass beds, in a moderate depth (↕4-10ft/1.5-3m). It is located halfway between the island and the coral reef.

Green moray eel at Mexico Rocks, Belize
Green moray eels, fed by some guides, are quite tame at this spot.

The reef is overall damaged, but large areas of healthy massive coral, brain coral, and gorgonians are still visible. You can also spot a few colored sponges attached to the reef. Around this coral reef lies extensive seagrass meadows where queen conchs are common.

Mexico Rocks is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Belize. A large diversity of fish species call the area home, including green morays, nurse sharks, and Southern stingrays, which can be quite inquisitive. Lucky snorkelers might also spot a spotted eagle ray or a hawksbill turtle, regular visitors to the site. Also commonly found here are lobsters, gray angelfish, and porkfish.

Coral reef at Mexico Rocks, Belize
Mexico Rocks huge gorgonians offer shelter to many reef fish.

This spot is recommended for beginners, who will enjoy vibrant sea life in a shallow sea. Although it is located in the lagoon, this area can sometimes be choppy when it is too windy.

Restaurants and accommodation near Mexico Rocks

Tours to Mexico Rocks can be arranged from any hotel in Ambergris Caye.

 

  • Level required Intermediate
  • Maximum depth10ft/3m
  • Water entranceFrom a boat
  • Visitor numbersMedium to high
  • Access costsSnorkeling tour price (from $50pp)

MAP Spot

These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.