🇧🇪Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Belize

Caribbean Sea

sea

Tropical Northwestern Atlantic

province

Western Caribbean

ecoregion

Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is a deep dive site reaching 42 meters (135 feet). It requires good buoyancy control and experience due to low light conditions at depth. Marine life is limited, with minimal coral growth, but divers can observe unique geological formations.

17.3159, -87.5350

Caye Caulker Marine Reserve

Caye Caulker Marine Reserve is a designated marine protected area located just off the coast of Caye Caulker. The site features a healthy reef ecosystem with abundant live corals and a variety of juvenile fish species. Divers may encounter typical Caribbean marine life, including turtles, rays, groupers, snappers, angelfish, and lobsters. There is also a possibility of spotting hammerhead sharks. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers and snorkelers alike.

17.7394, -88.0255

Cypress Canyons

Cypress Canyons features a spur-and-groove reef characterized by deep, narrow canyons that run perpendicular to the reef line. The coral spurs reach depths of 50 to 70 feet, while the sandy cuts descend rapidly to around 100 feet. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of Caribbean marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Turtles, stingrays, and numerous fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper are also commonly observed at this site.

17.9177, -87.9508

Esmeralda Canyon

Esmeralda Canyon is characterized by its unique slot canyon formations within coral reefs, resembling a library of coral structures. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of Caribbean marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the possibility of spotting eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. The site is also home to diverse fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore the underwater environment.

17.8593, -87.9825

Half Moon Caye Wall

Half Moon Caye Wall is a popular dive site in Belize featuring a dramatic drop-off. The wall is home to sand eels and various species of sharks, including nurse, lemon, and blacktip reef sharks. Coral structures and sea fans are prevalent at depths up to 130 feet.

17.2042, -87.5502

Half Moon Caye Wall

Half Moon Caye Wall is a renowned dive site located at coordinates 17.204400, -87.536600. This site features a dramatic wall that showcases a variety of coral formations and offers excellent visibility. Divers can expect to encounter a range of marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the possibility of spotting eagle rays and turtles. Additionally, the area is home to numerous fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The dive is typically accessed by boat and is often chosen as a follow-up dive after visiting the Blue Hole.

17.2044, -87.5366

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Hol Chan Marine Reserve is located just offshore from Ambergris Caye and is recognized for its excellent visibility and diverse marine life. The site features vibrant coral formations and is frequented by larger species such as nurse sharks, reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, large Southern stingrays, and various turtles. The reserve is accessible by boat, making it a convenient location for divers seeking to explore its rich underwater ecosystem.

17.8531, -88.0127

Hol-Chan

Hol-Chan Marine Reserve is located south of San Pedro Ambergris Caye and features a depth range suitable for both snorkeling and scuba diving. The reserve includes diverse underwater habitats with a variety of marine life, such as nurse sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and various fish species. Notable areas include the coral reef in Zone A and Shark and Ray Alley in Zone D.

17.8420, -87.9823

Mayan Princess House Reef

The Mayan Princess House Reef, located directly off the Mayan Princess Hotel on Ambergris Caye, provides shallow diving opportunities suitable for both beginners and snorkelers. While it may not showcase the pristine conditions of Belize's renowned reefs, it offers easy access for divers. Marine life commonly observed includes nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the possibility of encountering eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. Additionally, a variety of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper can be seen in this area.

17.9026, -87.9714

Mermaid’s Lair

Mermaid’s Lair is located off the coast of Ambergris Caye and is exclusively accessible by boat. The site features a shallow reef environment with minimal current, making it suitable for both diving and snorkeling. Visibility is generally good, allowing for clear views of the marine life. Divers and snorkelers can expect to encounter a variety of Caribbean species, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Turtles, stingrays, and numerous fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper are also commonly observed in this area.

17.9178, -87.9492

Mexico Rocks

Mexico Rocks is a patch reef located north of San Pedro, Belize, with an average depth of 4 meters (12 feet). The site features boulder corals and small patch reefs, providing habitat for juvenile fish, tube worm shrimp, flame scallops, anemones, eels, and lobsters. It is suitable for both divers and snorkelers.

