Land-based diving in Belize offers some of the Caribbean's best diving. With its long barrier reef and outer islands combined with relatively few tourists, this is a truly unique destination. The Blue hole is an almost iconic dive site that is mentioned in most lists when talking about the world's best and most famous dive sites. This is probably one of the world's most photographed dive sites from the air.
To get here you have to go out on one live board or live out by the islands as it is otherwise very far to go for a day trip. Belize has a lot more to offer and some of the best places for diving.
Some of the best dive sites are for example Turneffe reef, Glovers reef and Lighthouse reef which are all very good. Along the huge barrier reef along the coast, there are lots of fish and invertebrates. Belize is also known for diving and snorkeling whale shark and even an occasional dugong is possible to see. Here you can also find the spectacular splendid or whitelined toadfish. It is otherwise perhaps best known from Cozumel in Mexico, but where it is rarely seen.
Whale shark season
During the spring in April and May but also March and June, it is very common to see, dive and snorkel with whale sharks. The best chances to see whale sharks are usually from 2 days before the full moon until 10 days after the full moon. As it is relatively easy to plan after this, it is good to book well in advance so that you can come when the chances of seeing them are the greatest.
Regardless, you will get exciting diving and fantastic experiences. The whale sharks come here almost on the clock. They come here in large numbers to take care of the large amounts of plankton and smaller animals and eggs that are found here at that time of year.
In addition to whale sharks, nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, stingrays and large barracudas are regularly seen here. If you're lucky, you can snorkel with dugongs. They often come inshore to graze in the shallow waters out at the outer islands.
