Scuba Diving Article

Scuba Diving in Belize

Scuba divers generally know the country of Belize as one of the top dive sites in the world. Boarding Guatemala, Southeast of Mexico on the Central American Coast, Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef on the planet, and has often been referred to as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World. This reef that parallels the coastline is not the only reason that makes Belize one of the world's most popular destinations for snorklers and scuba divers. The series of small islands known as "cayes" that lie off the coast of the mainland each have coral reefs and unique dive sites of their own. Housing impressive underwater gardens teeming with sea life of all shapes and sizes.

The clear turquoise waters surrounding Belize average 79-84 degrees year round. Close to the barrier reef, Ambergris Caye is a favorite destination for Scuba Divers. Located 4 miles southeast of San Pedro is Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The ocean floor here ranges from 5 to 35 feet, so divers of every skill level, and even snorklers have the opportunity to experience what many have said is "like swimming in an aquarium" filled with colorful tropical fish of all types. There is also a "cut" or channel here leading out to sea. It is kind of like an underwater "off ramp" for many large fish, including giant groupers, barracuda and nurse sharks. It's not uncommon for scuba divers and snorklers in Belize to see a sea turtle effortlessly gliding through the cut. For those who want to get some memorable underwater pictures, Hol Chan is a great place even for first time photogs to go home with some great snaps. Other nearby Belize Scuba Dive sites include Mexico Rocks, Palmetto Reef, Sandy Point Reef, San Pedro Cut and Coral Gardens. Belize abounds with underwater experiences for first time Scuba Divers. A particular favorite is Shark and Ray Alley. As the name implies Hundreds of stingrays of all sizes flock here, often along with families of nurse sharks. With a depth of only 8 feet, the Alley offers great photo opportunities for beginners just learning to snorkel or scuba dive. Also known as The Sand Bar, Shark and Ray Alley is not far from Hol Chan, and only a few minutes by boat from San Pedro.

For the serious diving enthusiast, probably Belize's best-known dive Spot is the Blue Hole. The Blue Hole is an underwater cave that was the subject of a famous documentary by legendary undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau. The Blue Hole is a perfectly circular limestone sinkhole, some 300 feet across and over 400 feet deep. The otherworldly array of underwater stalagtites and limestone outcroppings get more intense and more bizarre the deeper one dives. The Blue Hole is one of the most outstanding dive sites in all the world. The Blue Hole is a rare and extraordinary dive but is not for novices or even accomplished recreational divers, it should only be attempted by technical or very experienced advanced open water divers with cave and cavern diving certifications. The area around the Blue Hole however is still an awe inspiring experience, snorkeling around the perimeter is awesome and beginners can dive the rim of the hole to 30 or 35 feet.

There are 100's of other Dive sites located throughout the Cayes and Atolls of Belize, that have prompted many Dive Magazines to name Belize as the Best Dive Site in the Caribbean, and one of the best kept secrets in eco-tourism.