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. It’s simply the best undersea world in Belize.
Diving can be done all year round in Belize because its waters are warm and visibility is excellent too. Amongst many others, divers are likely to come across tropical fishes of different colours as well as manta rays, turtles or nurse sharks; even if sometimes the biggest fish on earth which is whale shark may elude them while at it. Also there exist various types of underwater terrain including deep walls caves and shipwrecks but not forgetting shallow reefs hence catering for people with different levels of skills when it comes to diving.
The dive center you choose can greatly affect your experience since there are numerous cenotes that offer this service. This article compiles twenty-five highest rated dive centers based on positive reviews from customers who used them before. These facilities have gained reputation due to their professionalism and dedication towards safety during every adventure undertaken by clients.
Additionally these leading regions will ensure that whether you’re an amateur looking forward to starting plunging or a seasoned diver wishing to explore new underwater realms; they leave indelible memories about scuba diving in Belize forever Dive through our list showcasing some great opportunities provided by Belizean waters.
Belize is a top destination for scuba enthusiasts due to its pristine waters, beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just starting out, there is something for everyone in Belize’s underwater world. Here are the top 25 dive centers in Belize ranked by number of reviews and average rating.
Top Dive Centers in Belize
| Dive Center | Rating | Reviews | Website | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scuba School And Family Dive Center Belize | 4.9 | 293 | scubaschoolbelize.com | 9.7 |
| Amigos Del Mar Dive Shop & Marina | 4.6 | 337 | amigosdivebelize.com | 9.2 |
| Belize Pro Dive Center | 4.8 | 286 | belizeprodivecenter.com | 9.1 |
| Seahorse Dive Shop | 4.7 | 195 | belizescuba.com | 8.3 |
| White Sands Dive Shop | 4.8 | 196 | whitesandsdiveshop.com | 8.3 |
| Belize Diving Services | 4.8 | 129 | belizedivingservices.com | 7.5 |
| Belize Island Divers | 4.9 | 71 | belizeislanddivers.com | 6.9 |
| Splash Dive Centre | 4.5 | 93 | splashbelize.com | 6.6 |
| Scuba Daze Belize | 5.0 | 56 | scubadazebelize.com | 6.5 |
| Belize Diving Adventures | 4.8 | 58 | belizedivingadventures.net | 6.4 |
| Scuba Sensation | 4.8 | 85 | scubasensationcc.com | 6.4 |
| Ambergris Divers Belize | 4.6 | 113 | ambergrisdivers.com | 6.3 |
| Sea Sports Belize | 4.6 | 46 | seasportsbelize.com | 5.3 |
| Blue Wave Divers | 4.4 | 74 | bluewavedivers.bz | 5.3 |
| Belize Dive Haven Marina | 4.4 | 14 | belizedivehaven.com | 4.7 |
| Jaguar Adventures Tour & Dive Shop | 4.9 | 8 | jaguarbelize.com | 4.6 |
| Reef Adventures Dive & Tours | 5.0 | 42 | reefadventures.net | 4.5 |
| Neptune’s Cove Belize | 4.5 | 37 | neptunescovebelize.com | 4.5 |
| Scuba Steve Belize | 4.9 | 41 | scubastevebelize.com | 4.4 |
| Chillax Diving and Adventures | 5.0 | 4 | Chillax Diving and Adventures | 4.3 |
| Off The Wall Dive Center and Resort | 5.0 | 43 | offthewallbelize.com | 4.3 |
| Scuba School And Family Dive Center Belize | 4.9 | 293 | scubaschoolbelize.com | 9.7 |
| Amigos Del Mar Dive Shop & Marina | 4.6 | 337 | amigosdivebelize.com | 9.2 |
| Belize Pro Dive Center | 4.8 | 286 | belizeprodivecenter.com | 9.1 |
| Seahorse Dive Shop | 4.7 | 195 | belizescuba.com | 8.3 |
This table provides an overview of the top dive centers in Belize, highlighting their ratings, reviews, and websites for further information.
