Welcome to Belize! One of the best dive spots in the entire Caribbean and a dream come true for ocean lovers. If you are into scuba diving and are looking for spots to spend your next adventure, Belize is the place to go! And if you’re planning your next scuba diving vacation, there’s no place quite like it.
For the unversed, Belize is also home to the largest living barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, countless vibrant dive sites, and, of course, the world-famous Great Blue Hole.
So, whether you're planning your first dive trip to Belize or you're a seasoned diver chasing bucket-list experiences, here's your 2025 go-to guide to exploring Belize's very best underwater treasures.
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef: Belize’s underwater crown jewel
The first spot on the list is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. What makes this spot so mesmerising is that this marine marvel stretches over 190 miles along the coast of Belize and is beaming with small reef fish, vibrant corals, and incredible biodiversity.
It is also one of the best dive spots along the reef, including Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and Turneffe Atoll. As per the Belize Tourism Board, Hol Chan is the Caribbean country’s oldest marine reserve and one of the most popular snorkeling and dive sites.
What might interest you is that you'll find reef sharks, nurse sharks, eagle rays, and even occasional turtles cruising by. PADI Travel confirms that these waters are home to more than 500 species of fish and nearly 70 types of coral. Adding to its charm, the reef structure also makes for excellent night diving and little drift diving opportunities for more advanced diving skills.
It’s also super convenient for the divers. The water is warm and clear year-round, with diving conditions ideal for both beginners and advanced scuba divers.
The Legendary Great Blue Hole
Next up on our spots to go for scuba diving enthusiasts is Blue Hole in Belize. This giant marine sinkhole lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef and measures over 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep - making it one of the top bucket-list dive sites in the world.
And did you know? The Great Blue Hole was popularised by Jacques Cousteau, who named it one of the top ten dives in the world, as per National Geographic.
The pristine waters at the Blue Hole make it a perfect spot for diving. Diving into the Blue Hole would help the divers experience massive stalactites and limestone formations below the surface.
Thinking about the best time to visit? It’s during Belize’s dry season (November to May) , for reasons pertaining to ideal visibility and calm seas, although you'll find more active fish and other aquatic life during your summer vacation.
The Blue Hole dive trips are often bundled with dives at Lighthouse Reef and Half Moon Caye Wall, offering a full-day adventure of diverse underwater landscapes. Bluewater Dive Travel recommends this combo as one of Belize’s very best full-day diving experiences.
Turneffe Atoll, Lighthouse Reef & Caye Caulker
For our third spot, let's go looking deeper into Belize's hidden gems! Explore beyond the mainland and around Ambergris Caye. Here you can find Turneffe Atoll - A sprawling reef system, ideal for advanced scuba divers and teeming with biodiversity. As mentioned by Scuba Diving Magazine, Turneffe Atoll is a top pick for experienced divers looking for dramatic walls and marine variety. Another famous spot is Half Moon Caye.
The place is home to one of the best dive walls in the Caribbean. Don’t miss the Half Moon Caye Wall, known for dramatic drop-offs and canyons. Last, but definitely not the least, when visiting Belize, you must make your way to Caye Caulker. The charming, chill island offers relaxed local diving with plenty of vibrant coral life. Many visitors also tout Caulker as a laid-back favorite for both new and seasoned divers.
Whale sharks & marine life encounters
More than spots, we have another reason for travellers to opt for Belize for their diving thrills! Between March and June, the waters off southern Belize become the playground of the ocean's gentle giants: whale sharks.
The whale shark season aligns with the full moon, when these massive filter feeders follow spawning snapper. According to the Belize Audubon Society, the best chances possible to see them are around the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve.
But that’s just not it! Other marine life includes nurse sharks and reef sharks as well as moray eels, octopuses, and even the occasional manatee. Brightly colored parrotfish and angelfish amid coral gardens are also visible in the seas.
Best time to dive in Belize
Wondering when to dive in Belize? Believe it or not, the summer season is prime time for fishing and diving because the marine life is very active. The country enjoys warm, tropical conditions year-round. But there are still a few tips to keep in mind:
- Dry season (Nov–May): Prime time for visibility and calm seas, ideal for a blue hole dive or long dive trips.
- Water temps hover between 26–29°C, making wetsuits optional for many divers.
- The rainy season reigns from June to October, but worry not! The place is still very much diveable! Especially for whale shark season, and fewer crowds make for peaceful underwater sessions.
Getting to Belize
If you’re still working out a plan to travel to Belize, let us simplify the work for you. Here’s what you need to know: Belize is relatively easy to get to, especially from major US cities. Most international flights land in Belize City, with quick connections via local airlines or ferries to get to Ambergris Caye or San Pedro.
The fun part? No visa needed for stays under 30 days for many nationalities. English is the official language, making communication with dive operators and scuba schools a breeze. Don’t worry about the currency as USD is widely accepted, and most dive shops take credit cards.
Scuba diving training and certification in Belize
Now that your travel itinerary is sorted, the question of whether you can actually experience scuba diving in the gorgeous Belize waters arises. Are you not certified to scuba dive? No problem!
Many dive centers in Belize offer scuba school programs for beginners. You can also fast-track certification courses with PADI or SSI instructors. There are ample options for refresher courses or specialty dive training. Whether it’s your first dive or looking to polish up before your next dive, Belize’s friendly dive leaders and instructors have you covered.
Where to stay: Las Terrazas Resort – your dive getaway
When it comes to comfort, luxury, and convenience for your scuba diving in Belize journey, look no further than Belize’s Las Terrazas Resort on Ambergris Caye. This upscale resort offers spacious accommodations, direct access to dive packages, and coordination with top-tier dive operators. It’s the perfect basecamp for divers!
What we offer:
Exploring the best dive spots like the Blue Hole, Turneffe, and Half Moon Caye. Booking a personalized itinerary with expert guides and full-service gear support. At Las Terrazas, you’ll discover the perfect blend of Caribbean relaxation and world-class dive travel planning.
Book your diving adventure in Belize today!
Belize diving isn’t just a trip; it’s an experience. With year-round opportunities, fascinating marine life, and the epic allure of the Great Blue Hole, this jewel of Central America promises something for every diver.
Whether you’re gearing up for your last dive trip or planning a new scuba diving destination, it's time to dive Belize in 2025. Book your diving adventure now and let Las Terrazas Resort help make your underwater dreams a reality.