What's So Special About Belize?
Belize definitely deserves its place as a must-visit destination for divers, boasting the second longest barrier reef, after the Great Barrier Reef, three out of the four coral atolls in the western hemisphere and the incredible Blue Hole. Waters in Belize are also crystal clear, the excellent visibility allowing undisturbed views of corals, critters and pelagics.
Joanna, Dive Consultant: "In Belize we saw so much life. We must have seen 20+ nurse sharks, who were so friendly and inquisitive, coming right up to us, as well as massive turtles and beautiful corals. The topography was plateaus with shoals of fish swimming between the cracks and then sandy patches that often housed sharks. We also saw dolphins while diving, a pod of six I think it was, which is pretty rare as you normally only see them on the surface!"
While in Belize an unmissable dive site is the Blue Hole, one of the greatest geological wonders of the world. Measuring 300 metres across, it is the largest sea hole in the world. Originally a cathedral-like cave, the roof of the Blue Hole collapsed 10,000 years ago leaving a perfectly circular hole. This site is complicated to dive, making it only suitable for more experienced divers. A deep dive into the Great Blue Hole will unveil a whole new world full of rare fish and stalactites not found in other sites near the water’s surface, as well as frequent bull and Caribbean reef shark sightings. This unique site is a wonderful diving experience, and best dived from a liveaboard.
Belize’s three outer atolls, Lighthouse, Turneffe and Glover, offer some of the country’s finest diving opportunities. Lighthouse Atoll contains the world-famous Blue Hole. Turneffe Atoll has large mangrove areas which provide a haven for juvenile marine life, along with excellent walls and sea gardens. While in the south, Glover's Atoll is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its grouper spawning site and frequent sightings of pelagic species along the spectacular walls. The outer atolls are perfect for viewing spotted eagle rays, green turtles, a variety of shark species, giant grouper and large schools of jacks and snapper.
One of the largest of the country's many islands, Ambergris Caye is only one kilometre away from the barrier reef. It offers vibrant dive sites in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. This small marine reserve consists of coral reef, seagrass beds, mangroves and ‘Shark Ray Alley’, a shallow cut in the reef where friendly, docile nurse sharks and southern stingrays are daily visitors. Belize is also home to more than 100 species of coral and 500 species of fish, and what’s more, it is believed that less than 10 per cent of this UNESCO world heritage site has been explored, so who knows what other species live in the waters…
The south of Belize is the least populated area, and comprises of pristine rainforest dotted with ancient Mayan sites and tranquil cayes surrounded by untouched coral reefs. The underwater topography here includes spur and groove, sand channels and wall dives where plenty of critters and fish make their home amongst the hard and soft corals. Expect to see lobster, moray eels, angel fish and rays cruising along the walls.
This tiny, English speaking country not only offers excellent diving, but also snorkelling and topside adventure, making it a perfect for non-diving partners or as a family holiday destination. Relax on sandy beaches, enjoy adventure activities and explore ancient Mayan Archaeological sites hidden amongst the jungle. Belize is also home to a brilliant array of birdlife and wildlife, from tree frogs and scarlet macaws to harpy eagles and jaguars!
We offer a selection of brilliant resorts and liveaboard options for diving in Belize; contact our expert Dive Consultants to find out more.