These dive centers are in Belize that provide excellent service and safety standards and offer some of the most amazing dives in the world. They can be enjoyed by divers of all skill levels whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, this destination has something for everyone.
Diving Conditions in Belize
Divers find themselves in one of the most easily dived places on earth because of its amiable conditions which have made it popular globally. Unfortunately many people do not know about local conditions so if they understood them then planning a dive would be more fun as well as safe.
Water Temperature
Throughout the year temperatures around Belize range from 26°C – 29°C (79°F – 84°F) hence divers only need a shortie or maybe a 3mm wetsuit most parts of the year. There is also marine life productivity due to warmth.
Visibility
Underwater visibility in Belize is usually very good and often ranges from 50-100 feet (15-30 meters). This is better in the drier season which falls between November and April where clarity increases. Despite it being considered rainy season still visibility remains good meaning one can dive any time throughout the year.
Currents
Diving conditions at various dive sites in Belize differ with currents. Soft to moderate currents are found in most popular reef sites hence accommodating all skill levels of divers. Some atolls and the Blue Hole have some stronger currents which create drift dives that are exciting for skilled divers. It is always good to ask your dive operator about current conditions at specific locations before diving.
Best Times to Dive
In Belize, the best time to dive is during the dry season when there is less rain and more sunshine from November to April. Weather becomes more predictable and seas get calmer which makes it an ideal diving season also during this period. On the other hand, rainy season May – October brings in more rainy days and therefore can result in choppier seas. Whale sharks visit Belize around full moon in April/May for a special diving experience.
Marine Life
Belize boasts rich marine life. Divers will likely encounter:
- Coral Reefs: The Barrier Reef of Belize has hundreds of different species of coral which makes an attractive underwater scene.
- Tropical Fish: Angelfish, parrotfish and butterflyfish are three common types found in reefs.
- Large Marine Species: Nurse sharks and reef sharks may be spotted along with eagle rays sometimes hammerhead sharks too can be seen here.
- Turtles: Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) can frequently be found swimming around.
- Whale Sharks: These gentle giants usually visit Gladden Spit area of Belize from March through June.
Safety Tips
- Check Conditions: Always check conditions before you go under the water. Dive centers keep updating weather and sea conditions regularly.
- Dive with a Buddy: Safety during dives can be enhanced by following the buddy system.
- Stay Hydrated: It is possible to get dehydrated in a tropical climate. Drink enough water before and after diving.
- Sun Protection: Use sunscreens that are safe for marine life when protecting your skin from the sun.
Recommended Equipment
- Wetsuit: The warm water calls for 3mm wetsuits or shorties.
- Reef Hook: Useful when one needs to maintain position against strong currents.
- Underwater Camera: With such clear waters and abundant life, you will take great underwater pictures.
Seasonal Variations
- Dry Season (November to April): This is when the seas are calmest, visibility is good, and weather patterns are predictable. However, dive sites may be crowded because this is the tourist high season.
- Rainy Season (May to October): More rain falls during these months and the sea can be rougher. On top of that, whale sharks visit Belizean waters at this time of their migration which makes diving now special.
Dive Sites and Conditions
There are many different kinds of dives in Belize suitable for beginners up through experienced divers:
- The Great Blue Hole: An internationally renowned scuba diving spot featuring deep blue waters and massive stalactite formations.
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve: A favorite among divers due to its abundance of marine life including nurse sharks and rays.
- Turneffe Atoll: Shallow coral gardens all the way down to deep wall dives – Turneffe has it all!
Knowing what kind of conditions you will encounter while diving in Belize can help keep you safe as well as make your trips more memorable. Whether swimming around vibrant reefs or descending into the depths of Blue Hole itself there truly is no better place on Earth than right here in beautiful Belize!
Leave a Reply