If you have gone on a scuba dive before it’s safe to say that you understand the magic of an under-the-sea adventure. Every year, thousands of people come from all around the world to Belize to see the incredible flora and fauna that can only be experienced in the Caribbean ocean. While scuba diving can be an educational and even life-changing experience, respecting the environment while diving is of the utmost importance. If you value the sea creatures and plants that make each dive spectacular, here are a few things to keep in mind to show respect to them and their natural habitat.
Take Only Pictures (And Garbage!)
We understand how tempting it can be to pick up a small rock or a shell as a memento to your dive, but a big part of respecting the environment while scuba diving is to leave everything as it is. The one exception to this is if you see any trash floating around, then it’s yours for the taking! We encourage our guests to bring a small mesh bag on their dive to collect any garbage or other debris that they may find. The best way to respect the environment while diving is to leave rocks and plants where they belong and instead take as many pictures (and pieces of garbage) that you can!
Hunt Only Lionfish
This might surprise you, but there is a form of hunting while scuba diving that is considered respecting the environment! Lionfish are an invasive species that are extremely detrimental to the Caribbean ocean and all of the native plants and animals. We encourage our guests to help hunt the lionfish whenever they’re seen on a dive. Hunting lionfish is a form of respecting and protecting the environment around you while scuba diving in Belize!
The Sea Is A Home And You Are A Guest
An important thing to remember when you’re scuba diving is that the ocean is an incredibly adventurous place for you, but for the animals and plants who reside there, it’s their home! When entering someone’s home, whether through the door or through a scuba dive, respecting the environment and the residents is the right thing to do. Treat the sea like a home: don’t litter, don’t bother the creatures who live there, and don’t break things. Considering the sea as someone’s home can help you change your perspective and behave respectfully to the environment around you.
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Just 30 miles from Belize City, Belize Dive Haven is located in pristine Turneffe Atoll. Consisting of creeks, lagoons, mangrove islands and cays, the atoll is home to over 500 species of fish, 65 different species of stony corals as well as birds, turtles, manatees and dolphins.
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