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Belize's relatively long coastline, protected by the Barrier Reef provides a veritable underwater paradise for those whose passion is SCUBA diving or snorkelling.
Belize is often referred to as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World. The world's second largest barrier reef runs parallel to its coast, at distances ranging from a few hundred feet at the northern tip of Ambergris Caye, to nearly forty miles at the southern-most tip of the country.
However, the barrier reef is not the only factor that makes Belize one of the world's most popular destinations for scuba divers and snorkelers. Many of the small islands, known as "cayes," that lie off the coast of the Belizean mainland have their own coral reefs, with spectacular underwater gardens teeming with sea life of all types.
The clear turquoise waters (which average 79-84 degrees) and the proximity of the barrier reef make Ambergris Caye a favorite destinations for divers and snorkelers. The most popular destination is Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located 4 miles southeast of San Pedro. The ocean floor ranges from 5 to 35 feet, so both divers and snorkelers have the opportunity to swim in what seems like an underwater acquarium, teeming with colorful tropical fish of all sizes and types and beautiful coral formations. The "cut" (channel) leading out to sea functions as a sort of "fish freeway" for many large fish, including giant groupers, barricuda and nurse sharks, a timid and unaggressive shark species. Divers and snorkellers may enjoy a close encounter with a sea turtle.
The rocks are home to many moray eels, who sometimes venture out in search of a meal. If you've ever wanted to try your hand at underwater photography, Hol Chan is the place! Even with just a snorkel you can get great underwater pictures. Other nearby dive/snorkel locations include Mexico Rocks, Palmetto Reef, Sandy Point Reef, San Pedro Cut and Coral Gardens.
A special favorite of both scuba divers and snorkelers is the Sand Bar, sometimes referred to as Shark and Ray Alley. Hundreds of sting rays of all sizes congregate here, often accompanied by families of nurse sharks. With a depth of only 8 feet, the Sand Bar offers great photo opportunities to aspiring underwater photographers and beginners learning to snorkel or scuba dive. The Sand Bar is not far from Hol Chan, and only a few minutes by boat from San Pedro.
Sutheast of Ambergris Caye are several groups of cayes that are popular dive (and fishing) destinations. The Turneffe chain of small islands offer diverse scuba environments, including shallow coral head diving, wall diving and wrecks. Small lodges cater to serious divers and fishermen; including the Turneffe Island Lodge on Caye Bokel and the newly built Blackbird Caye Resort, an ecotourism resort that doubles as a research station for the Oceanic Society. Blackbird Caye Resort is also attractive to snorkelers because of its proximity to the Barrier Reef.
Lighthouse Reef is best known for its famous Blue Hole -a huge sunken cave 300 by 400 feet that was the subject of a documentary by underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau. The Blue Hole is probably Belize's best known scuba diving attraction, but Lighthouse Reef is also the site of Half Moon Caye National Monument, established as Belize's first nature reserve in 1982. The reserve is managed by the Belize Audubon Society; its most well known inhabitants are its thousands of booby birds. Endangered hawksbill and loggerhead turtles nest on Long Caye's beaches, as to several species of iguanas, lizards and large land crabs. Camping is permitted by arrangement, as are swimming, diving and snorkeling. No food or services are available.
Several dive operations on Ambergris Caye offer one, two and three day SCUBA and snorkel trips to the coral reef and its tropical underwater paradise.
Because most islands on the Barrier Reef are not yet developed, there is abundant bird life, including egrets, herons, roseate spoonbills, flamingos, pelicans, cormorants and frigatebirds. About a mile north of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, an 80 foot channel, the San Pedro River, separates the southern part of Ambergris from the rest of the island. A ferry operates most days to take people back and forth across the river. There are several resorts north of town, but they are few and far between; your chances of catching a glimpse of wildlife increases as you proceed north. On rare occasion, margays and ocelots have been spotted in the northern part of Ambergris; and even an occasional jaguar.
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