In recent years visitors to Belize have rated the "marine attractions" as the primary reason for coming to Belize. With an unrivalled barrier reef in this hemisphere the marine attractions are as varied as the natural formations that make up this 176 ml. coastal treasure. Divers and snorkelers can experience the barrier reef, coral atolls, fringing reef, patch reefs and faroe, each offering differing underwater coral formations and a variety of flora, fish and marine creatures.

The dive sites are varied and most dive shops have their "special spots" that they prefer. Some of the more popular spots include:

1. The Belize Barrier Reef

Spanning Belize's coastline for 185 miles is the Belize Barrier Reef with dive sites inside and outside of the reef. Just outside look for Spur and Grove formations - narrow canyons of corals are great for spotting grouper and the occassionally eel.

Inside the reef, patch reefs are covered with hundreds of brightly colored fish and coral species.

For something a little different, try snorkeling or diving near a mangrove colored island "the nursery of the sea" where you are sure to find tiny barracuda, snapper and other fish whose parents you might have seen in deeper water.

Northern Belize

• Mata Rocks
• Hol Chan - Belize's first marine reserve where the fish are huge and quite adapted to human presence.
• The Wall
• Shark Ray Alley
• Stingray Flats

Central Belize

• Goff's Caye
• Rendevous Caye

Southern Belize

• Tobacco Caye - great spur and grove formations just east of the island.
• South Water Caye Marine Reserve - Belize's largest marine reserve.
• Silk Cayes - home to the world's largest population of whale sharks during the months of February to May.
• Gladden Spit
• Laughingbird Caye - Belize's smallest marine reserve.
• Sapodilla Cayes

2. Coral Atolls

Belize boasts three offshore atolls: Turneffe, Glover's Reef and Lighthouse Reef. Together they easily provide over a hundred dive and snorkeling sites for the adventurous visitor.

a. Turneffe Atoll, the largest of three atolls found in Belize, is 30 miles long. The water dept measures between 55 and 65 feet.

Some dive sites in this atoll are Hollywood, Jill's Thrill, Cabbage Patch, the Elbow, The Coral, Gorgonian Bluff, the Secret Spot, Birthday Reef and Rendezvous Wall.

Snorkeling areas are Bat Brook Shallows and Billy Bob's Shallows.

b. Glover's Reef, which is most south of the three, is often overlooked. It has a diameter of some 40 miles with over 700 shallow patch reefs in its interior.

Diving sites include Octopus Alley, Manta Reef, Hole in the Wall, Parrotfish Falls, Shark Point, Gorgonia Gallery, Long Caye Cut, Turtle Tavern and Dolphin Dance.

With the numerous patch reefs this is a great place for snorkeling as well.

c. Lighthouse Reef is the farthest from the mainland but unlike Glover's Reef gets plenty of visitors. Depth near the reef is around 9 feet.

The great Blue Hole at the center of Lighthouse Reef is described as one of the best dive sites on Earth and a must for all advanced divers. It has a dept of 480 feet with stalagtites at 130 feet. Other diving sites are Manta Wall, the Zoo, Cathedral and Half Moon Wall.

The waters off Hat Caye are great for snorkeling.

Belize provides few wreck dive opportunities because many wrecked ships actually lodged atop the reef system above water. There is also little chance of finding valuables. Anything you find of value belongs to the state and cannot be kept. A couple underwater wrecks are:

• Sayonara in Turneffe Atoll - This was a transport boat sitting at 45 feet below the surface.



• HMS Advice - Turneffe Atoll - This is the wreck of a British naval cutter which sunk to 16 feet on June 1, 1793.

Much of Belize's marine system, from north to south, is protected with many falling under the category of World Heritage Sites. This means that these areas and their inhabitants cannot be destroyed or harmed in any way. Care must be taken when on dives not to touch corals or increase sedimentation onto them.

MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
The Belize Barrier Reef Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve Hol Chan Marine Reserve Blue Hole National Park Half Moon Caye	Glover's Reef South Water Caye Marine Reserve Laughing Bird Caye Sapodilla Caye Port Honduras

These sites also make for great snorkeling and diving areas.

