Belize
Country Name: Belize
Capital City: Belmopan
Population: Approximately 470,000 (2024 est.)
Official Language: English
Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD)
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST), UTC -6
Diving Overview
Belize offers some of the most exciting diving experiences in the Caribbean with its renowned barrier reef, clear waters, and diverse marine life. The country is famous for its stunning coral reefs, underwater caves, and abundant sea life, making it an ideal destination for divers of all levels.
- Number of Dive Sites: Over 50
- Types of Diving: Reef, wall, cave, and blue hole diving.
- Marine Biodiversity Highlights: Sharks, rays, sea turtles, vibrant coral reefs, and a variety of tropical fish.
- Average Water Temperatures: 26-30°C (79-86°F)
- Visibility Range: 15-30 meters (49-98 feet)
Important Information
Optimal Dive Seasons
The best time for diving in Belize is from April to June and September to November. During these periods, the weather is typically favorable, and water visibility is at its peak.
Major Airports
Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (Belize City), Municipal Airport (Belize City), and other regional airports like San Pedro Airport and Caye Caulker Airport.
The Travel Tip
A 3mm wetsuit is generally recommended for diving in Belize, but a 5mm wetsuit might be more comfortable during cooler months or for deeper dives.
Weather Patterns
Belize has a tropical climate with a wet and dry season. The dry season runs from December to May, while the wet season is from June to November. The coastal areas are warm and humid year-round.
Internal Transportation
Domestic flights, ferries, and water taxis are common for travel between islands and coastal areas. Buses and taxis are available for travel on the mainland.
Attractions
Belize is famous for the Great Blue Hole, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Barrier Reef, and the stunning underwater caves like the Blue Creek Cave. The mainland also offers attractions such as ancient Mayan ruins, lush rainforests, and vibrant local cultures.
Top Dive Regions
Belize boasts some of the most renowned diving spots in the Caribbean, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine ecosystems, and world-famous dive sites. The Great Blue Hole is one of the most iconic dive sites globally, famous for its immense underwater sinkhole, dramatic formations, and deep blue waters. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is known for its incredible coral formations, diverse marine life, and snorkeling opportunities in a protected environment. Turneffe Atoll offers a range of diving experiences from wall dives to drift dives, with abundant marine species and stunning underwater landscapes. Glover’s Reef Atoll is renowned for its healthy coral reefs, pelagic species, and excellent diving conditions. These top dive sites showcase Belize’s unparalleled marine beauty and the country’s status as a premier diving destination in the Caribbean.
The Great Blue Hole
Famous for its massive underwater sinkhole and impressive marine life, offering an extraordinary diving experience.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Offers vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life within a protected marine area, ideal for both snorkeling and diving.
Turneffe Atoll
Known for its diverse dive sites, from walls to drift dives, and its rich marine life, offering varied and exciting underwater experiences.
Glover’s Reef Atoll
Renowned for its pristine coral reefs and pelagic species, providing excellent diving conditions and underwater scenery.
Marine Life
Belize is renowned for its stunning marine environments, which include the world-famous Great Blue Hole, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine ecosystems. The Great Blue Hole, a massive underwater sinkhole, offers a unique diving experience with its dramatic formations and deep blue waters. Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a protected area, features beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it ideal for both snorkeling and diving. Turneffe Atoll is celebrated for its diverse dive sites, including wall dives and drift dives, with rich marine biodiversity. Glover’s Reef Atoll provides pristine coral reefs and opportunities to see pelagic species in crystal-clear waters. Belize’s nutrient-rich waters and well-preserved marine environments make it a top destination for underwater exploration and marine biodiversity.
Common Species: Turtles, rays, various species of sharks, colorful tropical fish, and vibrant coral reefs.
Seasonal Highlights: The Great Blue Hole is a year-round dive site, but visibility is often best from April to June. Whale shark sightings are more common around Hol Chan Marine Reserve from April to June during their migration season.
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Top 25 Dive Centers in Belize
Belize, a rare gem located in the Caribbean region, is famous for being a haven of scuba diving. It has clear blue waters which are surrounded by coral reefs along with other marine life forms such as dolphins and turtles.…