Located in the north of the country and just a kilometre from the barrier reef, Ambergris Caye is one of Belize’s top tourist spots.
One of the largest and most developed of the country’s many cayes, its no cars policy ensures that life remains decidedly relaxed, with bikes and golf carts the preferred forms of transport. Being so close to the barrier reef, there are plenty of vibrant dive sites close by with colourful fish, exceptional visibility and opportunities for encounters with turtles, eagle rays and sharks.
Both divers and snorkellers will enjoy the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Established in 1987, this small marine reserve consists of coral reef, seagrass beds, mangroves and Shark Ray Alley, a shallow cut in the reef where nurse sharks and southern stingrays are daily visitors. This site was known by the Mayans as an exceptional fishing spot and has retained its Mayan name.
Dive sites extended along the entire east coast both inside and outside of the barrier reef. The area is suited to divers of all abilities with plenty of great sites for beginners. The seascape varies from spur and groove reefs to canyons, caverns, cut-throughs, swim-throughs and sand flats. Marine life highlights include grouper spawning inside the reef during October and November, French, Grey and Queen angelfish, eagle rays, nurse sharks, lobster and barracuda. Pods of dolphin are often seen on the way to/from a dive site.
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