Diving and snorkelling in Belize

The big name when it comes to diving in Belize is the Great Blue Hole, a vast circular marine sinkhole about 70km off the mainland. Once explored by scuba diving pioneer Jacques Cousteau, this geological wonder is visited by many species of fish as well as sharks.

Due to its depth, diving the Great Blue Hole requires experience and the right conditions for good visibility. However, there are many exceptional spots for diving and snorkelling along the Belize coastline that don’t get as much attention but are just as spectacular. And of course, the fewer people and boats around, the calmer and more visible the marine life tends to be.

Belize is home to the second-largest coral reef in the world, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. And like the Great Barrier Reef, it faces some significant challenges.

“The knowledge and experience of our tour leaders ensure that the groups they’re leading know the issues facing the reef in Belize, and how they can help protect it,” says Carmel Hendry from our partner Explore Worldwide. “Let me give you just one example. A problem we have around the world is guides thinking that people want to see things close-up, like conch or starfish, that belong on the seabed. We emphasise to our guides that that’s not what we want for our travelers.”

Our Belize travel partners ensure that before any of their guests approach the reef that they are fully briefed on how to avoid causing any damage to it by touching (switching to a coral-friendly sunscreen can also help). They will also often employ local fishermen as guides or boat captains, providing an additional source of income for coastal communities that are adjusting to smaller fish stocks.

Snorkelling, too, is taught – there’s more to it than just strapping on a mask and breathing tube – from beginner through to advanced skills, before you head out to nearby cayes and cut-throughs to explore.

“There are too many species to list,” says Laurenne. “But it is a true kaleidoscope of colours and movement every time we get into the water. Stoplight parrotfish, Blue Tang and squirrelfish are quite common, and we often see turtles, nurse sharks, southern stingrays and spotted eagle rays as well.”

Most Belize vacations combine time on the coast and cayes with inland exploration. Given Belize’s compact size, our partners can get you around easily over land or using water taxis to get to the best diving and snorkelling locations. There’s no real need to take a domestic flight (given the effects of climate change on sea levels and temperatures, we no longer sell vacations that include internal jet flights of under one hour duration).