Top Dive Sites in Belize You Shouldn’t Miss

Today’s the day you finally explore what lies beneath those inviting Caribbean waters surrounding Ambergris Caye. As you grab your morning coffee and walk to the beach at Belizean Shores, you’re not just looking at another pretty ocean view. You’re staring at the horizon where the world’s second-largest barrier reef system lies, where coral formations and tropical fish species abound to create breathtaking scenery in the underwater world waiting below.

Here at Belizean Shores, we’re just a short boat ride from some of the most incredible dive sites in the world. Thanks to our partnership with Amigos del Mar, getting underwater has never been easier or more exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or someone who’s always dreamed of exploring beneath the waves, these five dive sites should be at the top of your Belize bucket list.

1. Hol Chan Marine Reserve: Your Ideal First Dive

If you’re newly certified or traveling with family members who recently completed their Open Water certification, Hol Chan Marine Reserve is your ideal starting point. This shallow dive at just 30 feet offers great visibility and abundant marine life.

The marine reserve status means the fish here are abundant and unafraid—expect to see jacks, snapper, parrotfish, and grouper swimming remarkably close to divers. Sea turtles are frequent visitors to the channel, often gliding gracefully through the area as they move between feeding grounds. The shallow depth makes this an ideal spot for underwater photography.

What makes Hol Chan special is how accessible it is—you don’t have to go far to experience this beautiful underwater paradise. “Hol Chan” means “little channel” in Mayan, and this natural break in the reef creates a unique underwater highway where marine life flows freely between the deep water outside the reef and the shallow water inside. Nervous first-time divers often tell us they forgot their fears within minutes of descending into this remarkable marine sanctuary. For those seeking a different perspective, Hol Chan also offers excellent night diving opportunities, where the underwater world transforms as nocturnal marine life emerges.

2. Tres Cocos Cut: Canyon Adventures Begin Here

A top favorite with divers, Tres Cocos Cut offers your first taste of Belize’s famous canyon diving. The reef here starts at a comfortable 40 feet and gradually drops into deeper waters, giving you options based on your comfort level and certification.

With minimal currents to worry about, this site is a photographer’s dream. The canyon formations create natural frames for your shots, while schools of tropical fish provide ideal moving subjects. Keep your eyes open for spotted eagle rays gliding gracefully through the blue—they’re frequent visitors here and always make for an unforgettable encounter.

The variety at Tres Cocos means every dive feels different. Some days you’ll focus on the intricate coral details in the shallower areas, while other visits might take you deeper to explore the canyon edges where larger marine species cruise by.

3. Paradise Canyons: Where Drama Meets Beauty

Ready to take your diving up a notch? Paradise Canyons lives up to its name with dramatic finger canyons that stretch from 60 to 70 feet deep. The underwater topography here is like nothing you’ve experienced—coral formations create interesting spaces filled with marine life.

Swimming through these natural formations feels like exploring an underwater maze. The protected nature of the canyons means marine life thrives here, with everything from tiny colorful reef fish to larger species making regular appearances.

This site balances adventure with safety perfectly. The canyons provide shelter from any surface conditions while offering the kind of dramatic underwater scenery that makes diving in Belize so special.

4. Tackle Box Canyons: A Photographer’s Paradise with Thrills

Divers consistently rank Tackle Box Canyons as one of their favorites, and once you experience it, you’ll understand why. The narrow canyons and tunnels at depths of 66 to 100 feet create an underwater maze that’s both thrilling and beautiful.

The real stars here are the Caribbean reef sharks that patrol these waters. Don’t worry—these graceful predators are more curious than dangerous, often approaching divers with an almost casual interest before gliding away into the blue. The combination of dramatic topography and these magnificent creatures creates photo opportunities you simply can’t find elsewhere.

5. Esmeralda Canyons: Guaranteed Shark Encounters

For shark enthusiasts, Esmeralda Canyons offers something truly special—guaranteed encounters with both nurse sharks and Caribbean reef sharks. This isn’t just marketing hype; the unique ecosystem here consistently attracts these magnificent creatures, making every dive an almost certain shark encounter.

