Belize is a scuba diving paradise that boasts crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an astonishing variety of marine life. Located in Central America, Belize offers divers the opportunity to explore the second-largest barrier reef system in the world and discover unique underwater landscapes such as the famous Blue Hole.
With so many amazing dive sites to choose from, finding the right place to stay can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best options for where to stay in Belize for scuba diving.
For those who aren’t familiar with Belize’s diving scene, it’s worth noting that it’s not only one of the top destinations in the world but also one of the most accessible. The country is home to over 200 islands and cayes that are scattered along its coastline, making it easy to reach most dive sites via boat within an hour or two from your accommodation.
What sets Belize apart from other dive destinations is its incredible biodiversity. The country is home to over 500 species of fish and more than 100 species of coral.
It’s also an important breeding ground for endangered species such as sea turtles, sharks, and manatees. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner diver, there’s something magical about being immersed in these pristine waters.
In addition to its natural wonders, Belize has plenty else going for it when it comes to planning your next dive trip: English is widely spoken throughout the country; there are direct flights from major US cities; and there are many hotels and resorts located near major dive sites that cater specifically to divers’ needs. So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at some of our favorite spots for where to stay in Belize for scuba diving!
Ambergris Caye
The Most Popular Scuba Diving Destination in Belize
Ambergris Caye is one of the most well-known and popular destinations for scuba diving in Belize. Its reputation as a diver’s paradise is due to the fact that it offers a wide variety of dive sites, from shallow coral gardens to deep blue abysses. Its popularity as a tourist destination has also led to a multitude of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxurious five-star resorts.
A Wide Range of Accommodations Available
If you’re looking for accommodation on Ambergris Caye, there are plenty of options available. If you’re on a budget, there are many hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rooms with basic amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
If you want something more comfortable, there are hotels that offer more luxurious amenities like swimming pools and private balconies. If you have your heart set on luxury accommodation, you won’t be disappointed either.
There are many high-end resorts on Ambergris Caye that offer five-star facilities like spas, private beaches, gourmet restaurants and more. Whatever your budget or preference may be, Ambergris Caye has something for everyone.
Diving Opportunities
Ambergris Caye has some of the best diving opportunities in Belize. One of the most famous dive sites is the Blue Hole which is an awe-inspiring underwater sinkhole over 400 feet deep surrounded by coral formations teeming with sea life. Another popular destination is Hol Chan Marine Reserve which offers divers opportunities to see stingrays, nurse sharks and sea turtles up close.
In addition to these two well-known dive spots, there are many other great sites around Ambergris Caye that cater to all levels of divers – from beginners to advanced – with an abundance of marine life and underwater scenery to explore. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, Ambergris Caye has something for everyone.
Caye Caulker: A Relaxed and Affordable Scuba Diving Destination
If you’re looking for a more laid-back and budget-friendly scuba diving destination in Belize, look no further than Caye Caulker. This charming island is smaller than Ambergris Caye but offers plenty of diving opportunities, including the famous Shark Ray Alley and the Great Barrier Reef.
One of the best things about Caye Caulker is its relaxed atmosphere. There are no cars on the island, making it easy to get around by foot or bicycle.
The main street is lined with local restaurants and bars where you can enjoy fresh seafood and tropical cocktails while watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. Accommodations on Caye Caulker are mostly guesthouses, small hotels, and vacation rentals.
These options tend to be more affordable than those on larger islands like Ambergris Caye or Placencia Peninsula. Many of these properties are located right on or near the beach, giving you easy access to all of the island’s activities.
When it comes to diving in Caye Caulker, there are plenty of options for both beginners and experienced divers. Shark Ray Alley is one of the most popular dive sites in Belize, where you can swim with nurse sharks, stingrays, and other marine life.
The Great Barrier Reef is also easily accessible from Caye Caulker and offers some of Belize’s best diving spots. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed adventure or a peaceful snorkeling trip, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful island paradise.
The Placencia Peninsula: A Scuba Diving Haven
Located in southern Belize, the Placencia Peninsula is one of the country’s top scuba diving destinations. With pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, it’s no wonder that this area is popular among divers.
The peninsula offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to beachfront villas, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a memorable vacation. Luxury Resorts and Beachfront Villas
For those looking to indulge in luxury accommodations during their stay in Belize, the Placencia Peninsula has plenty of options. Resorts like Chabil Mar and Turtle Inn offer guests a range of amenities including private beaches, swimming pools, and spa services.
