Belize Marine Reserves - Diving - Belize

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 ft) across and over 121 meters (400 ft) 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, there is a protected area known for its rookeries of red-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds, as well as dozens of other bird species who are either permanent residents or migratory. It is also known for its 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 6.5 kilometers (4 mi) 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 three meters (10 ft) of water. Local dive masters know to bring a pocketful of snacks for the sharks, who put on quite a show for the visitors.

Location:
Belize

Diving, National Park

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By Christopher Minster
I am a writer and editor at V!VA Travel guides here in Quito, where I specialize in adding quality content to the site and also in spooky things like...

Updated: 13 May 2010