3 THINGS THAT WILL SURPRISE YOU IN BELIZE
What to expect from diving?
Experience level? Beginners to advanced
Best time to dive in Belize? High season: April – June, can dive all year round
How to dive in Belize? Boat daily dives, from resorts near Blue hole
Water temperature? 27-29° Celsius, 81-84° Fahrenheit
Visibility? Up to 25 meters/80ft
Currents? Usually none. Can be mild or strong (rare)
Dive equipment needed? 3-5mm wetsuit is sufficient
What else should I know?
STILL AS PRISTINE AND SECLUDED AS 20 YEARS AGO
Belize was the place where I fell in love with diving 20 years ago while snorkelling and watching the divers being part of the amazing world, stole my heart forever. It was a very symbolic trip now 20 years later, which caught me by surprise. Belize still has its secluded Caribbean tropical flair, it is not crowded with tourists and divers, even though there are cruise ships passing by, the reefs are quite clean, there is abundance of marine life & bird populations. Local organizations do a lot of work to maintain and preserve the flora and fauna of this gorgeous destination. The resorts, such as Turneffe flats, Huracan diving lodge and jungle lodge Lamanai strive to be eco and environmentally friendly. Belize is full of natural monuments (e.g. Half Moon Caye & Blue Hole) and forest, marine & archaeological reserves (e.g. Caye Caulker, Glover's Reef, Lamanai, Turneffe Atoll, Lighthouse reef) and many more protected areas, which are all worth visiting.
1. DISTANCES AND LOGISTICS
Arriving in Belize Municipal Airport, you would be taken to your resort first by car to the pier and then by speed boat. Keep in mind that since the Blue hole and the most beautiful reefs are 2-2.5 hour one way (sometimes bumpy) boat ride away, Turneffe atoll – the largest and most biodiverse atoll in Americas, and Lighthouse Atolls are the best choices for accommodation. Depending on which resort you stay at, the boat ride to the best dive sites be around 5 minutes to an hour. The closest dive resort to the Blue Hole, Halfmoon Caye and Lighthouse Reef – the absolute must dive of Belize is Huracan Diving Lodge. It has only 5 rooms, hosting maximum of 10 guests, provides a’la carte chef prepared meals, relaxed atmosphere and best diving in Belize. A bit further off, between the mainland and the Blue Hole is the Turneffe flats resort, which has sea view cabanas for 2 guests, as well as larger villas for families or groups. Lovely cosy atmosphere, gorgeous property, family style setting and friendly staff will make your stay unforgettable. There are plenty of beautiful dive sites around this area and the day trip to the main attractions is an hour away. Eco-tours for crocodile, manatee and bird watch is a great option here to be combined with diving.
Our recommendation: Transfers from Belize City to Huracan lodge or Turneffe Atoll are scheduled, so you might want to check on the days before booking your flights and stay. If your flight arrives on the day prior the scheduled transfer you may stay on the mainland near the pier, in Radisson hotel, for example.
2. DIVING BELIZE! WHAT TO EXPECT?
Having dived around Caribbean, we did not expect anything specials, however were pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the reefs, abundance of life, especially curious friendly groupers and sharks! Lionfish (as invasive specie in the Caribbean), is allowed and encouraged to be hunted, which makes a great meal and attraction for sharks and groupers. The sharks on lighthouse reef will follow you the whole dive, especially if your guide carries a spear. You can see macro life such as nudibranchs, blennies, decorator & arrow crabs, spotted drummers, “clouds” of silverside fish in the swim throughs, pipe fish & seahorses. Turtles, tarpons, barracuda, freely swimming morey eels, eagle rays and even dolphins are regular guests of the gorgeous reefs of Belize.
The Blue Hole is greatly overrated, in our opinion, as well as other guests’ comments. It was cool to check it out – make the deep dive, stay at 40 meters for 3 minutes and come back up. There is no reef, almost no life, just darkness and archaeological formations. If you’re into colors, marine life and longer chill dives – you might as well skip the Blue Hole altogether.
Our recommendation: Stay at Turneffe or Lighthouse Atolls, to be closest to best diving and have outstanding service. Do not expect much of the Blue Hole.
3. THE JUNGLE
Coming to Belize and not staying at least 2-3 nights in the jungle to explore the Mayan Ruins, incredible nature, 290km Belize River, to see crocodiles and manatees is a sin. There are quite a few Jungle lodges that we can recommend which will take your breath away. It is a great ending to the trip, spending your no-fly time after the diving week in the jungle surrounded by wild nature, relaxed atmosphere and the ancient mystery feeling. Take a sunrise canoe ride with not a single soul around, have your morning coffee to the sounds of birds and monkeys, watch hummingbirds feed on nectar, go on the sunset drift on the river with real Piña Coladas and go night-crocodile watching. What an amazing ending to Belizian adventure.
Have you been to Belize? Or is it on your bucket list?
We look forward to your insights! Leave us a comment!
Planning your own trip to Belize? Let me help you: service@divingspecials.com
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