The Inn at Roberts Grove, Placenia

This charming hacienda-style hotel is nestled on eight hectares between the Caribbean Sea and Placencia Lagoon. Tastefully decorated rooms are en-suite with a private verandah. There are two freshwater pools, tennis courts, a fitness centre and a jacuzzi. The seaside restaurant and the poolside bar and grill serve excellent fresh Caribbean dishes. Boat excursions through the mangroves, hikes into the rainforest, trips to a nearby wildlife sanctuary and Mayan ruins are also available.

The on site dive centre goes to both the Inner and Outer Reef, each with its special features. The Inner Reef, or the Lagoon, acts as a home for juvenile aquatic animals, here divers will see most of the Gorgonians as well as the Pederson Cleaner Shrimp, Yellowline Arrow, and Giant Hermit Crab, and a wide variety of fish such as Spotted Drum, Spotted Eagle Ray and Southern Stingray. The Outer Reef, is home to some of the most spectacular walls, starting around twelve metres and dropping off to approximately 910 metres; common sightings include Turtles, Manta Rays, Moray Eels and Lobsters.

Whale Shark Experience

From April through June, southern Belize offers divers and snorkellers a unique opportunity to see these large filter feeders. Although it's possible to spot Whale Sharks any time April through June, if you are planning a dive trip with Whale Sharks in mind, the optimum dates to do so during these months would be three days before the full moon to three days after the last quarter moon. It's during this period that Cubera Snappers spawn, attracting the Whale Sharks. April through June is also spawning season for many other species of fish and mating season for turtles.