Diving in Belize

With its long Caribbean coastline, amazing coral reef and crystal-clear waters, Belize is paradise for divers.

Year-round warm temperatures add to the attraction, and there are a number of atolls to explore in addition to the barrier reef. Turneffe Reef, Lighthouse Reef and Glovers Reef offer varied dives, including walls, reef flats and pinnacles, while the barrier reef needs no introduction.

Further offshore lies the world-famous Blue Hole, a strange geological structure that descends 124 meters below the waves. If you want to see whale sharks, time your visit between April and June to spend time with the largest fish in the sea.

Other top dives include Shark Ray Alley, home to hundreds of nurse sharks and rays, and Ambergris Caye. Down on the south coast the waters are less busy, but there are still lots of great dives. It’s less well-explored than the northern cayes, and you might be one of only a few people in the area.

You can dive on one-day excursions with one of the myriad operators based out of Belize City or the cayes. Alternatively, book a liveaboard cruise from which you’ll be able to do multiple dives over a larger area.