Belize scuba diving is one of the best activities in the country. There are many Belize dive sites, but there are a handful of standouts. Read on as we discover the 5 best places to scuba dive in Belize.
5 best places to scuba dive in Belize
A couple of months ago, I was on a vacation in Belize and
I befriended one of my neighbors who actually turned out to be a dive master. He works in a diving shop near the hotel I’m staying at. Being new to Belize and in scuba diving, I asked for lessons and tips about scuba diving in the country. I was particularly curious on where I can find the best places to scuba dive in Belize, and he recommended 5 places. I did more research about these sites, and ended up with this article. Read on.
Half Moon Caye Wall
Many people consider Half Moon Caye Wall as the best dive site in Belize. This is because of the sheer consistency of diverse wildlife encounters, gentle conditions and beautiful corals. Unbelievable visibility in its turquoise waters are the norm, and many divers who have been all over the world claim that this is quite as good as it gets. At the surface, it is the kind of scene that would only expect to be seen in a magazine ad with the crescent shaped tropical island of the Half Moon Caye in the background.
Long Caye Aquarium
The Long Caye Aquarium is sometimes lost in all the hype surrounding the Blue Hole, but many people who have been in numerous excursions say that this is the highlight of the trip. On a good day, right when you jump into the water, you are surrounded by schools of creole wrasse, sergeant majors, occasional trumpet fish and Bermuda chubs. The reef here is referred to as a table top formation. The shallow part is a flat expense covered with clusters of sea plumes, purple fans and brain coral. As you head on deeper, the steep 90-degree coral walls suddenly drop, giving divers the feeling that they are base-jumping from the top of a cliff in slow motion.
Esmeralda Canyons
Esmeralda Canyons shares a unique geography that usually features hard coral ridges running from east to west. These structures slowly extend and create deep cantons, just like the rows of bookshelves in a vast underwater library. Soft and hard corals are scattered in the landscape, with sea fans rocking back and forth with the waves, and sea plumes dancing, inclined in the direction of the whispering current. This is located in the popular Hol Chan Marine Reserve, reigning supreme with its own collection of unique canyons and a bustling community of spiny lobsters, moray eels, nurse sharks, rays and groupers.
Great Blue Hole
The Blue Hole of Belize is the ultimate item on the bucket list of every adventure diver. It looks stunning from the sky and is even visible from outer space. However, it is different up close, unless you like diving in dark collapsed prehistoric caves, it is not as colorful as you expected. Those who love the site love the numerous shark encounters as well as the huge stalactites located 130 feet underwater that hang from the ceiling just like Stone Age chandeliers. Only do this trip if you are an experienced diver and is well informed.
Gladden Spit
Each year for 10 days after the full moon in the months of March, April, May and June, there is access given to one of the most unforgettable experiences in the world. Snappers spawn around Gladden Spit, attracting so many whale sharks to dine on heaps of caviar. This sight and event attracts so many divers with hopes of possibly swimming along the biggest cartilaginous fish in the world, although this is not a guarantee. Just like many giants, their huge form is accompanied by a gentle nature. Head on here and test your luck.
There are still so many beautiful dive sites in Belize, but the ones listed above have proven to be the most amazing, and the most popular among tourists over the years. Take your pick from any of these Belize dive sites and experience Belize in a whole new way. Ask the Belize hotel you are currently staying in for any nearby dive shops about Belize tours and ask about Belize scuba diving packages.