Belize Barrier Reef
A 300 kilometre long stretch of flourishing coral reefs in pristine waters and white sandy beaches,
© iStock-SHansche
Explore the Belize District
Belize District is located in the Central American country of Belize, and in the east are its coastlines on the Caribbean Sea. Off the coast are hundreds of islands called cayes, which all harbor white sandy beaches surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters. Underwater, there is a high abundance of biodiversity with multiple underwater environments, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. For divers wanting to visit Belize and its spectacular dive sites, there are many options. If liveaboards are the way that divers want to explore this area, there are multiple options, all departing from Belize City, which is the largest city on mainland Belize and the main port city for the country. Should divers be more interested in day trips from dive centers or dive resorts, these are located either in Belize City, in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye, or on the island of Caye Caulker. Some of the dive areas include the Belize Barrier Reef, a 300-kilometer/186-mile-long coral reef with an impressive amount of marine life; the Great Blue Hole, a geographical phenomenon in the shape of a 124-meter/407-foot-deep sinkhole in the middle of the ocean; and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a marine reserve made up of four marine environments and harboring an incredibly high biodiversity. All levels of divers will have something to revel over in this area, all while enjoying the pleasant diving conditions within the Caribbean Sea, with water temperatures between 24°C–29°C/75°F–84°F and a warm climate year-round.
Top Regions to Explore
Upcoming Events
Dive Activity
Diving in the Belize District
Belize District offers a plethora of remarkable dive sites, catering to both shore and liveaboard diving enthusiasts. One of the highlights is the "Turneffe Atoll," known for its vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life, including eagle rays and nurse sharks. This site provides excellent opportunities for both wreck and night dives, allowing divers to witness unique nocturnal marine behaviors.
Another popular site is the "Hol Chan Marine Reserve." This shore dive is famous for its shallow reef teeming with colorful fish and occasional stingray sightings. For those who prefer liveaboard diving, the "Great Blue Hole" offers a surreal experience with its deep, circular sinkhole and stalactite formations. The balance between shore accessibility and the adventure of liveaboard trips makes Belize District a top destination for divers seeking varied and unforgettable underwater experiences.
Dive Centers
Dive Sites
The best Months to Dive in the Belize District
The Belize District offers excellent diving conditions year-round, making it a popular destination for divers. The water temperatures typically range from 26°C–29°C/79°F–84°F from the winter months to about summer, providing comfortable conditions for diving at any time of the year. Visibility usually spans from approximately 15–30 meters/49–98 feet, although it may vary slightly with weather changes.
Diving is possible throughout the year, but the best conditions are often found between November and May when the weather is drier and winds are calmer. From June to October, the rainy season can bring stronger winds and occasional storms, which may impact visibility and create stronger currents. However, even during this period, there are plenty of calm days suitable for diving, making Belize District a reliable choice for divers.
Top Wildlife Sightings in in the Belize District
Belize District is renowned for its vibrant marine life, especially in its coral reefs. Divers can expect to encounter common reef fish such as the blue tang, parrotfish, and angelfish, which are prevalent year-round. These species thrive in the warm, clear waters surrounding the Belize Barrier Reef, providing a colorful spectacle for underwater enthusiasts.
Seasonal sightings add to the district's allure. During the summer months, divers have a higher chance of encountering whale sharks, particularly around Gladden Spit. Rays, including the southern stingray and spotted eagle ray, are frequently seen gliding gracefully over the sandy seabed, while sea turtles like the green and hawksbill are also common, especially around turtle grass beds. These encounters are more likely during nesting seasons, which peak from May to November.
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 approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
2.8k Sightings
J
244
F
274
M
296
A
237
M
272
J
278
J
287
A
178
S
116
O
149
N
195
D
264
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
2.5k Sightings
J
223
F
221
M
285
A
279
M
293
J
246
J
289
A
169
S
94
O
64
N
135
D
233
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
2.5k Sightings
J
185
F
235
M
253
A
216
M
252
J
281
J
294
A
196
S
116
O
111
N
143
D
230
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
2.1k Sightings
J
144
F
173
M
229
A
164
M
199
J
276
J
243
A
211
S
127
O
109
N
97
D
167
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle
893 Sightings
J
29
F
52
M
175
A
246
M
173
J
62
J
88
A
14
S
20
O
11
N
15
D
8
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
472 Sightings
J
20
F
36
M
90
A
18
M
28
J
128
J
43
A
24
S
18
O
8
N
12
D
47
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
306 Sightings
J
26
F
23
M
16
A
27
M
39
J
41
J
27
A
23
S
23
O
16
N
17
D
28
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle
261 Sightings
J
27
F
28
M
52
A
45
M
11
J
25
J
3
A
7
S
15
O
16
N
17
D
15
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 2
AdobeStock-hakbak
Nurse Shark
8.2k Sightings
J
643
F
686
M
791
A
663
M
722
J
875
J
951
A
672
S
371
O
401
N
589
D
787
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer
Grey Reef Shark
3.9k Sightings
J
260
F
346
M
336
A
378
M
388
J
412
J
488
A
310
S
154
O
151
N
300
D
418
Curated by Interest
Events by Lifestyle Category
Underwater Beginner
Mares
Scuba Enthusiasts
Aqualung
Freedive Seekers
Shutterstock-Zi Magine
Family Trip
Mares-Predrag Vuckovic
Adventure Day Trips
Scubapro
ECO Activities
Shutterstock-Ethan Daniels
Group Trips
Mares-Predrag Vuckovic
Technical Diving
Mares-Bjoern Dorstewit
