Belize Diving
Belize is one of the top locations in the world for diving as the country has more than 200 miles of gorgeous coral reefs, sandy atolls, and tropical islands located in the Caribbean Sea. Indeed, a team from National Geographic is currently in Belize in order to shoot video and photographs for an upcoming guidebook on the top dive sites in the world.
If you’re interested in scuba diving in Belize, here are some of the top sites:
Belize Blue Hole
Sometimes known as the “Great Blue Hole,” this natural wonder was rated as a personal favorite by legendary marine biologist and explorer Jacques Cousteau. Due to the challenging nature of this site, the Belize Blue Hole is restricted to experienced divers only.
Shark Ray Alley
Located a few miles off of Ambergris Caye, Shark Ray Alley is located in a natural cut in the reef, used by fish and predators to traverse from one side of the reef to the other.
In earlier decades, local fishermen used to clean their catches near this area, which drew hungry schools of rays and sharks. Today, dive guides use chum to ensure a steady supply of (harmless) nurse sharks and rays, giving divers the unique experience of being surrounded by these fierce creatures.
Gladden Spit
Located on the outer ranges of the reef, Gladden Spit is home to dozens of interesting dive sites. But the most popular attraction is the whale sharks, enormous creatures as long as a semi-truck and weighing up to several tons. Despite their gargantuan size, whale sharks pose no danger to human divers as the sharks feed exclusively on tiny plankton and fish spawn.
Laughing Bird Caye Marine Reserve
Situated in the southern part of the reef, Laughing Bird Caye is a large area of small, uninhabited islands and crystal clear waters. Superb visibility, shallow depths, and an abundance of colorful fish, anemones, and exotic marine creatures make this region a great choice for first-time and intermediate divers.
Quick Facts About Diving in Belize
Diving is a major component of the tourist industry, so it’s easy to find dive shops, dive tour operators, and dive instructors all along the coast and on the bigger offshore islands. The clear waters of the Caribbean and bright white seafloor make diving in Belize akin to jumping into an enormous aquarium.
When to Go
Thanks to Belize’s sub-tropical climate, diving is great all year round. Water temperatures rarely fall below 80 degrees, and the density of marine life on the reef ensures that divers can always see something interesting.
If you’re interested in scuba diving in Belize, here are some of the top sites:
Belize Blue Hole
Sometimes known as the “Great Blue Hole,” this natural wonder was rated as a personal favorite by legendary marine biologist and explorer Jacques Cousteau. Due to the challenging nature of this site, the Belize Blue Hole is restricted to experienced divers only.
Shark Ray Alley
Located a few miles off of Ambergris Caye, Shark Ray Alley is located in a natural cut in the reef, used by fish and predators to traverse from one side of the reef to the other.
In earlier decades, local fishermen used to clean their catches near this area, which drew hungry schools of rays and sharks. Today, dive guides use chum to ensure a steady supply of (harmless) nurse sharks and rays, giving divers the unique experience of being surrounded by these fierce creatures.
Gladden Spit
Located on the outer ranges of the reef, Gladden Spit is home to dozens of interesting dive sites. But the most popular attraction is the whale sharks, enormous creatures as long as a semi-truck and weighing up to several tons. Despite their gargantuan size, whale sharks pose no danger to human divers as the sharks feed exclusively on tiny plankton and fish spawn.
Laughing Bird Caye Marine Reserve
Situated in the southern part of the reef, Laughing Bird Caye is a large area of small, uninhabited islands and crystal clear waters. Superb visibility, shallow depths, and an abundance of colorful fish, anemones, and exotic marine creatures make this region a great choice for first-time and intermediate divers.
Quick Facts About Diving in Belize
Diving is a major component of the tourist industry, so it’s easy to find dive shops, dive tour operators, and dive instructors all along the coast and on the bigger offshore islands. The clear waters of the Caribbean and bright white seafloor make diving in Belize akin to jumping into an enormous aquarium.
When to Go
Thanks to Belize’s sub-tropical climate, diving is great all year round. Water temperatures rarely fall below 80 degrees, and the density of marine life on the reef ensures that divers can always see something interesting.
For more information about diving in Belize, please call 1-866-822-2278 or email info@adventuresinbelize.com
