Best Travel Deals

Belize

About Belize

Belize is located on the northeastern coast of Central America. Its Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world, As a result, scuba diving is a main appeal. Especially, with 600 fish, 350 mollusk, 74 hard and 36 soft coral species. More than 200 subtropical islands dot its turquoise waters and the Great Blue Hole, a dive site made famous by Jacques Cousteau, is a geological wonder. Mostly covered by rainforest and jungle means it has a low population density. Finally, the country was once the very center of ancient Maya Civilization. Over 900 historic sites remain. Read to learn more: Belize and Un-Belizable Diving and Adventure!

Diving in Belize

Ambergris Caye, in the north, is the nearest location to this country’s barrier reefs. The Hol Chan marine reserve protects the underwater environment. As a result, popular dive sites offer exhilarating encounters. Snorkelers can enjoy the inner reef. Similarly, scuba diving enthusiasts seek the outer reef spur and grove formations. Hard corals, gorgonians, sea fans, invertebrates, reef fish and shellfish of amazing variety populate these waters. Also, the rich habitat for marine life includes sharks, rays, grouper and other pelagic creatures. Placencia, Hopkins and Dangriga lie in the southern to central portion of the country. Scuba diving is inside and outside the barrier reefs, coupled with offshore islands. Subsequently, dive sites also include walls, pinnacles, canyons, overhangs, spur and grove formations. Here in these areas, expect tropical reef fish, crustaceans, healthy corals and colorful sponges. Likewise, multiple varieties of sharks, spotted eagle rays, southern rays, moray eels, groupers, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles. Manta rays, and whale shark can be seen cruising in the open blue water.

Outer Islands, Atolls and Cayes

Turneffe Island is the largest of the atolls. Here, on uncrowded vibrant dive sites, you’ll find abundant marine reef fish, groupers. horse eye jacks and loggerhead turtles. Also, whale sharks and some whale species migrate past the island. Lighthouse Reef is the smallest of the three atolls. However, it has one of the top ten dive sites on earth, the Blue Hole. It’s known, not for colorful coral, but a colorless cave from centuries past, decorated only with stalactites. Glover’s Reef is 35 miles offshore and has a protected marine reserve. Here, divers can choose from hundreds of patch reefs. Therefore, plentiful sponges, sea fans. fish schools and vibrant colors. Especially, resident turtles, sharks and Eagle Rays are daily sightings. Lastly, look for whale sharks cruising in the blue.

Accommodations, Attractions, Activities

Dive resorts, liveaboards, condos, luxury to modest hotels are readily available. Thus, the individual, family or group traveler will be accommodated. Visit American Crocodile Education Sanctuary and chocolate company in San Pedro. See the Gulisi Garifuna Museum to understand the Dangriga culture. Near Hopkins and Placencia do a day tour to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary And Jaguar Preserve. Beyond the Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef has Half Moon Caye National Monument. Here are thousands of booby birds, iguanas and nesting areas for loggerhead and hawksbill turtles. Besides the scuba diving and snorkeling, there are endless beaches and watersports activities. Lastly, inland Belize offers lush jungles, unique animal species and enduring structures from the historical Mayan civilization.    

Maduro Memberships and Accreditations