A Guide to Year-Round Underwater Adventure
When you think about Belize you think about diving! Belize is famous for its vibrant marine life and the world’s second-largest barrier reef, the Belize Barrier Reef, which stretches over 185 miles and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This natural wonder makes Belize one of the top global destinations for diving enthusiasts. Considering when to plan your dive vacation. The great news is that you can dive in Belize year-round, but specific seasons provide unique opportunities to enhance your adventure.
1. High Season: December to April
The dry season, from December to April, is considered the best time to dive and snorkel in Belize. This period coincides with the country’s peak tourism season, offering ideal weather conditions with minimal rainfall, calm seas, and excellent visibility in the water.
• Visibility: Visibility during these months can reach up to 100 feet or more, making it perfect for exploring the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest barrier reef in the world. You’ll experience vibrant coral gardens, sea turtles, stingrays, and a variety of tropical fish.
• Weather: With little to no rain, you’ll enjoy sunny skies and temperatures ranging between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C). Calm waters make boat rides to popular dive spots like Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley which is only a short 15 minute boat ride from Ambergris Caye smooth and comfortable.
• Marine Life: During this time, you’re more likely to spot larger species such as sea turtles, eagle rays, and nurse sharks. The calm conditions also make it ideal for beginners who are new to diving.
2. Whale Shark Season: March to June
For those looking to experience one of the most spectacular underwater encounters, March to June marks the Whale Shark season in Belize. These gentle giants, the largest fish in the world, migrate to Belize’s southern waters, particularly around Gladden Spit near Placencia, during this period.
• The Experience: Whale sharks are drawn to the area by the annual spawning of snapper fish, creating an extraordinary opportunity for divers to swim alongside these magnificent creatures. Though it’s primarily a diver’s delight, snorkelers may also get the chance to see whale sharks from the surface.
• Best Time to Spot Them: Whale shark sightings are most frequent around the full moon, and dive operators schedule tours accordingly.
3. Mellow Season: May to November
The low season from May to November brings slightly more rainfall, but it’s still an excellent time to dive and snorkel in Belize. The rainy season typically involves short afternoon showers, which rarely interfere with morning diving or snorkeling excursions.
• Visibility: Visibility may decrease slightly, but it’s still clear enough to enjoy the vibrant underwater landscapes. Dive sites along the Belize Barrier Reef remain stunning, with abundant marine life.
• Fewer Crowds: With fewer tourists around, you can enjoy a more intimate experience with the reef. You may even have popular dive sites, like Turneffe Atoll, almost entirely to yourself.
• Marine Life: Marine life remains diverse and abundant, with sightings of colorful fish, barracuda, rays, and even occasional dolphins. The water is still warm and inviting, perfect for enjoying long snorkeling sessions.
4. Blue Hole Diving: Year-Round Highlight
No matter when you visit Belize, the Great Blue Hole is a must-dive site. This iconic, deep blue sinkhole, located within Lighthouse Reef Atoll, offers divers the chance to explore its mysterious depths, filled with stalactites, reef sharks, and an array of marine life.
• Best Time to Dive: While the Great Blue Hole can be dived year-round, the best conditions are typically during the dry season, when visibility is highest, and the sea is calmest. The journey is a 3 hour boat ride with dive operations requiring 10 person minimum for the trip to go out. Our onsite dive shop
• The Dive Experience: The Blue Hole’s unique limestone formations and deep walls make it an unforgettable experience for advanced divers, while nearby snorkeling opportunities in the surrounding atoll cater to all levels.
5. Off-the-Beaten-Path Dive Sites
While the Belize Barrier Reef is the most famous dive and snorkeling destination, there are other lesser-known spots perfect for exploration throughout the year:
Turneffe Atoll Dives – Full Day Trip from Ambergris Caye
A dive at Turneffe Atoll from Ambergris Caye offers an unforgettable glimpse into one of Belize’s most biologically diverse ecosystems. As the largest atoll in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, Turneffe spans over 300 square miles and is home to more than 500 species of fish and 65 species of coral. This atoll is unique for its mix of mangroves, seagrass beds, and shallow lagoons, which serve as vital nurseries for marine life. Divers can explore its dramatic vertical drop-offs, pinnacles, and coral formations teeming with marine creatures like spotted eagle rays, reef sharks, turtles, and dolphins. With clear visibility of up to 100 feet, Turneffe’s pristine waters offer some of the best diving in the Caribbean, making it a must-see spot for divers visiting Ambergris Caye.
Why Belize is a Year-Round Diving Paradise
Belize’s warm Caribbean waters and diverse marine life make it an ideal destination for underwater enthusiasts at any time of the year. Whether you’re visiting during the dry season for the best visibility, planning a trip during whale shark season for a chance to swim with the giants, or diving in the quieter months for a more intimate experience, Belize offers incredible opportunities for both novice and experienced divers and snorkelers.
No matter when you go, expect to be mesmerized by the beauty of Belize’s coral reefs, abundant marine life, and crystal-clear waters. With its convenient proximity to world-renowned dive sites, Ambergris Caye is a top base for your underwater adventures. Consider staying at SunBreeze Hotel, where you’ll have access to a full-service, on-property dive shop.
On Site Dive Shop
SunBreeze Hotel has an on-site dive centre making all your dive needs easy and convenient. Locally owned and operated since 2000, Ambergris Divers is a 5 star PADI Center. As an affiliated PADI Dive Center, they are also a certified Belize Tourism Board Tour Operator and DAN Business Partner.
Belize Dive Packages at SunBreeze Hotel: A Prime Dive Resort
As a premier dive resort on Ambergris Caye, SunBreeze Hotel offers a range of dive packages tailored to all levels of divers, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts. With its on-site PADI-certified dive shop, you’ll have everything you need for seamless access to Belize’s world-renowned underwater sites. The hotel’s dive packages are designed for convenience, including accommodations, daily dives, gear rental, and expert guides.
SunBreeze Hotel: Ideal for Group Dive Vacations
With its 42 spacious rooms, SunBreeze Hotel is the perfect choice for group dive vacations on Ambergris Caye. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a dive club excursion, or a getaway with friends, the hotel’s layout and accommodations cater to groups of all sizes. The courtyard-style design creates a relaxing environment, with rooms just steps away from the beach and the on-site PADI-certified dive shop.
Pack your gear and get ready to explore the underwater wonders of Belize—it’s a trip you’ll never forget!