Explore Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye, the largest of Belize's islands, serves as an exceptional gateway to some of the most mesmerizing diving experiences in the Caribbean. Surrounded by the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea, this island is renowned for its stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a true paradise for divers. Among its most celebrated dive sites are the legendary Great Blue Hole and the expansive Belize Great Barrier Reef, which stretches an impressive 300 kilometers. While the reef fish may not be as abundant, divers are treated to encounters with larger pelagic species, offering a thrilling underwater adventure. Diving around Ambergris Caye is predominantly accessed via boat, as the reef is situated far offshore, precluding shore dives. This allows divers to explore diverse underwater environments, from colorful coral reefs and dramatic walls to intriguing wrecks. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Lighthouse Reef are must-visit spots, providing unforgettable experiences with their vibrant marine life and dynamic dive environments. The island's dive shops and resorts in San Pedro make it easy for adventurers to embark on scuba charters, whether opting for a day trip or a liveaboard experience. For those planning a visit, the ideal time to explore Ambergris Caye is from November to May, when the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for diving. Travelers should note that the hurricane season, from May to October, can bring warmer water but is best avoided due to its unpredictability. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner, Ambergris Caye offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, making it a standout destination in the world of diving.
Places to Explore
San Pedro
San Pedro is located in the south of Ambergris Caye in Belize. It is a popular holiday destination as it has something for everyone; sun, white sandy beaches, beautiful nature above and below the water and even history to explore. What is extremely special here is that the Belize Barrier Reef runs along the coast of San Pedro and provides divers with spectacular underwater scenery. The 40 dive sites in this area can be reached within 30 minutes by boat. These dive sites can be accessed either by day trip boats sent out from the dive centres and dive resorts in San Pedro, or by liveaboard which usually depart from Belize City. San Pedro is a great destination to holiday in while exploring some of the best diving in Belize.
Ambergris Eastern Shore
Over 40 dive sites are located along the 25-mile (40 km) coast of Ambergris Caye on the eastern side.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Some of the best diving in Belize can be done in Hol Chan, a protected marine reserve located off the coasts of Ambergris Caye Caulker.
Top Dive Sites Map
Diving in Ambergris Caye
The large coral reef here has a variety of topography throughout its 300 kilometers and will provide divers with a lot of versatility in their dives. Aside from multiple flourishing coral gardens, coral pinnacles and coral plateaus teaming with life, there are also canyons, caves, mangrove lagoons and seagrass beds.
The Great Blue Hole is the dream dive site more the more advanced divers and technical divers. Here technical divers can descend down to 100 metres in complete blue surroundings. For recreational divers, it is absolutely worth having a Deep Speciality certification as there are caves at just past 30 meters which are a really stunning site.
The large majority of the diving here is done from day trip boats from San Pedro mostly or liveaboards, and there are also many opportunities for dive courses here. It is also a perfect area for underwater photography, as the reef provides incredible colours and there are so many larger species to capture.
The best Months to Dive in Ambergris Caye
The Caribbean Sea has some of the most ideal diving conditions out there. The water temperatures range between 26°C–29°C/79°F–84°F with visibility ranging between 15 meters/49 feet and over 30 meters/98 feet. The climate in the Caribbean consists of a wet and a dry season, however, there are not extreme amounts of rain. The wind can pick up between November and July, but for the most part it will not hinder diving. The best time to dive here would be in April to June. There are a vast array of larger species to spot here, and luckily they are around throughout the year. The month of June is the best month to spot the most amount of species including Whale Sharks and the unique Dugongs.
Statistics
Historical data and trends
Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions
Centers Map
Coral Divers Limited
4 1/2 Miles North, 00000 San Pedro, BLZ
Amigos del Mar
Beach Front PO Box 53 San Pedro Belize, 501 San Pedro, BLZ
Elite Adventures Belize, Ltd
1/2 Mile North, 0000 San Pedro, BLZ
Deep Blue Adventures Belize
Beach Front Boca del Rio, 00000 San Pedro Town, BLZ
TNT Dive Pros
Tarpon ST, 0000 San Pedro, BLZ