Top Ten Best Dive Sites In Belize
One of the many reasons that so many new and seasoned divers gravitate to Belize for their expeditions is the abundance of incredible places in Belize to explore. Along the Belize Barrier Reef and throughout the Caribbean ocean surrounding Belize, there are so many incredible dive sites full of unique and beautiful flora and fauna, as well as both natural and man-made wonders. Take a look at our personal favourites in this list of the top ten best dive sites in Belize.
10. Cathedral Reef
Cathedral Reef is a stunning dive spot for divers of all skill levels and experiences as it’s segmented by a shallow area and a deep area. Dive among gorgeous spires of coral and plant life that glitter and shine in the water, reminiscent of beautiful cathedral towers from which the site gets its name. The stunning coral formations are where several gentle sea creatures call home, including lobsters, eagle rays, and turtles.
9. Witconcrete Wreck
The Witconcrete Wreck is a ship sunken to create a faux reef in September of 2021. Dive among this recently sunken historical ship that first set sail in the 1940s to carry supplies to and from Belize throughout the Second World War. Have the opportunity of a lifetime as you watch as fish, coral, plants, and other creatures begin to make the ship into their home.
8. Lighthouse Reef
The lighthouse reef is the smallest atoll in the area covering only about 50,000 square miles/200 square kilometres and is located just a few dozen miles from Belize Dive Haven. Lighthouse Reef is unique as the atoll is home to the very rare red-footed boobie bird, it’s estimated that about 4,000 Red-Footed Boobies live in the atoll. Explore the small islands or dive along the lighthouse reef, as it’s home to several of the most popular dive sites in Belize including the Blue Hole.
7. Long Caye Ridge
Located on the Western side of the Long Caye, Long Caye Ridge is a protruding ridge of reefs that form a small promontory (high land that juts out into a large body of water). Long Caye Ridge is a great place for beginner divers because it’s one of the most shallow dive sites in the area with clear visibility, has a very mild current, and is home to several species of coral, sea sponges, and algae.
6. Glover’s Atoll
Glover’s Atoll is at the center of Glover’s Reef and was declared a protected World Heritage Site in 1993. Glover’s Atoll is unique due to its vast amount of established coral that can reach as far as depths of 300 ft/91m. While the water is deep and full of a variety of sea creatures, one of the reasons that Glover’s Atoll is such a popular dive destination is due to the visual variety of the water due to very little pollution from the shore. Glover’s Atoll is a great place for photographs as well as beginner divers.
5. The Aquarium
One of our favourite dive sites in Belize is the Aquarium due to the diverse population of sea creatures who reside there, as well as its breathtaking 50 ft/16m underwater wall. The aquarium is located directly across from the Belize Dive Haven Resort which gives our guests very quick and easy access, and is home to many different species including grouper, parrotfish, and shrimp!
4. The Elbow
Just 15 minutes away from Belize Dive Haven, the Elbow is one of the most popular dive sites due to its beautiful walls as well as its abundance of marine life. The elbow refers to the place in which two currents meet, which means divers can expect to see hundreds of sea creatures passing through, including large schools of fish. When diving at the elbow you can expect to see rays, eels, sharks, turtles, and much more.
One of our most popular dive destinations
3. Eagle Ray Wall
Exactly as the name suggests, Eagle Ray Wall is home to many eagle rays who soar through the ocean waves on their large wings. If you’ve always wanted to see an eagle ray in person, Eagle Ray Wall located very close to Belize Dive Haven is a great place to start. Eagle Ray Wall is located about 30-130ft/ 9-40m below the surface of the water, and due to its depth is recommended for intermediate divers. However, more shallow areas of the site can be explored by snorkellers of all skill levels.
2. Half-Moon Caye Wall
Belize’s Half-Moon Caye is a small, government-protected island shaped like a crescent (or a half-moon). Half-moon Caye is known for its diverse wildlife of both land and sea, as well as its popular dive destination the Half-Moon Caye Wall. Full of grassy and open underwater areas where divers can spot the often elusive moray eel, as well as several other species of plants and animals. As it’s a protected area, the Half Moon Caye Wall is where you can spot some of the more rare and sensitive sea creatures including the eels, hogfish, and stingrays.
1. The Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is our number one top dive site in Belize due to its massive popularity and extreme uniqueness. The great blue hole is considered the ocean’s largest sinkhole at around 400 ft/122 m deep. It’s crucial that anyone who decides to dive the Great Blue Hole is an experienced diver who is PADI certified as it’s easy to dive too deep without realizing it. Experienced divers can expect to see lobsters, sharks, and other sea creatures who prefer the depths of the ocean as opposed to the surface. Many divers consider the Great Blue Hole one of the most sought-after dive sites in the world, and due to its beauty and vastness, it’s easy to see why.
Ready to experience one of these incredible dive sites for yourself?
Book your trip to Belize Dive Haven today!
Just 30 miles/48 km 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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