Diving in Belize: a complete guide
Belize is a true diver’s paradise, due in part to the impressive barrier reef that lies offshore. It is the second largest in the world, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll find colorful coral gardens, steep drop-offs, crystal clear waters and enormous biodiversity.
One of the most famous dive sites is, of course, the Blue Hole, an almost perfectly round, deep blue sinkhole in the middle of the sea. Diving here is a unique experience, mainly because of the mysterious atmosphere, the stalactites at great depths and the chance to encounter reef sharks.
Besides the Blue Hole, there are numerous other dive sites, such as Half Moon Caye Wall, Turneffe Atoll and Lighthouse Reef. You can encounter all kinds of life: nurse sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles, colorful reef fish and sometimes even dolphins or manatees.
Also nice: conditions are often ideal. The water is warm, visibility is good and the current is usually mild. Whether you are beginner or advanced, there is always a dive site that suits you.
Table of contents
General information about Belize
Belize is a small, tropical country in Central America sandwiched between Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea with a population of just over 400,000. What makes Belize unique is its combination of Central American and Caribbean influences, with a relaxed atmosphere and a rich cultural mix of Creoles, Maya, Mestizos and Garifuna.
Belize was a British colony for more than 100 years and was part of British Honduras. In 1981 Belize gained independence and the name it has today. You can still see the influence of the British in the architecture, but also in the language spoken. In fact, the official language in Belize is English. Spanish and Creole are also widely spoken. Something that has not been adopted from the British is where you drive on the road. In fact, you drive on the right side here.
It is about 30 degrees Celsius all year round, but Belize does have 2 seasons. There is the wet season from June through October and the dry season from November through May. The high season is between January and April.
The currency is the Belize dollar (BZD), which is pegged to the U.S. dollar. You can pay with both currencies in many places. Keep in mind that Belize is a fairly expensive country, especially compared to surrounding countries. Prices for accommodations and food and drink tend to be higher.
And you’ve probably already heard about Belize’s underwater world. You’ll find the second largest barrier reef and, of course, the Blue Hole. But did you know that Belize is also a very special country above water? Although it is a small country, you will find impressive nature: rainforests, caves, rivers and maya ruins. In the jungle you have the chance to encounter special animals, for example a jaguar, tapir and different species of monkeys and snakes. There are also many species of birds, iguanas and pumas.
Why dive on Belize?
Belize is a unique diving destination thanks to its spectacular barrier reef, the second largest in the world. A barrier reef is a large coral reef that lies parallel to the coast, but is separated from it by open water. It forms a natural barrier, so to speak, between the open sea and the land. The barrier reef is about 300 km long, which makes it quite a bit smaller than the 2,300 km Great Barrier Reef in Australia. However, the reef in Belize is in better condition.
A coral reef attracts an awful lot of life, and so with a size like this, you will encounter a lot of different life. Think reef sharks, nurse sharks, sea turtles, rays and numerous tropical fish. There is also a chance of seeing larger sharks, such as hammerhead and tiger sharks. More rare are manatees, but they too live in Belize’s waters.
There is a huge variety of dive sites: from the mysterious Great Blue Hole to colorful coral gardens and steep drop-offs. The water is warm and clear, and currents are usually mild, making it suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike. In addition, the combination of remote reefs and liveaboard opportunities allows you to discover pristine spots where few other divers go.
You often dive on an atoll. Belize’s atolls are ring-shaped coral structures with a calm lagoon in the middle and steep drop-offs on the outside. Perfect for impressive dives in clear, deep blue water. Turneffe Atoll, Lighthouse Reef Atoll and Glovers Reef Atoll good examples. They are top dive sites because the reefs are healthy, biodiversity is high and the structure makes for spectacular dive profiles.
Best travel time for diving on Belize
You can dive Belize year-round, but it’s good to take into account the different seasons. Especially if you want to do a liveaboard, it’s nice if you’re in the right season. You are then more likely to have calm seas and to dive at spectacular dive sites such as The Blue Hole and Shark Point. The best time to dive in Belize (from a livaboard) is from March through June.
View
Visibility in Belize is generally excellent, often between 20 and 40 meters. It can vary slightly between the dry and wet seasons, but even in the wet season visibility is still around 20 meters.
Water temperature
It is pleasant year-round diving in Belize, with water temperatures between 26°C and 29°C. Because of this, a 3mm wetsuit or shorty is often sufficient. In the winter months it can be slightly cooler, when it is often around 25°C.
