If you’ve heard about Belize you probably know that it has a lot to offer, from lush rainforest, abundant wildlife, Maya Temples, but most importantly, the Caribbean Sea.
The Barrier Reef:
Belize is fringed by the second largest Barrier Reef in the world. It extends over 190 miles along the coast and affords protection to our hundreds of islands. Come and explore its deep underwater canyons from a depth of 45 to 90 feet. You will see brain coral, elkhorn, and staghorn. It is also home to turtles and reef sharks as well as the usual Caribbean reef fish and myriad tiny, colorful tropical fish.
Pristine Condition:
Belize is a small country, both in area and population. The Tourist Industry is still young. This means that our waters have not been over-fished or over-dived; from its inception, our tourism was put in place with extreme measures taken to protect our resources.
Hol-Chan Marine Reserve:
The name means Little Channel in the Maya Language. It has been a protected area since 1987 and is always actually patrolled. It covers 3 square miles and is 30 feet deep. This marine reserve is Mother Nature’s Aquarium, brimming with brilliant coral formations and heavy schools of fish such as grouper, snapper, jacks, sea turtles and barracuda. It is also easily accessible, minutes away from Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye.
Ambergris Caye:
This 26-mile long island is the largest and most popular and is only an hour away from Belize City by boat. It is also the closest to the Barrier Reef. The village of San Pedro is a bustling hub of barefoot beach life. It offers everything a modern destination could: accommodation for every budget, restaurants and coffee shops, bars, internet, ATM’s, golf cart rentals, and hospitable people who speak English.
Shark Ray Alley:
This is a wondrous spot for snorkeling. In days gone by, fishermen used this spot to clean their catch. This soon attracted nurse sharks and stingrays, who made it their home. Since these sea creatures are gentle and harmless, you can swim with them and take unforgettable photos.
The Atolls:
True coral atolls are a rarity. In Belize, there are three or four to be found outside the Barrier Reef. Imagine your own private little reef and sandbars. There is enough firm land to house a dive-lodge. This is truly the way to get away from it all and explore the shallows which are replete with coral gardens, vertical walls, and majestic pinnacles.
The Blue Hole
The Belize Blue Hole is truly a natural wonder. It is a sinkhole which is an inky blue orb in the middle of the sea; perfectly round and 1000 feet across and 450 feet deep. It is within reach of all the cayes, from north to south. At 130 feet, you will be stunned by stalactites suspended from caverns. Dive or do a helicopter fly-over you will never forget.
So, all you diving enthusiasts, grab your snorkel and come to paradise for an unparalleled diving experience.
Written by Nelita Castillo
