Explore Ambergris Eastern Shore
Diving in Ambergris Eastern Shore offers a thrilling marine adventure, making it a must-visit destination for enthusiasts. The eastern coast of Ambergris Caye boasts over 40 vibrant dive sites, each revealing unique underwater landscapes. While shore diving isn't an option, the sites are just a brief speedboat ride away, ensuring easy access to this underwater paradise.
The area is renowned for its spur-and-groove reefs, a geological wonder where coral gardens flourish alongside deep canyons and swim-throughs. These sites, such as Palmero Canyon and Mexico Canyons, are brimming with marine life, from colorful tropical fish to the occasional eagle ray gliding by. Seasonal visitors might also spot nurse sharks or the majestic sea turtles that grace these waters.
Divers can explore a variety of environments, including the intricate undercuts and sand flats that make each dive an exploration of its own. Whether on a boat or liveaboard, each dive promises a new discovery, bringing you closer to the vibrant heart of the Caribbean Sea. Ambergris Eastern Shore is a treasure trove for those seeking both adventure and tranquility beneath the waves.
Dive Activity
Diving in Ambergris Eastern Shore
The Ambergris Eastern Shore is a paradise for dive enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of underwater experiences. Notable wreck dives include the Great Blue Hole, famous for its circular shape and dramatic depth, teeming with stalactites and reef sharks. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve offers popular shore dives, where snorkelers and divers can encounter vibrant coral gardens and a rich array of marine life, including the curious green moray eels.
For those interested in unique underwater activities, night dives reveal a different world where bioluminescent creatures illuminate the depths. Seasonal phenomena, like the spawning of groupers, offer captivating spectacles. Ambergris provides a balance between shore dives accessible to casual tourists and liveaboard options for those seeking extended adventures. The area’s rich biodiversity and varied diving opportunities make it a must-visit destination for dive travelers.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Ambergris Eastern Shore
The Ambergris Eastern Shore, known for its vibrant marine life, hosts a variety of common reef fish including parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. These species are abundant year-round, making them a regular sight for divers exploring the colorful coral reefs. Grouper and snapper also populate the area, adding to the rich underwater biodiversity.
Seasonal highlights include the arrival of nurse sharks and spotted eagle rays, typically seen from May to September. These larger species are more frequent near the reef drop-offs and sandy bottom areas, where divers also have the chance to spot hawksbill and green sea turtles. The likelihood of encountering these majestic creatures increases during their respective breeding seasons, providing an unforgettable experience for marine enthusiasts.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
59 Sightings
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7
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7
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3
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2
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3
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2
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7
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5
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2
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2
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11
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8
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
59 Sightings
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3
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5
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8
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2
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4
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8
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4
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10
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4
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4
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2
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5
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
53 Sightings
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0
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2
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6
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9
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2
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14
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8
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4
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3
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5
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle
25 Sightings
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2
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3
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12
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6
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2
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
21 Sightings
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3
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7
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5
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Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
20 Sightings
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4
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3
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5
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4
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 2
AdobeStock-hakbak
Nurse Shark
228 Sightings
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26
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19
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28
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13
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12
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25
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27
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21
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9
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12
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16
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20
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
114 Sightings
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9
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6
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8
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10
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18
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15
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12
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3
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3
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11
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9
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
110 Sightings
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11
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13
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5
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3
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6
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16
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14
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9
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9
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 80
iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays
106 Sightings
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8
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14
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10
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6
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10
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14
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13
The best Months to Dive in Ambergris Eastern Shore
The Ambergris Eastern Shore offers diving opportunities year-round, with conditions varying slightly by season. Water temperatures typically range from 26°C–29°C/79°F–84°F, providing comfortable diving conditions at any time. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant marine life and coral reefs.
Weather factors like wind and currents may affect diving, particularly from November to February when northerly winds can bring cooler temperatures and rougher seas. However, these conditions are usually manageable, and diving remains possible throughout the year. The most favorable period for diving is from March to October, when the seas are calmer and the weather is more predictable.