Current
Currents at most dive sites in Belize are mild to moderate and usually do well for divers of various levels. Sometimes currents can be a bit stronger, especially at drop-offs or at the Great Blue Hole, but experienced guides take this into account well. In general, the mild currents actually create a nice exchange of water and life, keeping the underwater world alive.
| Period | Diving conditions | Wetsuit Advice | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| March – June | Best visibility (20-40 m), calm sea, warm water | 3 mm or shorty | Dry season, ideal period for liveaboard and remote reef exploration |
| July – November | Variable visibility due to rain, currents moderate | 3 mm or shorty | Start of wet season, chance of rain, fewer tourists, lower prices |
| December – February | Good visibility (20-30 m), slightly cooler water, calm sea | 3 mm full | Dry season, slightly cooler water, still good diving conditions |
Liveaboard diving in Belize
There are two ways to dive in Belize: via day trips from the coast or with a liveaboard. Both have their advantages and what suits you best depends on what you are looking for.
Day trips usually depart from places like Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. You’ll quickly get to the Belize Barrier Reef, where you’ll find colorful coral gardens and lots of marine life. Perfect if you want to do some diving, but also want time for relaxing or other activities on land.
Liveaboards are ideal if you want to see more and especially explore the remote dive sites, such as Turneffe Atoll and Lighthouse Reef. You then dive several times a day, in places you can’t easily get to with day boats. Everything is arranged for you, and you really live on and in the water.
In short, day trips are ideal for flexible and relaxed diving, liveaboards for the real diving experience and exploring Belize’s most beautiful reefs. Some spectacular dive sites are quite remote. Lighthouse Reef, for example, is about 100 km away from Belize City. That’s about a 5-hour boat ride away. You are also more likely to see pelagic species at these spots.
Best dive sites in Belize
There are an immense number of dive sites in Belize, perhaps too many to mention. From colorful coral gardens and steep drop-offs to caves and wrecks, the underwater landscape is enormously varied. Many of the most beautiful dive sites are spread across three major atolls, Turneffe, Lighthouse Reef and Glover’s Reef. Together they form the second largest barrier reef in the world. In this overview, we highlight the most extraordinary dive sites for you.
The Blue Hole
Depth: to about 40 meters
Season: year-round
Marine life: reef sharks, large tunas, schools of fish, stalactites
Level: especially suitable for advanced divers
The Blue Hole is undoubtedly Belize’s most famous dive site – and one of the most iconic in the world. Located in the middle of the Lighthouse Reef, this near-perfect circle of deep blue water is about 300 meters wide and more than 120 meters deep. During a dive in the Blue Hole, you will gradually descend along the limestone walls to a depth of about 40 meters, where you will encounter impressive stalactites in an underwater cave. Along the way, you may encounter reef sharks, such as the Caribbean reef shark or a blacktip reef shark. The depth, limited light and atmosphere make it feel almost otherworldly. It is not a dive for beginners, but for experienced divers it is a unique experience – mysterious, surreal and unlike any other dive site in Belize.
Half Moon Caye Wall
Depth: 5-30+ meters
Season: year-round
Marine life: reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, coral formations
Level: for both beginners and advanced divers
Located on the edge of Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Caye Wall is one of the most beautiful wall dives in Belize. You start in a shallow reef full of life, then suddenly the bottom drops away into a steep drop-off. Along the wall you’ll see huge sponges, blowing soft corals and schools of fish. There is a good chance of encountering Caribbean reef sharks, turtles or an eagle ray. Visibility is usually excellent, making this dive both relaxing and spectacular.
The Elbow (Turneffe Atoll)
Depth: 18-40 meters
Season: March to June (best conditions)
Marine life: large schools of snappers and barracudas, eagle rays, sharks
Level: advanced
The Elbow is a world-class dive site at the southern tip of Turneffe Atoll. Here currents converge from different directions, providing plenty of nutrients – and thus plenty of fish! You dive along a sloping wall and are often joined by huge schools of barracudas, snappers and jacks. You can also regularly spot reef sharks and eagle rays. Due to the current, this is a dive for the more experienced diver, but it is definitely a highlight for those who love action and large marine life.
Long Caye Wall / Aquarium – (Lighthouse Reef)
Depth: 10-30 meters
Season: all year
Marine life: reef fish, turtles, moray eels, sometimes sharks
Level: suitable for all levels of experience
This location is known as “The Aquarium” – and for good reason. The reef is richly vegetated and literally dotted with colorful reef fish. The dive begins on a healthy shallow reef with coral towers and turns into a wall with lots of life. You’ll see moray eels, lobsters, trumpet fish and often turtles. Conditions are usually mild, making it a perfect place for relaxing but spectacular dives.
Glover’s Wall (Glover’s Reef Atoll)
Depth: 10-35 meters
Season: year round (best conditions March to June)
Marine life: lionfish, turtles, reef fish, eagle rays
Level: for all levels
Glover’s Wall is located on the outer edge of Belize’s least visited atoll: Glover’s Reef. This dive site offers a combination of tranquility, healthy reefs and impressive drop-offs. You start on a colorful reef with hard and soft corals, then float over the edge of a steep wall. Because of its remote location, the marine life here is still pristine and diverse – you’ll often see turtles, lionfish, reef sharks and large schools of fish. Visibility is usually excellent and currents are rare, making it suitable even for less experienced divers. Glover’s is accessible only by liveaboard or by staying on the atoll itself, which makes for an exclusive diving experience.