The coral reef systems of Belize are easily accessible to everyone. It is, however, advisable that you use the assistance of a trained tour guide, dive instructor or dive master and boat captain for best navigation.

Those wanting to venture out on snorkeling or diving trips have the following choices or a combination to meet specific needs:

• Join a tour to specific dive sites for the day
• Make reservations at a mainland or offshore dive resort of your choice
• Spend your vacation on one of the many liveaboard dive boats which dock at many dive sites throughout Belize.
• Hire a charter boat from one of the many dive operators for private tours

Water Temperature - Water temperature usually remains constant around 70 to 75 degrees F. Higher temperatures are 80 degrees F.

Tides - Not usually a factor for dives because the range is small at 1 to 11/2 feet except in extreme conditions of tropical storms.

Winds - Northeast wind can produce huge swells which can make diving difficult on exposed shores in the north but this is usually steady at 5 to 15 knots.

Waves - Wave action minimal inside the reef or on the unexposed side of atolls.

Visibility - Maximum visibility of 165 feet or 50 meters. In case of storms the visibility reduced to 65 to 100 feet or 20 to 30 meters.

Various levels of dive courses include discover scuba programs, refresher courses, open water and advance open water courses. Certification is available for PADI, NAUII and in some areas NITROX diving.

Whether for the first time diver or the experienced diver; diving here will be a great experience. If:

• you are already certified, be sure to bring your C card;
• you want to do your open water certification, be sure to bring the paperwork from your previous training;
• you want to be fully certified and have about a week, be prepared to read your manuals and do classes daily;
• you've never dove before and want to see what it's like ask about a Resort Course which will teach you to use the equipment in safe and supervised depths of no more than 20-30 feet.

Most dive shops have all the gear you need but you can expect equipment rental to average for:

Mask, snorkel and fins: US$6- $8
Regulator and BC: $approx. $7.50 each

If you wear glasses or have prescription lens in you mask, be sure to bring a mask with your prescription before leaving home as this service is not currently available in Belize.

Costs for dive trips depend on the duration and other amenities provided like accommodation especially for liveaboard dive vessels and dive resorts.

The costs for dive courses range from US$10 for refresher courses to as much as US$400 for certified courses. These prices include equipment, instructions and dives.

2 Tank dives start at around US$35 and depend upon the distance of the dive sites from the dive shop pick up point.

1. In case of dive emergencies, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye has a Hyperbaric Chamber which is accessible to dive operators 24 hours a day. A $1US per tank insurance fee is charged by most dive shops to cover the use of the chamber in the event of such an emergency. The medical staff has over 15 years experience.




Hyperbaric Chamber Contact Information San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye Tel: 011-501-226-2851 Fax: 011-501-226-2852




2. Dive Course instructors are required to be certified dive instructors or dive masters before teaching dive classes. Many resorts have PADI certified instructors.



• To get the most from your dive vacation, especially if you will be diving 2-3 times per day it will help to be in good physical condition.



• Alcohol and diving don't mix so be sure to limit alcoholic intake the night before and the day of diving.



3. Bring your own snorkel and diving equipment for a perfect fit. However, dive shops will rent mask, snorkel, and fins averaging $5-$15/day.



4. Ask about the experience of your tour guide or qualification of your dive instructor before any commitments.



5. Bring along a waterproof camera and lots of film. Underwater photography will be a must.

Divers

• Lightweight lycra dive suits or nylon "skins" work fine. They keep you warm on a night dive but for most dives, a swimsuit is adequate. If you need more insulation 1/16 inch suits should be the most you should need.



• Don't leave home without your dive certification card if you have one.

Snorkelers

• There are thousands of snorkeling sites of varying depths. If you've never snorkeled before it is a good idea to try your equipment in water you can stand in first. If you're uncomfortable, try using a life jacket for added assurance. Just remember to breathe steadily through your mouth - once you get a glimpse of what lies beneath the waves it'll come naturally.

If you have additional questions or wish to receive information directly from providers of snorkeling or diving tours, please fill in our contact form.

Scuba/Snorkeling Windsurfing Fishing Sailing

Birding Caving Canoeing/Kayaking Golfing