Explore the Stann Creek District
Stann Creek District is a district which lies on the south east coast of Belize, with its shore on the Caribbean Sea. There are numerous exciting diving locations here, with some of the highlights including Placencia, Tobacco Caye and Glover’s Reef Atoll. What all these diving locations have in common include fantastic visibility, usually over 30°C, warm waters throughout the year; ranging between 26°C and 30°C, stunning marine environments and the chance to see a multitude of marine species. All of these areas have a few dive centres and dive resorts that offer multiple diving adventures including dive courses, night dives, and guided dives to the best dive sites in the region. All these areas cater to a wide range of divers from beginners wanting to start their diving journeys in the shallow, calm dive sites, to more experienced divers who want to visit the steep reef walls, the deep sea caves, the channels, the pinnacles and more. All of these regions also provide an opportunity to spot some very exciting marine species; at Tobacco Caye divers can visit Shark Cave and see different species of Sharks, Glover’s Reef Atoll provides the chance to see Manta Rays and Placencia is a popular spot to dive with Whale Sharks. These regions are slightly less popular than other parts of Belize, but this means a lack of crowds and still an impressive selection of marine environments including vibrant reefs, and all the life that comes with it. Diving here should absolutely be on divers bucket lists.
Places to Explore
Glover's Reef
Glover’s Reef is a unique, idyllic site, with over 700 pristine patch reefs abundant in a wide variety of marine life.
Tabacco Caye
Tobacco Caye is a small island located approximately 15 kilometres off of the east coast of Belize, in the Stann Creek District, in the Caribbean Sea. The island is a total of 3 acres big, but underwater, the marine environments are vast. Divers can explore these waters either from dive centres on the mainland, or from the one dive centre on the island. It is located right by the Belize Barrier Reef and there are extraordinary shore dives, boat dives and dive courses. Underwater, divers can see an extraordinary collection of marine environments and marine life, including Sea Turtles and Eagle Rays.
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 Stann Creek District Dive Sites
1. Shark Cave, Tobacco Caye
Shark Cave offers a thrilling diving experience with the opportunity to spot Nurse Sharks, Black Tip Reef Sharks, and Bull Sharks. The adventure level is advanced due to the presence of multiple shark species. This site is ideal for scuba diving and features a captivating underwater spectacle of diverse shark gatherings.
2. Tarpon Channel, Tobacco Caye
Renowned as the best shore dive in Belize, Tarpon Channel is teeming with Tarpon and a variety of Caribbean fish. The site offers an easy adventure level suitable for both scuba diving and freediving. Its vibrant marine life makes it a must-visit for any dive enthusiast.
3. Long Caye Wall, Glover’s Reef Atoll
Long Caye Wall boasts an extraordinary reef covered with colorful corals and sponges. This site, ideal for advanced divers, is perfect for scuba diving with the possibility of seeing Manta Rays. The wall provides a stunning underwater panorama at Glover's Reef Atoll.
4. The Pinnacles, Glover’s Reef Atoll
The Pinnacles feature over thirty large coral formations, each about 30 meters high. This unique topography offers an advanced diving adventure exclusively for scuba divers. The site promises a distinctive exploration of coral structures.
5. Gladden Spit, Placencia
Gladden Spit is famous for the chance to encounter Whale Sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. The site is suitable for advanced scuba divers and is located in an ecologically important area. Diving here during the right season offers a memorable experience of swimming alongside these majestic creatures.