Belize is the premier destination for North American scuba enthusiasts. Boasting 185 miles of unbroken, breathtaking barrier reef - the longest in the western hemisphere - hundreds of cayes and 3 of the Caribbean Sea's 4 off-shore atolls, Belize has been praised as one of the top 10 diving spots in the world not only by Jacques Cousteau but by countless diving magazines.

No wonder. The year-round warm waters are exceedingly clear, with visibility ranging from 50 to an incredible 200 feet. Divers and snorkelers of all abilities can delight in the spectacular, multicolored beauty of a diverse range of corals and sponges that live in the reefs and atolls. Belize waters are teeming with over 400 species of exotic fish including the spotted eagle ray. And in some locations you can swim with turtles and whale sharks and even sight the elusive manatee.

Best of all, it's close to home, located in Central America just south of Mexico. So instead of spending hours processing Australian entrance visa applications and travelling across the globe to visit another barrier reef, you can simply hop a plane and be in Belize by the afternoon.