Scuba diving in Belize is extremely popular with its comfortable water temperatures year-round, high visibility, and the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Beginners and experienced divers alike can explore underwater worlds and see hundreds of different species of marine life. If you’re planning your first Belize scuba diving trip, make sure to keep the following tips in mind.
Currency
The Belize Dollar is used for currency, but US dollars are also accepted throughout the country. While it fluctuates, the current exchange rate is 1 Belize Dollar equal to $0.50 US (or about $0.65 CAD). It’s important to note that there is a departure tax in Belize of $35 that can only be paid in US dollars.
Visas
If you’re from the European Union, Caribbean, US, Costa Rica, Chile, Guatemala, Iceland, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, Tunisia, Uruguay or from a Commonwealth country, you do not need a visa to enter Belize. If you’re unsure if you require a visa to enter, always check with your local Belizean or British consulate.
Insurance
It’s advisable to purchase travel, health, and/or dive insurance for a Belize scuba diving trip. It’s important to protect your dive investment and your health, so be sure to purchase the right insurance for your needs.
The Tourneffe Atoll is one of the best dive areas in Belize, with more than 70 sites to visit. You’ll be staying in the heart of it all. During your diving adventure, you’ll have sufficient cover from mangroves in the area and access to a shallow lagoon. The area is home to many schools of colorful fish, such as baitfish, cubera snappers, tiger grouper, filefish and white-spotted toadfish, along with other aquatic life, such as eels, rays, octopus, sharks, turtles, and dolphins.
You’ll be able to spot these amazing creatures from afar thanks to this area’s underwater visibility of 100 to 150 feet.
This is Belize’s largest atoll, which stretches as far as 50 kilometres, and it’s more suited for pro divers thanks to the area’s strong underwater current and walls.
Find out more about the different diving sites the Belize barrier reef has to offer and what you need to know about diving.
Quick Facts About Belize
Time Zone
Currency
Calling Code
UTC -06:00
Belize Dollar
+501
Voltage
Main Airport
Diving Season
110V/220V
BZE
All Year
Belize Dive Haven Resort is the newest island resort, minutes away from some of the most breathtaking underwater views.
Just 30 kilometers offshore from Belize City is the Turneffe Atoll, where Belize Dive Haven is located. As part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the Atoll consists of creeks, lagoons, mangrove islands, and cayes and is home to over 500 species of fish, and 65 species of stony corals.