Belize District
Explore the Belize DistrictBelize District is located in the Central American country of Belize, and
Explore Belize
Diving in Belize offers an unparalleled experience that captivates both novice and seasoned divers. At the heart of this underwater adventure lies the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, stretching over 300 kilometers/186 miles. This vibrant marine ecosystem is a diver's paradise, with crystal-clear waters and a stunning diversity of life. Among the kaleidoscope of colors, divers often encounter gentle nurse sharks, elegant stingrays, and the occasional visit from majestic whale sharks, making each dive an exhilarating encounter with nature.
The variety of dive environments in Belize is nothing short of spectacular. From the famous Great Blue Hole, a deep marine sinkhole offering a unique dive experience, to the dramatic drop-offs of the reef walls, there is something to suit every taste and skill level. Shore dives reveal thriving coral gardens, while liveaboards allow for extended exploration of the outer reefs and atolls. With dive centers offering courses for all levels, Belize is not just a destination for diving but a place to deepen your connection with the sea.
Seasonal highlights add to Belize's allure, with migrations of whale sharks providing a breathtaking spectacle. The region's protection efforts ensure the preservation of these marine environments, promising divers a sustainable and awe-inspiring experience. Whether exploring the marine life-rich lagoons or the mysterious depths of underwater caves, Belize stands as a beacon of natural wonder and adventure, inviting divers to explore its hidden treasures.
Power Plug Type
A, B, G
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX, Cir, Plus
Tipping
10–15% / Service Staff / Tipping is expected in restaurants and for good service; some hotels and restaurants may include a 10% service charge.
Currency
BZD
Dial Code
+501
Electricity
110V / 220V / 60Hz
Time
UTC−6
Places to explore
Dive Centers
Dive Sites
Top Wildlife Sightings in Belize
For a Carribbean country, Belize holds a high diversity of marine life. Hard corals, soft corals, fan corals and various sponges provide a colorful backdrop for different species of snappers, groupers, jacks, barracuda and other reef fishes. Macro-photographers are treated to a variety of nudibranchs, shrimps, eels, and crabs. The crystal-clear visibility of Belizean waters makes all marine life sightings that much more enjoyable.
On the higher end of the size range, commonly encountered large animals include sea turtles (Belizean waters are home to five different species), nurse sharks, eagle rays and stingrays. Reef sharks can be found in offshore dive sites. Rarely sighted but extremely special animals include dugongs and saltwater crocodiles (near mangroves or in seagrass beds), manta rays, and other shark species like hammerheads and tiger sharks.
At certain times of year, huge numbers of fish come together to spawn in Belizean waters. Cubera and mutton snapper do this, as well as many grouper species; the spawning gatherings of meter-long, critically endangered Naussau groupers in Belize is world-famous. These “mass spawning” events are a wonder of nature. Divers shouldn’t intrude on these nationally protected reproductive parties, but the effects benefit everyone, especially between April and June, when whale sharks arrive to feast on the eggs. As the whale sharks fatten up by Gladden Spit off Placencia, divers can swim with and marvel at them, the biggest fish in the ocean. Whale shark watching in Belize is reliable, and can be done either snorkeling or diving.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
2k Sightings
J
210
F
164
M
177
A
200
M
221
J
182
J
229
A
156
S
77
O
57
N
122
D
215
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
1.9k Sightings
J
201
F
183
M
184
A
145
M
167
J
160
J
202
A
133
S
93
O
117
N
154
D
210
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
1.9k Sightings
J
179
F
177
M
167
A
155
M
188
J
168
J
219
A
173
S
95
O
89
N
121
D
194
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
1.5k Sightings
J
126
F
136
M
149
A
114
M
129
J
172
J
175
A
155
S
98
O
84
N
89
D
112
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle
578 Sightings
J
25
F
32
M
121
A
131
M
113
J
46
J
69
A
2
S
13
O
10
N
11
D
5
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
6.3k Sightings
J
571
F
514
M
517
A
431
M
511
J
648
J
702
A
577
S
305
O
343
N
536
D
692
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer
Grey Reef Shark
3.2k Sightings
J
248
F
272
M
243
A
298
M
281
J
304
J
386
A
281
S
128
O
143
N
284
D
374
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
2.5k Sightings
J
203
F
202
M
223
A
173
M
224
J
285
J
304
A
224
S
119
O
150
N
173
D
244
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
2.4k Sightings
J
199
F
230
M
200
A
204
M
153
J
222
J
268
A
183
S
111
O
149
N
205
D
252
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
2.2k Sightings
J
173
F
188
M
175
A
186
M
171
J
226
J
233
A
167
S
134
O
151
N
153
D
199
