Picture yourself descending into the crystal-clear, azure waters of Belize, where sunlight dances through the depths, revealing the magnificent beauty of the famous Blue Hole. As you go deeper, you’ll see stalactites shimmering and dark silhouettes of reef sharks gliding gently into the void.
Diving Belize’s Blue Hole and Barrier Reef
It’s no secret that Belize is well known for the Great Blue Hole, a massive sinkhole that is famous worldwide. The Blue Hole is extraordinary because it was once dry land, allowing stalactites and caves to form. It gradually filled with water, resulting in a one-of-a-kind underwater beauty. Today, divers explore its mysterious depths, encountering marine life and geological gems that tell ancient stories.
Close by is the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, the world’s second-largest reef. The reef is stunning, thanks to its vibrant corals and diverse marine life. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, part of this spectacular reef, is packed with corals and fish in its shallow waters, making it a favorite location for beginners and experienced divers.
Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are two of Belize’s most accessible islands, each offering excellent diving opportunities. Ambergris Caye, often overflowing with activities, is a great starting place for the barrier reef, with dive sites like the Belizean Folds and Hol Chan Cut nearby. Its clear waters and variety of colorful fish make it great for divers of all skill levels. On the other hand, Caye Caulker offers a laid-back vibe that makes it ideal for divers looking to unwind between dives in peace and quiet.
By the way, did you know there are manatees in Belize? Manatees are gentle, slow-moving aquatic creatures commonly known as sea cows. They can be found in coastal locations and river mouths throughout Belize, particularly along the Belize River and at Turneffe Atoll.
Is Belize Good for Beginner Divers?
Diving in Belize is ideal for beginners because of the comfortable, clear waters and gentle currents, which create excellent, peaceful diving conditions. The Belize Barrier Reef has various shallow dive sites with vivid coral gardens and abundant marine life, making it a great and safe location for beginner divers to explore and gain confidence.
Belize provides some challenging dives for experienced divers. The Great Blue Hole is the most popular dive site. Did you know the Blue Hole is 1000ft wide and 410ft deep?
Accommodation in Belize
Belize offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to cute boutique hotels and homey guesthouses. Ramon’s Village is a particularly good choice. Inspired by Bora Bora’s Tahitian cottages but with traditional Mayan characteristics, this lovely hideaway is located within a lush tropical garden and offers divers a peaceful escape.
Ramon’s Village provides an excellent opportunity to explore all that Belize offers. Dive into the world’s famous Blue Hole, explore the interesting ancient Maya archaeological site of Xunantunich, or simply relax on the pristine beach surrounded by tranquil blue waters.
Best Time to Visit Belize
The dry season runs from November to mid-April, which is the best time to visit Belize for diving because the weather is consistently lovely. During these months, divers can enjoy pleasant temperatures, little rain, and excellent underwater visibility. This season also provides rare marine encounters, such as whale shark sightings in April. While diving is a year-round activity in Belize, with good visibility even during the wet season (June to October), the calm seas of the dry season make for more accessible boat trips and better overall diving conditions. However, it is critical to be aware of weather forecasts, particularly from August to October, which is hurricane season.
Belize is a 100% Nature
Belize has many dry-land activities perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and Caracol. Visit the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a variety of bird species, or the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first jaguar reserve, for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Hike through the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve to see spectacular waterfalls like Big Rock Falls and unique species like Keel-billed Motmot.
Travelling to Belize
Flying from the United States to Belize is easy. Many major US cities, including Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta, have direct flights to the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City. Upon arrival, you can easily connect to domestic flights to popular sites such as Ambergris Caye and Placencia. Flight lengths are typically short, ranging from two to four hours.
Join Scuba.Com on a Trip to Belize
Join one of our group trips to Belize and make the most of your time off. An organized group trip is perfect for divers who like to have a guide make sure everything is taken care of. Besides that, a group trip also offers the opportunity to make new (dive) friends!
