Belize Diving and Marine Reserves

Diving, National Park

By Christopher Minster

Belize is probably best known for its scuba diving and snorkeling. The largest coral reef in the Americas, 300 km (185 miles) long, is found just off the coast. Belize has recently taken steps to protect this natural wonder so that visitors will be able to enjoy it for years to come.

Belize’s most famous dive spot is the Blue Hole. Once an underwater cave, the Blue Hole collapsed about 10,000 years ago. It left a nearly perfect circular hole about 300 m (1000 feet) across and over four hundred feet deep. The beautiful sapphire blue spot is visible from space. It is located in the middle of Lighthouse Reef atoll and attracts divers from around the world.

Not far away is Half Moon Caye Natural Monument. On the southwest corner of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, it is a protected area known for its rookeries of red-footed boobys and magnificent frigatebirds, as well as dozens of other bird species who are either permanent residents or migratory. It is also known for a large iguana population. Offshore, there is excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.

Hol Chan (“Little Channel” in Mayan) is a channel through the reef and the location of a marine reserve since 1987. Located about four miles away from Ambergris Caye, the reserve encompasses three very different marine ecosystems: the reef; seagrass bed; and coastal mangroves, which are vital for the many species of fish and marine life found in the area. Since the reserve was established and fishing prohibited, the area has flourished and it is an excellent spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Shark Ray Alley is a dive spot known for rays and sharks. Popular with less experienced divers, it is possible to see the rays and sharks in as little as ten feet of water. Local dive masters know to bring a pocketful of snacks for the sharks, who put on quite a show for the visitors.