Discover the Depths of Belize
SCUBA DIVING
Diving in Belize is an adventure like no other, offering both exciting local dives off Ambergris Caye and remarkable offshore experiences at world-renowned sites. Close to the island, divers can explore vibrant spots like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, where colorful coral reefs teem with tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles. For those seeking even greater thrills, Belize’s offshore sites are home to the legendary Great Blue Hole and the pristine Turneffe Atoll.
Dive into Adventure
DAILY LOCAL DIVING
Many local dive sites off Ambergris Caye are conveniently located just a 5-10 minute boat ride from shore, making them easily accessible for divers of all levels. Local favorites like Esmeralda Canyons and Tackle Box offer thrilling underwater landscapes, with Esmeralda’s maze-like canyons full of vibrant coral and marine life, and Tackle Box’s exciting swim-throughs where divers can encounter nurse sharks, moray eels, and colorful reef fish.
See Local Dive Sites Near Ambergris Caye
ONE TANK
TWO TANK
THREE TANK
ESCAPE. BEYOND THE BASICS
Dive into Specialty Adventures
Belize offers a range of specialty dives that take underwater exploration to new depths. From a thrilling night dive near Ambergris Caye, where nocturnal marine life comes alive, to adventurous day trips to the remote Lighthouse Reef Atoll and the famous Blue Hole, each dive promises a unique experience.
NIGHT DIVE
A night dive at Hol Chan Marine Reserve offers an extraordinary glimpse into the vibrant nocturnal life of Belize's underwater world. As the sun sets, the marine landscape transforms, revealing creatures and behaviors not seen during the day. Equipped with dive lights, divers can encounter lobsters, octopuses, and eels venturing out from their hiding spots, while the soft corals glow under the beams of light. Rays and nurse sharks often make an appearance, gliding gracefully through the dark waters. The experience is both exhilarating and peaceful, as the reef’s mysteries come alive in the stillness of night, creating an unforgettable diving adventure.
TURNEFFE ATOLL DIVE
The Turneffe Atoll day trip offers an unforgettable 3-tank dive experience, exploring Belize’s largest and most vibrant coral atoll. Suitable for divers of all levels, this full-day adventure includes visits to key dive sites like Jack Barrow, with its vibrant reef canyons; Vicente Wall, showcasing diverse marine life; and Mini Elbow, where gorgonian sea fans and black coral add to the underwater beauty. Alongside exhilarating dives, you’ll have relaxing breaks to observe turtles, colorful fish species, and other incredible marine life up close, making it a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation in one memorable day.
BLUE HOLE Day Trip
The Lighthouse Reef Atoll day trip is an unforgettable 3-tank dive adventure, featuring the world-famous Great Blue Hole and tailored for advanced divers. This trip includes an extraordinary dive into the Great Blue Hole, where divers explore a stunning sinkhole filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and sightings of Caribbean reef sharks. At Half Moon Caye Wall, divers encounter vibrant coral walls teeming with turtles, eagle rays, and other rich marine life. The final dive at The Aquarium reveals a lush gorgonian garden with colorful sponges and reef fish, making it a perfect spot for underwater photography and close-up encounters with Belize’s unique underwater ecosystems.
LEARNING TO DIVE
CERTIFICATIONS
Belize is an ideal destination for divers seeking certification, offering a range of courses in its crystal-clear, warm waters with breathtaking marine life. From beginner open-water certifications to advanced specialties, divers can train with professional instructors at world-class dive sites. Popular courses include the PADI Open Water Diver certification for beginners and Advanced Open Water for those looking to expand their skills. Training in Belize offers the added benefit of learning in some of the world’s most stunning environments, such as the Belize Barrier Reef and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced diver aiming to enhance your abilities, Belize’s dive centers provide high-quality instruction in an unforgettable tropical setting.
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING
Curious about scuba diving but not yet certified? No problem! Our Discover Scuba Diving class, often called the "resort course," offers the perfect introduction, allowing you to experience the thrill of diving under the guidance of a professional instructor without needing certification.
