Explore Placencia
Placencia is a resort town located on the south east coast of Belize, in the Stann Creek District, in the Caribbean Sea. There are a small handful of dive centres and dive resorts here where visitors can do both dive courses and get guided around the best dive sites of the region. Highlights of diving here include incredible visibility, thrilling steep walls and a high chance of seeing Whale Sharks. This is a less popular diving region, but not due to lack of what it has to offer. Diving here means getting away from the crowds and still have the opportunity to admire a multitude of marine environments and marine species.
Top Placencia Dive Sites
1. Gladden Spit
This site is famed for whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea, which frequent the area. It offers an advanced diving adventure due to strong currents and is suitable for scuba divers. The site is part of a protected marine area, ensuring a diverse ecosystem.
2. Laughing Bird Caye National Park
Perfect for beginners, this site features crystal clear waters and the opportunity to see various species of rays. It offers easy scuba diving conditions and is also suitable for freediving. As a national park, it holds ecological significance and is ideal for dive courses.
3. The Outer Reef
Comprising multiple dive sites, this area is best for experienced divers due to its steep walls and strong currents. It primarily supports scuba diving and provides thrilling drift dives with spectacular reef patches.
4. Belize Barrier Reef
Part of the world’s second-largest barrier reef, this site offers both scuba and freediving opportunities. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a vibrant array of marine life including corals and tropical fish. The diving experience ranges from easy to advanced.
5. Shark Hole
This site is known for its selection of sharks and is suited for advanced divers. Scuba diving is the main type of exploration here, with impressive underwater formations. It offers an exhilarating dive experience for those seeking an adrenaline rush.