Belize: An Awesome Diving Adventure

The Island of Belize is located in Central America next to Guatemala, right below Mexico. Belize is labeled as having the largest coral reef in the Caribbean! The major reason for this being the barrier reef which consists of almost 140 miles of coral reef stretching from Mexico to the north and Sapodilla Caye in the south. Anywhere on or around the Barrier reef, snorkeling and diving await you with awesome dive spots teeming with marine life. Their is a diverse array of reef types as well to add in the total diving experience. Reef atolls, patch reefs, Faroes, fringing reefs, barrier reef and also lagoons can be explored, each offering its own flavor, uniqueness and distinctly different dive.

Diving in Belize is unmistakeably awesome, however, most of the dive sites are located far off shore, and for good reason as their is alot of silt and water run off from local river runoff causing the water to be somewhat cloudy. The northern part of Belize is home to the Hol Chan Marine Park and Shark Ray Alley. Some of the best diving and snorkeling in the country can be found here. Prevailing warm trade winds, pristine waters and an abundance of marine life makes for a formula that can't be beat! The Hol Chan Marine Park is home to many species of fish and corals. Stony (hermatypic)corals such as Monastrea, Brain, Star and Acropora species are frequently seen along with countless Purple Sea Fans and Knobby Finger Gorgonians and various species of sponge. Schools of Shark Rays, Snapper, Grunts, Tangs and Jacks are common at the park. Areas of lush algae and plant life can be found here, especially in the shallower reef biotopes such as back reefs, reef flats and lagoons. Numerous breaks in the coral and rock formations give way to sandy, sea grass areas offering a different perspective and array of life. Some of the best areas to dive are evident in breaks in the Belize Barrier Reef. Often larger fish like Grouper, Jewfish, Rays,Snook, Barracuda and Tarpon can be found inhabiting these areas. Caye Caulker and Goff's English Caye as well as other select areas north of the park along the barrier reef offer great diving.