OPEN WATER CERTIFICATION
The course is divided into three key parts: Academics, where you learn foundational diving knowledge; Confined Water sessions for practicing skills in a controlled environment; and Open Water dives that provide real-world experience in breathtaking natural settings.
REFRESHER COURSE
Designed for certified divers who haven’t been diving in a while and want to renew their skills and regain confidence underwater. This course is a thorough review of essential diving techniques, from buoyancy control to equipment setup, under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
ADVANCED ADVENTURE DIVER
The Advanced Adventure Diver course is highly recommended for divers looking to enhance their skills and explore new underwater experiences. With dives ranging from deep and drift to underwater navigation and marine life identification, you'll develop your abilities while exploring vibrant coral formations, diverse marine species, and unique underwater landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be certified to scuba dive in Belize?
Yes, you need to be a certified diver to go scuba diving in Belize. If you’re not certified, many dive shops offer certification courses, or you can participate in a Discover Scuba Diving course, which allows beginners to experience diving under the supervision of an instructor.
What are the best dive sites in Belize?
Belize is home to many fantastic dive sites, especially off Ambergris Caye. Some of the top spots include: Hol Chan Marine Reserve: A protected marine area known for its rich biodiversity. You’ll encounter sea turtles, rays, eels, nurse sharks, and vibrant coral formations in shallow waters, making it ideal for divers of all experience levels. Tackle Box Canyons: Located just off San Pedro, this site features dramatic underwater canyons and swim-throughs where you can see large groupers, moray eels, nurse sharks, and other marine species. Esmeralda Canyons: A beautiful series of underwater canyons with excellent visibility, known for frequent sightings of nurse sharks, reef sharks, and stingrays. This site is a favorite for divers seeking abundant marine life.
When is the best time to scuba dive in Belize?
You can dive in Belize year-round, but the best visibility and sea conditions are typically from April to June, when the waters are calm. This is also a popular period for divers looking for ideal weather and diving conditions.
What marine life can I expect to see while diving in Belize?
Belize's waters are teeming with marine life. Divers often encounter vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, rays, nurse sharks, groupers, moray eels, and schools of tropical fish. The diverse underwater ecosystems make every dive an exciting experience.
Is Belize good for beginner divers?
Yes, Belize is an excellent destination for beginner divers. Many dive sites off Ambergris Caye, such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve, are relatively shallow and offer calm conditions, making them perfect for new divers. Local dive shops also offer beginner courses, so you can get certified during your stay.
How deep are the dive sites in Belize?
Belize offers a variety of dive sites for all experience levels, ranging from shallow coral gardens (10-40 feet) to deeper wall dives. Sites like The Great Blue Hole can reach depths of over 400 feet. Many popular reef dives off Ambergris Caye, such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve, are between 30-60 feet deep, making them accessible to most certified divers.
What should I bring for a scuba diving trip in Belize?
If you’re joining a dive tour, most equipment is typically provided, but you may want to bring your own mask, snorkel, or fins if you prefer. Be sure to bring a swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, and a water-resistant bag for your belongings. If you’re an experienced diver with your own gear, bringing it along is always an option, but check with your dive operator in advance.
Is it safe to dive in Belize?
Yes, Belize is considered a safe destination for scuba diving. Most dive operators adhere to international safety standards, and dive guides are experienced professionals. Always ensure you're diving with a reputable dive shop, and follow safety guidelines, including proper surface intervals and depth limits.
Can I go scuba diving with my family?
Yes! Belize offers family-friendly diving experiences, with options for certified divers and beginner courses for those new to the sport. If some family members prefer not to dive, many dive shops also offer snorkeling excursions, so everyone can enjoy the beautiful underwater world together.
What is the most famous dive site in Belize?
The most famous dive site in Belize is The Great Blue Hole. Located about 43 miles from Ambergris Caye, this natural wonder is one of the most iconic dive sites in the world. The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole, measuring over 300 meters (984 feet) across and 125 meters (410 feet) deep. Divers flock to the site for its unique underwater landscape, where you can explore ancient stalactites and encounter reef sharks, among other marine life. The dramatic depth and geological features make it a bucket-list dive for experienced divers.