Belize is the perfect destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. The warm waters of the Caribbean Sea are ideal for both beginners and experienced divers alike, while the diverse marine life and colorful coral attract enthusiasts from around the world. Here’s where you’ll want to stay if you’re diving in Belize:
1. Belize Barrier Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the Northern Hemisphere and one of the three largest barrier reefs in the world. It’s also home to over 300 species of stony corals, four times as many species as any other coral reef on Earth.
It spans about 1,314 miles (2,126 kilometers) from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to Honduras’ Turneffe Atoll and includes more than 575 islands and cays—from tiny uninhabited atolls to large barrier islands like Ambergris Caye (the island where most of our recommended dive shops are based).
2. Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is located off the coast of Belize and is a popular tourist destination. It has many resorts, restaurants and activities for tourists to enjoy.
You can go on a fishing or snorkeling tour with Blue Water Divers or explore the island on horseback with Ambergris Caye Equestrian Center. You can also visit Maya ruins at Xunantunich, take a walk through Cahal Pech Village and spend an afternoon at Hol Chan Marine Park.
3. Placencia Peninsula
Placencia is a small fishing village with a population of about 1,000 people. It’s about 30 miles from Belize City and the most popular port for cruise ships docking in Belize. Placencia is also home to excellent scuba diving, fishing and snorkeling spots.
Placencia’s location on the Caribbean Sea makes it an ideal place to stay if you’re interested in doing any of these activities while you’re visiting Belize. The town has lots of great hotels with reasonable rates that are close to everything you’ll want to see there: beaches and dive sites!
4. Great Blue Hole Belize
The Great Blue Hole is a large underwater sinkhole off of Belize’s coast. It was formed by the collapse of a limestone cave system during the last ice age and is now surrounded by coral reef. The hole is over 300 feet deep and 2,000 feet wide, making it the largest known underwater sinkhole in the world.
The Great Blue Hole attracts thousands of scuba divers every year because of its unique environment and incredible history. If you’re looking for great diving spots in Belize or just want a cool place to visit, this is one worth checking out!
5. Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the world’s second largest coral reef and is located on the island of Caye Caulker. The reserve is a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers, who often travel here to explore its many turquoise-colored coves, caves, and tunnels.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve has become known as one of the world’s top dive destinations due to its diverse marine life, including nurse sharks, stingrays and sea turtles. There are also plenty of opportunities for underwater photography here!
6. Lighthouse Reef
Lighthouse Reef is a popular diving spot for people who want to get away from the crowds. The reef is located about 40 miles south of Belize City, and it’s a coral atoll that has a shallow lagoon and a deep outer reef.
There are many dive sites along this reef, but one of the most popular is called Shark Alley. This site has been described as “the best snorkel” in all of Belize and attracts lots of visitors because you can see sharks from above and below water!
7. South Water Caye
South Water Caye is a small island located in the middle of the Belize Barrier Reef, with a population of about 300 people. It’s one of the most popular destinations for scuba diving in Belize, and it has been protected by a marine reserve since 1984.
Take advantage of the tropical weather, reef life, and waters with ease. You’ll be able to scuba dive nearly all year long.
The warm tropical climate and clear waters make it easy to enjoy the scuba diving here. In fact, Belize is home to some of the best year-round diving in Central America. You can dive nearly all year long!
Conclusion
There are many great places to dive in Belize, and we’ve outlined some of the best spots. Whether you’re looking for a group trip or an intimate one-on-one experience, there’s an option for everyone. From the remote reefs of South Water Caye to the more accessible Ambergris Caye, there’s something for everyone here in Belize!