What Getting Dive Certified On The Belize Barrier Reef From Ray Caye Looks Like

by Carolee Chanona

Dive by day, and decompress under the stars by night—you’ve earned it after your scuba certification from PADI 5-star resort in Belize, Ray Caye. It usually starts with just curiosity, thanks to the breathless stories of what it means to scuba dive, with eyes growing wider as divers recount seeing the Belize Barrier Reef—the world’s second-largest—up close. Next thing you know, you’re spending seven days on a private island resort in the middle of the Caribbean Sea at Belize’s Ray Caye; the lounge chairs on the property are empty most days, but it’s just because they’ve got the most biologically diverse coral atoll in the Western Hemisphere in their backyard to go fly-fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. 

How To Plan For An Unforgettable Week

Realistically, you’ll need a week, (as if someone needs to twist your arm to vacation in the Caribbean) but only because the course itself demands it. Hit the theory out the way first, usually online, and then you’re into the see-through shallows of islands like Silk Caye and Laughing Bird Caye, practicing your newfound skill sets off the beach in chest-deep water. 

You also can’t fly within 18 hours of a dive because of safe decompression, but you also want to ensure you have a few extra days for more than open-water dives without feeling a time crunch to also enjoy the property’s pools, spa treatments, and saltwater waterslide. The certification itself takes a minimum of three days, which will be done with PADI from the onsite Pirate Reef Dive Shop and Center.

silk cayes belize drone beach

A beautiful approach to the Silk Cayes in Southern Belize. Photo by Duarte Dellarole

The most widely accepted certification is with PADI, Professional Association of Diving Instructors, a trusted name and logo you’ll come to find all over the world once you start diving. Getting a PADI certification has its advantages, as it’s the largest dive training organization in the world and once you’ve got it, you just need to maintain it with regular dive hours per year. 

What Your Ray Caye Dive Package Includes 

Besides ground transfers from the Placencia airport to Orchid Ray Marina and boat transfer to Ray Caye Island Resort, you’ll also get six nights in an oceanfront cabana. More than just a pretty face, Ray Caye is 17 miles east of Placencia village, with 20 guest rooms spread across 7 acres. Each is 100% solar-powered, distinctively styled, and features jaw-dropping sunset views over patches of healthy seagrass beds and patch reefs. Breakfast, lunch, and 3-course dinner daily are included at the Lionfish Bar & Grill, with plenty to fuel and refuel you for underwater adventures ahead. Think coconut-crusted snapper and cranberry-glazed duck, which pairs with the local beers and Belizean rum included too.  

new beach cabanas ray caye belize island

The new oceanfront cabanas at Ray Caye.

You’ll have complimentary use of kayaks, paddleboards, and Hobie cats, but your 2-tank dives to nearby surrounding reefs are what you’ll come for. Groups are small and outings are highly individualized, which often feels like it’s just you and the deep blue sea—in the best way possible. With Belize’s stunning beaches and coral reefs, beginners will be spoiled for scuba choice when it comes to unique dive sites, right from Ray Caye.

Images via Ray Caye.

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