The coral canyon formations at Esmeralda create the ideal habitat for these graceful predators. Nurse sharks often rest within the coral formations, allowing for incredible close-up viewing opportunities. Meanwhile, Caribbean reef sharks patrol the canyon edges, creating memorable moments when they glide past with effortless grace.

What makes Esmeralda truly special is how comfortable these sharks are around divers. Years of respectful interactions have created an environment where you can observe natural behavior without disturbing these amazing animals. It’s the kind of dive that turns shark fearers into shark lovers.

Your Belizean Shores Dive Experience: Making It All Effortless

Ready to explore these incredible sites? Our dive packages take all the guesswork out of your underwater adventures. When you stay with us and book our diving package, you get everything you need for an unforgettable reef experience.

What’s included:

• 3, 5, or 7 nights accommodation in Pool View condo-style suite
• Daily two tank dives at Amigos Del Mar, an SSI, PADI, and SDI Dive Facility
• Daily transportation to/from Amigos Del Mar for Diving
• Daily breakfast
• Round trip hopper flight from Belize International to San Pedro Town
• Round trip van shuttle transfer from San Pedro Town to the resort

View our complete diving packages with detailed pricing and itineraries

The best part? Everything is coordinated through our reservations team. No need to research dive operators, compare prices, or worry about equipment quality. Our partnership with Amigos del Mar means you’re diving with operators who know these reefs like their backyard and prioritize safety without sacrificing adventure.

Whether you’re a first-time diver looking to get certified or an experienced underwater explorer ready to tackle the deeper canyon sites, our reservations team will match you with the ideal dive experience.

Planning Your Underwater Adventure

Here’s the thing about diving in Belize—space can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. We always recommend booking your dive trips in advance to secure your spot on our boats. Our experienced team can help you plan the ideal diving schedule that matches your certification level and interests.

Book your dive trip now

Remember, every dive you take helps support reef conservation efforts here in Belize. The marine protected areas you’ll be exploring exist because of sustainable tourism practices and diver education programs. When you choose responsible operators like our partner Amigos del Mar, you’re contributing to the protection of these incredible ecosystems for future generations.

Ready to discover why divers from around the world come to Belize? Contact our reservations team to book your dive package, or if you’re already planning your stay with us, let us know about your diving interests when you make your reservation. We’ll make sure your underwater adventures are as memorable as your time relaxing at the resort.

The reef is waiting and trust us—once you experience diving in Belize from your home base at Belizean Shores Resort, you’ll understand why guests keep coming back year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dive packages available for families with different skill levels? Yes! Amigos del Mar caters to all levels of divers and can accommodate families with mixed experience levels on the same trip. They offer flexible options to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable underwater experience.

What diving equipment is included in Belizean Shores packages? Our dive packages include all necessary equipment: masks, fins, regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, and tanks. All gear is professionally maintained by our partner Amigos del Mar, so you don’t need to worry about equipment quality or maintenance.

How far in advance should I book dive trips? We recommend booking dive trips as soon as you confirm your resort dates, especially during peak season. Our reservations team can help you secure spots when you book your accommodation.

Which dive sites are best for underwater photography? Tres Cocos Cut offers great photography conditions with minimal currents and natural lighting. Tackle Box Canyons provides dramatic shark encounters, while Hol Chan’s great visibility makes it ideal for beginners trying underwater photography for the first time.

What’s the best time of year for diving in Belize? Diving in Belize is great year-round, but visibility is typically best from April through June. Summer months offer calmer seas and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for both beginners and experienced divers.

What if I’m not certified but interested in diving? Yes! Our partner Amigos del Mar offers PADI and SSI certification courses, from basic Open Water to advanced certifications. Digital learning can be done in the US before traveling to Belize. In-water training and certification can be completed during your vacation to Belize. These can be arranged through our reservations team, and the certification dives can often incorporate visits to the sites mentioned in this guide.

Ready to book your Belize diving adventure? Contact our reservations team at [email protected] or call us during your reservation process to add diving packages to your stay.