17.9928, -87.9063

Mexico Rocks

Mexico Rocks Marine Reserve is a shallow patch reef complex situated off the northern tip of Ambergris Caye. This site features around 100 Holocene patch reefs primarily composed of boulder corals, making it suitable for snorkeling due to its very shallow waters. Marine life commonly observed here includes nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray, as well as turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper.

17.9327, -87.9523

Paradise Canyons

Paradise Canyons features distinct finger canyon formations and is located off the coast of San Pedro. The dive site reaches depths between 60 and 70 feet, making it suitable for experienced divers. Marine life commonly observed here includes nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray, along with turtles, stingrays, and various fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The site is accessible by boat.

17.9137, -87.9550

Punta Arena Canyons

Punta Arena Canyons, also known as Small Cut, is a deep cavern dive featuring tunnels, canyons, and caves at depths between 18 and 30 meters. Marine life includes nurse sharks, barracudas, Nassau groupers, and lobsters. Note that the tunnel walls contain red algae with a rough texture; avoid contact to prevent scrapes.

17.9626, -87.9179

Saint George’s Caye

Saint George’s Caye is a private island located offshore from Belize City, providing access to various dive sites in the region. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The entry point for diving is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore the underwater ecosystem.

17.5536, -88.0728

San Pedro - Belize

San Pedro is located on Ambergris Caye in Belize and is known for its diverse marine life typical of the Caribbean. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of fish species commonly found in the region. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to enter the water directly. The underwater environment offers a rich experience for both novice and experienced divers.

17.9000, -87.9500

San Pedro Canyons - Belize

San Pedro Canyons, also referred to as Tuffy Canyons, is situated directly in front of the main channel of San Pedro Town. This dive site features a variety of stony corals that create a loose framework, providing shelter for small invertebrates such as brittle stars, shrimp, and crabs. Divers can encounter typical Caribbean marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, potential sightings of eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. The fish population is diverse, with species like snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper commonly observed. The site is accessed by boat.

17.9056, -87.9558

Shark-Ray Alley

Shark-Ray Alley is a dive site in Belize located at a depth of 2.4 meters (8 feet). The area attracts Southern stingrays and nurse sharks due to fish offal from local fishermen. This site is suitable for both snorkeling and diving.

17.8342, -87.9869

Tackle Box

Tackle Box is a well-known dive site located off Ambergris Caye, characterized by its canyons, caverns, and tunnels that provide ample opportunities for exploration. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including lobsters, eels, and schools of jacks. The site is also home to typical Caribbean species such as nurse sharks, reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays, along with various fish like snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The entry to the site is from the shore.

17.9060, -87.9567

Toffee Canyons

Toffee Canyons is located off the coast of Ambergris Caye and is characterized as a shallow dive site, making it suitable for novice divers and snorkelers. The site features a healthy reef ecosystem that supports a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter common Caribbean species such as nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Additionally, sightings of turtles, stingrays, and various fish species including snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper are frequent.

17.9012, -87.9615

Tres Cocos Canyons

Tres Cocos Canyons is located just outside the Tres Cocos cut and is suitable for beginner divers. The site features a mooring ball, and the current is typically mild, originating from the north. The area is rich in marine life, with common sightings of dolphins, turtles, and rays. Additionally, divers can expect to see black grouper, Nassau grouper, yellow snapper, and hogfish in the vicinity.

17.9303, -87.9402

Tuffy Canyon

Tuffy Canyon, also referred to as Tuffy Rocks, is located near the Tackle Box dive site. This shallow reef is accessible by boat and is suitable for both novice divers and snorkelers. The site is known for its diverse marine life, where you can encounter various species including jacks, groupers, snappers, parrotfish, angelfish, barracuda, eels, spider crabs, lobsters, and nurse sharks.

17.8686, -87.9980

Turneffe Atoll

Turneffe Atoll is the largest of the three atolls in Belize, characterized by its diverse marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. The site is accessible only by boat and offers opportunities to encounter a variety of Caribbean species, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Divers may also see turtles, stingrays, and a multitude of fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The atoll's unique ecosystem provides a rich diving experience for those exploring its waters.

17.4382, -87.8304