[tps_header]WHAT TO SEE[/tps_header]
Reefs, mostly mounds of colorful underwater limestone, are believed by many divers to be the most beautiful habitats found in the sea. Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world. This spectacular sight, stretching from north to south, runs nearly parallel to the coast. Over 400 species of fish, at least 70 types of coral and a variety of sponges are found in waters that surround Belize’s Barrier Reef.
The largest marine reserve in the country, the South Water Caye Marine Reserve stretches from Hopkins to the Sittee River and attracts increasing numbers of divers each year. A nearby underwater cave named ‘Hell Hole’ awaits exploration; it has a mouth that in places is 15ft wide.
Belize is a wall diver’s paradise. Sheer walls carrying such names as Painted Wall, Half Moon Caye and Quebrada are adorned with orange elephant ear sponges. Moray eels, spiny lobsters and arrow crabs hide in every crack, crevice, cave and tunnel of these coral wall formations.
Just offshore from the village of San Pedro, Hol Chan Marine Reserve is an underwater park situated at a deep cut in the barrier reef. Here divers can spot a variety of corals and throngs of grouper, snapper and barracuda. At Shark Ray Alley, people can snorkel with nurse sharks and stingrays.
The Blue Hole, a collapsed freshwater cave system, is 1000ft across and 400ft deep. Jacques Yves Cousteau, declaring it in 1985 one of the top ten dive sites in the world, made the Blue Hole famous. One can, on a Blue Hole dive, see beautiful vertical stalactite formations. Only persons with considerable diving experience should attempt exploring the Blue Hole.
Trips to the Blue Hole operate from San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, as well as from Caye Caulker and Turneffe. All trips involve a two-hour boat ride each way.
Belize has an annual mean temperature of 79 degrees F. The humidity, while at times high, is tempered by sea breezes. Saltwater temperatures vary between 79 and 84 degrees. A visit to Belize is sure to be a memorable experience. It certainly was for me.
[tps_footer]Next Slide Includes Where to Dive[/tps_footer]
Belize is a great place for scuba diving. I am looking forward to the dive. Just waiting for things to normalize.