Samantha Brown: Travel Channel

Thanks to the help of the staff at Xanadu Island Resort, Samantha met up with one of the best snorkeling guides on the island, Alfonse Graniel. The locals call him "Lil Alfonse." Samantha headed out to Belize's barrier reef, the second largest in the world, for a little snorkeling - with the sharks! Alfonse has been interacting with all types of fish and sharks since he was a little kid. Whether you're a novice or an experienced snorkeler, you can sign up for day or night snorkeling trips. Samantha overcame her fear of snorkeling and even hugged a nurse shark!

Lil Alphonse Snorkeling on Ambergris Caye Lil Alphonse Snorkeling on Ambergris Caye

Cheryl Clendenin

I just want to thank you for the snorkeling trip that I took with you on Friday November 3rd, the one with the extremely large lady and the older man with the stiff legs. You were wonderful! The snorkeling on the inside of the reef was better than my dive on the outside of the reef. The colors and variety of fish and coral were fantastic. I even enjoyed my dive with the nurse sharks, after I got in the water. I sure did try to crawl back in the boat when I first got in and the biggest shark there came to greet me! What an experience! I hope that I can bring my daughter back some day and we will both try to catch and pet the sharks, I didn't get brave enough for that last time. Your trips are well worth taking and I won't hesitate to tell everyone to take them. Thanks again. Cheryl Clendenin (Stayed at Caribbean Villas)

Lil Alphonse Snorkeling on Ambergris Caye Lil Alphonse Snorkeling on Ambergris Caye

Lynn Haybarker

You took my husband, myself and my 2 girls to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley from Coconuts Hotel On November 8th. It was the girls first time snorkeling. We all had awesome time. We were impressed by the fact that you pointed out every fish that we saw, you dove down and brought the sea cucumber up for everyone to look out. You made us feel safe and more confident in the water. We want to make sure that you were aware of how much we appreciated the fact that you pulled my 6 year old around the whole time. You set the standard for how the other tour operators should be. My husband who is very picky was also impressed with you. We took another tour and were not as happy. We have told others to ask for you when they want a great tour operator. My daughter Ashley still talks about Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan as do the rest of us. Thank-you for making our trip of a life time so special. We wish you much success and best wishes for Holiday Season ahead.. Lynn Haybarker Lansing, Michigan USA

Lil Alphonse Snorkeling on Ambergris Caye Lil Alphonse Snorkeling on Ambergris Caye