Belize Dive Sites - Places You Must Visit

How do you choose the scuba diving in Belize when there are so many to choose from?

It is hard to say which ones are the best Belize dive sites. Whether you want to scuba dive or just enjoy a casual snorkeling trip you can find something to suit you.

We have tried to list some of the more popular sites for you. We hope that it will help you to decide.

The Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is located in the center of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, about sixty miles off the coast of Belize. It has a diameter of about 1,000 feet and a depth of about 408 feet. It is probably the most famous Belize dive destination. It is probably one of the best Belize dive sites. It is known throughout the world, especially since it was explored by the legendary Jacques Cousteau. Diving down to a depth between 90 - 100 feet will give you a chance to see huge stalactites and stalagmites. You can find both scuba diving trips and snorkeling expeditions to the Great Blue Hole. It is recommended for the more experienced diver though.

Sergeant’s Caye

Sergeant’s Caye is located just a little south of Spanish Bay. It is one of the newest of Belize’s best dive sites. The area is protected by the Turneffe Islands. This means that the waters are usually calm and the reef is protected giving you so much more to see. Dives usually start off in shallow water. They then proceed along a descending wall of corals. The dive goes down to about 70 feet.

During your dive look out for eagle rays, nurse sharks, large groupers, Moray eels, sea turtles, crabs, lobster, and a large variety of other fish.

You may also get lucky and spot a reef shark, a hammerhead shark, or a dolphin.

This dive site is excellent for both serious scuba divers and those who just want to wade around and snorkel a bit.

Turneffe Islands - North

Again, the Turneffe Islands provide perfect shelter for this dive site. The waters are calm and visibility is great. It is a favorite site for many people.

There is an abundance of life and things to see. It is one of the sites where you are sure to see something different every time you visit.

It is quite suitable for all experience levels. You can even snorkel here.

Turneffe Islands - The Elbow

This dive site is located towards the end of the Turneffe Atoll. So, it gives you an opportunity to see many of the larger sea animals including the occasional shark. You will also see huge gorgonians and other sponges.

The site has strong current so it is only accessible when it is calm. But if you can get a trip on a calm day you will not regret the dive. It is recommended for intermediate divers.

St. George’s Caye

This is one of the easier dive sites. It has sloping walls and a shallow reef with colorful corals that are just amazing. Along the way you can see giant sea fans. You may also see some of the larger animals. Most dives are between 50 feet to 130 feet depending on what you are looking for.

It is one of the sites where dolphins are frequently seen.

Visibility is great and the site is recommended for all levels of divers.

Caye Chapel

Located just a short distance away from Caye Caulker it offers some of the best diving around. The site boasts some impressive coral canyons. As you descend to a depth of 60 feet - 70 feet, you feel as if there are coral walls on each side of you. It is truly beautiful.

It is recommended for all divers.

It is hard to actually choose scuba diving in Belize. Depending on the dive shop you may get different suggestions. However, those we have listed are some of the most popular ones.

Published by Travel Buff on August 7th, 2008 | Filed under Beach |