Luxury Diving Holidays in Belize

Overview

The coastal ecosystems of Belize are both varied and fascinating. The Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest barrier reef system in the world, runs the length of the nation and is abundant with marine life. Sandy cayes (low-lying islands), offshore atolls, mangrove forests and lagoons are dotted along the barrier reef which itself sits a reasonable distance from the mainland at approximately 300m in the north and 40km in the south. With this in mind, it is important to plan a base carefully on a diving holiday to Belize for those wanting to avoid long boat trips. Colourful gorgonians sway gently in clear, turquoise waters and are frequented by over 500 species of fish, green and hawksbill turtles, rays and even the occasional shark, ideal conditions for divers and snorkellers alike. Whether travelling as a family, couple or solo, there is something for everyone on a diving holiday to Belize.

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Barrel sponge

Actun Tunichil Muknal

Cayo District

Angelfish

Turtle

Silk Caye

Howler monkey

Lighthouse reef

South water caye

Lamanai ruins in Orange Walk

In Depth

Diving holidays in Belize have traditionally been focused on the northern cayes, including Ambergris Caye. Whilst there are scuba diving opportunities here, we find these cayes to be overrun with tourists and the dive sites less healthy. The distance from the best dive sites such as the famous Blue Hole and the Lighthouse Reef is large, so whilst they are possible to reach on long day trips, our recommendation is to stay further south or join a liveaboard.

The very best dive sites in Belize are to be found along the barrier reef system, exploring the outer atolls and reefs. Turneffe Atoll has a couple of good dive resorts or can be accessed by liveaboard. A marine reserve since 2012, this is the largest of Belize’s three atolls and is home to some of the best scuba diving in the country. There are over 65 dive sites to choose from ranging from dramatic walls to sandy ledges, with a wealth of hard and soft corals home to Caribbean reef fish, turtles, dolphins, eagle rays, sharks and moray eels.

Possible to reach on a day trip from Turneffe Atoll, the Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef Atoll are a must for scuba diving and snorkelling. The Great Blue Hole itself needs little introduction, an ocean sinkhole that is almost perfectly circular and plunging down to 300m. Best for advanced divers, large stalactites can be seen at around 30m depth accompanied by circling black tip sharks. The Lighthouse Reef showcases the best coral health in the country and regular pelagic visitors – we even saw a hammerhead shark one dive here!

Heading further south, diving holidays in Belize based out of Hopkins can reach Glover’s Reef Atoll 16km offshore. This is the most southern atoll in Belize and its remote location means the biodiversity is excellent.

From Placencia, divers and snorkellers can explore both outer and inner reefs. The barrier reef is over 30km offshore so best for a day trip, enjoying a BBQ on a sandy caye between dives. Marine life is varied and abundant, with visibility being best on the outer reef. Those in search of whale sharks have historically visited Placencia in order to be in with a chance of seeing these majestic creatures at Gladden’s Spit Marine Reserve. During the full moon from March to June, snapper spawn in the area which in turn attracts the whale sharks who feed on the eggs. However, sightings in recent years have been scarce so we don’t recommend making the journey to this part of Belize specifically to see whale sharks.

Beyond the Reef

Diving holidays in Belize can be combined with a wealth of excursions and activities inland. We can arrange day trips for those staying on the coastal mainland or plan stays at boutique luxury lodges inland. Trek through the dense jungle spotting colourful bird species and finding hidden waterfalls, explore the ancient Mayan ruin of Caracol or canoe down the Sittee River – these are all experiences that we can arrange on a diving holiday to Belize.

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