Belize is a paradise for lovers of snorkeling and diving from all over the world, mainly because Belize often ranks among the best diving locations on the planet. The reason is obvious – Belize Barrier Reef. The most attractive advantage of Belize is that you can dive or snorkel along the entire coast of the country. Also, at every accommodation, resort, or diving company on the seaside, local people will be happy to give you advice on where and with whom to go diving. Snorkeling and diving is a huge industry and passion in Belize. You should give it a try to complete your Belizean experience!

Shark-Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve snorkeling and diving

Being near the island of Ambergris Caye, it is only logical that you take a visit to the protected area of Shark-Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which is famous for its rich underwater life. You can see young sharks and large groups of rays up close and personal in these rare environments. This exceptional location is easily accessible by motorboat even from the second most popular Belizean island – Caye Caulker. However, if you prefer to snorkel in peace and solitude, then you might want to go somewhere that is less packed with tourists. Due to its small size and spectacular marine life, these two spots are often very crowded.

Great Blue Hole diving

Every year, tens of thousands of divers are magnetically attracted to one exceptional place – the Great Blue Hole. Divers enjoy this place a bit more than snorkeling lovers, because it is more about depth than surface beauty. Although the edge of the sinkhole is a truly interesting spot to explore, you can find many other interesting destinations for snorkeling in Belize where you do not have to pay the expensive entrance fee to access the protected area of the Great Blue Hole. However, Sayonara Wreck lies at a depth of less than 15 meters, and is available for divers with less experience, although for many people it will be the dive of a lifetime. The location is slightly further away from civilization, so those who take their diving seriously usually stay at the adjacent accommodation that is mainly just for divers. You can stay here for three days or so without running out of amazing things to see and explore. However, if you are on a tighter schedule, there is no problem making it a simple one-day trip, and it will still be worth the journey.

Diving in Great Blue Hole is not suitable for beginners.

Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve snorkeling and diving

A particularly popular protected marine reserve named Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve is a part of the Belize Barrier Reef and is located less than 40 kilometers from the coast of Placencia in the southern part of Belize. Gladden Spit is a promontory that forms the southernmost tip of the sunken atoll and is an ideal place for divers. Unlike other diving sites in Belize, this area is visited by a small number of marine life lovers. Another part of this protected area is comprised of three small islands, called South Silk, Middle Silk, and North Silk. In a nation of islands, what makes these three so special? Well, in the surrounding waters of these islands, mainly from March to May, there are a significant number of whale sharks that can be seen, especially during the full moon. In case you didn’t know, whale sharks are the largest sharks in the world and one of the largest animals inhabiting this planet. Despite its enormous size, it has a gentle nature and is a favorite among divers that want to get up close and personal with one of nature’s gentle giants.