Guests can choose from ocean view suites or private villas with plunge pools for a truly luxurious experience. Diving Opportunities: Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve
The diving opportunities at the Placencia Peninsula are unmatched. Home to some of the best dive sites in Belize, Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve are two must-visit areas for any diver.
The marine reserve is home to vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish species like parrotfish and angelfish. It’s also common to see nurse sharks, rays, and sea turtles swimming through these waters.
Gladden Spit is another world-renowned dive site located near the peninsula. Between March and June each year, whale sharks migrate through these waters to mate offshore.
Divers have the opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants while also taking in other marine life like barracudas and groupers. Overall, if you’re looking for an unforgettable scuba diving experience paired with luxurious accommodations during your stay in Belize, look no further than the Placencia Peninsula.
Hopkins Village: A Hidden Gem for Scuba Divers
Just south of Dangriga lies the peaceful village of Hopkins, a place where visitors can truly immerse themselves in the local culture and get away from the crowds. Hopkins is still a relatively undiscovered option for scuba divers, but it offers some spectacular diving opportunities. Glover’s Reef Atoll is a must-see attraction for divers here.
The atoll is home to an incredible array of marine life, including dolphins, sharks, and rays, as well as colorful coral formations. Despite its off-the-beaten-path location, Hopkins offers plenty of options for accommodations.
Visitors can choose from small guesthouses or boutique hotels that offer personalized service and unique experiences that are not available at larger resorts. Many places also offer easy access to the beach so you can start your diving adventure right from your doorstep.
If you’re looking for something other than diving or snorkeling, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy in Hopkins. Take a tour of the local Garifuna village and learn about their traditional music and dance or go on a hike through Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary to see some exotic wildlife species.
The Best Dive Sites near Glover’s Reef Atoll
Glover’s Reef Atoll is one of Belize’s top dive sites – and with good reason! This beautiful atoll offers an unforgettable diving experience thanks to its diverse marine life and stunning coral formations. Here are some must-visit dive sites around Glover’s Reef Atoll:
1) The Wall – This site features spectacular vertical drop-offs that provide stunning views all around 2) Long Caye Wall – Another wall dive that offers even more dramatic views with colorful corals
3) Snapper Caye – Home to large schools of snapper fish 4) Southwest Cut – A great site for spotting turtles and eagle rays
5) Manta Wall – Named after the frequent manta ray sightings, this site offers chances to see these majestic creatures up close Whether you’re an experienced diver or just starting out, Glover’s Reef Atoll and its surrounding dive sites are definitely worth exploring.
Local Guesthouses: The Best Way to Experience Hopkins
One of the best things about visiting Hopkins is that there are plenty of local guesthouses available for visitors who want a truly authentic experience. These guesthouses offer a level of personalized service that larger resorts simply can’t match. You’ll be treated like family and get insider tips on the best places to eat and what activities are happening in town.
Most guesthouses in Hopkins offer simple but comfortable accommodations with all the basic amenities, including WiFi, air conditioning, and hot water. They also often have communal areas where guests can meet and share stories about their travels.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience for your scuba diving trip to Belize, Hopkins Village is definitely worth considering. With its laid-back vibe, diverse marine life around Glover’s Reef Atoll, and local guesthouses providing personalized service, you’ll have a unique adventure that you won’t soon forget.
Conclusion
Belize is an ideal destination for scuba diving enthusiasts, with a wide range of accommodations available to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for luxury resorts, quaint guesthouses, or off-the-beaten-path options, Belize has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere with plenty of amenities and easy access to top diving spots like the Blue Hole and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Ambergris Caye is the perfect choice. Accommodations range from budget-friendly options like hostels and guesthouses to luxurious beachfront resorts.
For those seeking a more laid-back atmosphere, Caye Caulker offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to popular diving spots like Shark Ray Alley and the Great Barrier Reef. With quaint guesthouses and budget-friendly accommodations available, it’s easy to find the perfect spot that fits your budget.
If luxury is what you’re after, look no further than Placencia Peninsula. Boasting some of Southern Belize’s top dive sites like Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, this region also features a variety of upscale resorts and beachfront villas to choose from.
If you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path option that still offers excellent diving opportunities, check out Hopkins Village. This small fishing village boasts local guesthouses as well as small hotels where you can enjoy a more authentic Belizean experience while exploring Glover’s Reef Atoll.
No matter where you choose to stay in Belize for your scuba diving adventure, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring some of the world’s most stunning underwater environments. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