Marine life in Belize: what to expect during your dive?
Belize is a diver’s paradise, not only for its beautiful coral reefs, but also for its rich and varied marine life. Here is an overview of what you may encounter while diving:
Sharks & Rays
- Caribbean reef shark
- Blacktip Reef Shark
- Lemon shark (less common, but possible)
- Nurse Shark
- Eagle Ray
- Southern stingray
Reef fish & schools
- Snappers (schooling fish, including gray snapper, yellowtail snapper)
- Barracudas
- Horse-eye jackets
- Lionfish (invasive species)
- Parrotfish
- Trumpfish
- Angelfish
Sea Turtles
- Green sea turtle
- Spurious hawksbill turtle
- Hawksbill turtle (hawksbill turtle)
Other marine life
- Moray eels (green moray, spotted moray)
- Lobsters and crabs
- Sea cucumbers and starfish
- Seahorses (especially in seagrass beds near the coast)
- Sponges and anemones
- Large tunas and groupers (including Nassau grouper)
- Squid
Rare and impressive sharks
- Hammerhead shark (especially in the deeper waters near the atolls)
- Tiger shark (rare, sometimes along the drop-offs)
- Whale shark (very rare, but occasionally spotted in the region)
- Black reef shark (possibly in deeper reefs)
Other unusual marine animals
- Manatees (manatee): found mainly in mangrove areas and freshwater estuaries
- Manta rays: are sometimes seen around the atolls, especially in nutrient-rich currents
- Dolphins: regularly spotted in the open sea during liveaboards
What diving equipment do you need in Belize?
Diving in Belize does not require extremely specialized equipment, but it is important that you know what you need. Here is a list of the most common equipment needed for diving in Belize.
Basic equipment
- Wetsuit: In the warm waters of Belize, a 3 mm shorty or full wetsuit is usually sufficient. During the dry season (March to June) and night dives, a full 3 mm wetsuit can provide some extra comfort. For most dives, a thicker suit is not necessary.
- Mask & snorkel: A well-fitting personal mask is recommended for optimal visibility and comfort. The snorkel is especially useful when waiting for the boat or during snorkeling time.
- Fins: shore dives are not actually made, so you could also choose closed fins. Open fins with shoes can also be done. You can choose what you like best.
- Dive Computer: Highly recommended for a safe dive and to properly track your dive profile, especially on deeper dives such as in the Blue Hole.
- BCD & regulator: You can often rent fine at local dive centers, but own equipment always gives comfort.
Additional accessories
- Underwater camera: Belize has beautiful marine life and coral reefs, so a camera or actioncam is great for capturing your memories.
- Weights: You don’t need to bring this, of course, but it’s good to know. Because of the warm water, you often need less lead than in colder waters.
- Diving gloves and boots: Not necessary due to the soft coral and warm water, but boots can be nice for comfort.
- Dry bag: Since these are mainly boat dives, it is convenient to bring a dry bag for valuables. A dry bag is specially designed to keep belongings dry during boat trips. They are often made of sturdy, waterproof material with a roll-up closure at the top to keep water out.
Diving in Belize with EWDR
We are fans of Belize, and that is mostly due to everything we mentioned above. Personally, we find it really worthwhile to go out with a liveaboard. This way you get to the best dive sites and see the most extraordinary marine life.
It might also be the ultimate diving vacation, a liveaboard: you make up to five dives a day, everything is taken care of for you, and you’re out on the water all day. Plus, you sit with other diving enthusiasts who are just as enthusiastic as you are. New friendships are often made on board.
Curious about our trip? We went on the Belize Aggressor – one of the best liveaboards in the world. Check out the trip here!
Practical information for your diving trip to Belize
Before you pack your scuba gear and take the plane to Belize, it’s helpful to have some practical things in order. How long will the trip take, what is the local currency and what can you expect in terms of food and facilities? Below you will find everything you need to know to be well prepared, along with some great ideas for things to do outside of diving.
- Travel time: Most flights to Belize City take about 12 to 15 hours, often with a layover in places such as Miami, Houston or Panama City.
- Time Zone: Belize falls in the time zone UTC-6, which means it is 7 hours earlier in Belize than in Western Europe (depending on our daylight saving time).
- Currency: The currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD), which is usually 1 to 2 with the U.S. dollar. The U.S. dollar is also accepted in many places. Withdraw money at many places, but it is helpful to have some cash in your pocket as well.
- Food and drink: the cuisine of Belize is a mix of Caribbean, Mayan and Creole influences. Fresh fish and seafood are readily available everywhere, but vegetarians will also find satisfying options. Do not drink tap water!
Sightseeing tips
Want to see some of the country itself, rather than just the underwater world? These are the best spots and excursions.
- The ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich or Altun Ha
- The beautiful Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kayaking or boating through the mangroves
- Relax on the white sandy beaches of Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker
- Snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
