Snorkeling & Diving

Belize is home to the largest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere, making it a sea seekers paradise. It is the perfect playground for scuba divers, snorkelers and sea lovers alike. Spanning 180 miles, the Belize Barrier Reef makes up a portion of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Belize’s coastline is dotted with stunning atolls and cayes surrounded by turquoise waters. Regardless of your level of underwater experience, whether diving or snorkeling, Belize has something for everyone.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve makes for a perfect snorkeling spot. Shallow waters, mixed array of tropical fish and spectacular coral formations paint beautiful underwater scenes. You can spot horse-eyed jacks, groupers and schools of numerous fish. You may be lucky enough to spot a Loggerhead Turtle too. In close proximity to Hol Chan Marine Reserve is Shark Ray Alley. It is the number one place to snorkel with nurse sharks and rays.

The reserve is a short 15-minute boat ride South of San Pedro or 30-minute North of Caye Caulker.

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Caye Caulker to do

DIVING

Belize has three of the four coral atolls in the Caribbean, which make for an unparalleled diving experience. Famous atolls include Glover’s Reef, Turneffe Atoll and Lighthouse Reef which lie offshore from the Belize Barrier Reef. Looking to get certified in Belize?...You can as there are plenty of dive shops offering PADI certification courses.

Blue Hole Natural Monument & Half Moon Caye Natural Monument

The Great Blue Hole is one of the most famous dive sites, being the only one of its kind in the world. This giant marine sinkhole spans roughly 1,043 feet across and 407 feet deep. It offers a unique diving experience with multicolored stalactites and stalagmites visible below. As part of the Lighthouse Reef, it is located approximately 62 miles from the Belize coast.

Glovers Reef and Turneffe Atoll

Other top dive sites include Long Caye situated at Glovers Reef and The Elbow at Turneffe. Both have spectacular wall diving, and are home to large schools of pelagic fish.

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Shark Ray Alley Belize Travel Agency

Shark Ray Alley

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BEST TIME TO GO DIVING/ SNORKELING

Belize’s coral reef ecosystem and marine life is always flourishing with activity. However, the best time of year to go diving and snorkeling is in December to July, when water visibility is clearest.

A REEF FULL OF LIFE

Belize Barrier Reef has over 100 coral types, 500 species of tropical fish, and countless exotic marine animals that roam beneath the waves.

LEARN TO DIVE

You can learn to dive when in Belize. Plenty of dive shops offer courses, starting with the basic Open Water Diver certification, which requires three days of lessons.

WHALE SHARK SIGHTINGS

During April to June, there are possible Whale Shark sightings at Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve. The Whale Sharks come to feed as the Cubera Snappers are spawning at this time. Other sightings include spotted eagle rays, southern stingrays and reef sharks.