Top Belize Scuba Tours Tours & Vacations 2024/2025...

Belize Scuba Tours Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

8 Belize Scuba Tours trips. Compare tour itineraries from 9 tour companies. 35 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

Small Group Belize Scuba Tours Tours

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Top Belize Scuba Tours Attractions & Experiences

Top Belize Scuba Tours Experiences

  • Spotting the enormous gentle giant of the seas, the Manatee from afar and up close
  • Snorkeling in crystal clear blue waters
  • Taking high resolution photographs of the many beautiful colors from coral and schools of fish
  • Going on a SNUBA dive to get used to the feeling of scuba diving
  • Swimming along the edge of the incredible “Blue Hole” and marveling at the extreme changes in color of the water
  • Watching beautiful yet deadly stingrays glide elegantly through the water

Belize Scuba Tours Tours & Travel Guide

Belize Scuba Tours Attractions & Landmarks Guide

As a popular Caribbean destination, Belize is known for many things, but especially its scuba diving. Many tours to Belize incorporate this thrilling adventure activity into their itineraries.

Scuba diving is a transcendent experience. You’ll enter an entirely different world, a visitor among the residents of the sea. You’ll have the opportunity to observe the many different microcosms of life, from the smallest fish to the most colorful coral, to predatory sharks.

Sea creatures, especially those that live closer to the ocean floor, are some of the most bizarre and fascinating animals on earth. And when you’re not burdened by having to reach the surface for air, you can venture further into the depths to see these incredible and adaptable organisms.

Belize is a popular scuba diving destination for a couple reasons. Firstly, the waters are incredibly clear, making visibility a lot easier for novice divers. Secondly, the many underwater environments in Belize create wonderful variety. You’ll encounter something new every dive.

Top Scuba Destinations in Belize

The Barrier Reef in Belize is second largest in the world, only smaller than the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. It is no less spectacular however, following the coastline of bright white beaches, and showcasing some of the world’s best snorkeling.

There are three distinct atolls in Belize (and there are only four in the Western Hemisphere). An atoll is a circular coral rim that surrounds a lagoon, either completely or almost completely. This often creates a distinct and stark color differentiation in the water; hence the dark blue within the circle and light blue outside. When swimming underneath this natural phenomenon in the water can make certain areas appear deeper or shallower than they actually are - a disorienting but fascinating optical illusion.

In Belize the three atolls you will find are Lighthouse Reef (home of the Blue Hole), Turneffe Island, and Glovers Reef.

Lighthouse Reef - Though this name may not be recognizable, the Blue Hole of Belize is a very popular destination for divers and tourists. Formation of the Blue Hole began nearly 150,000 years ago, and explorers began charting its depths in the 1970s. It is approximately 400 ft deep. Ongoing sedimentation causes this number to fluctuate. This location for scuba diving is a bucket list item for sure, but know that it does require a certain skill level. Divers are required to have logged at least 24 dives before being allowed to scuba in Belize’s Blue Hole.

But the nearby Lighthouse Reef and the Blue Hole don’t have to be experienced as a diver to be enjoyed. Snorkeling is common in the area, and many day trips operate from the Belize mainland. This is also a common item of Belize tour itineraries.

Turneffe Island - The Turneffe Atoll has hosted a famous name on the high seas. The pirate Blackbeard spent some time in the area. It was at Turneffe that Blackbeard finally captured another ship - one of those he had been a menace for between 1717 and 1718 - forcing them to join his crew. Today, Turneffe is home to several endangered species endemic to Belize, and its a great location for education on the threatened marine life in the Pacific and Caribbean waters.

Glovers Reef - The third atoll in Belize is a large marine national park and reserve. In 2002, all fishing was ceased here in effort to protect some severely threatened species. This reef and atoll is an extremely important nesting area for reef sharks. This was also a common area for shipwrecks and pirate activity during the Spanish colonial period. Keep an eye out for treasure under the waves!  

Marine Wildlife in Belize

When you visit Belize, both above ground and below ground you’ll experience the wonderful wildlife of the tropical Caribbean. Some of the fantastic wildlife you’ll come across under the oceans waters includes:

Manatee - This incredible gentle giant, the subject of many a “boop” meme was recently in the news for being taken off the endangered species list. Also called “sea cows” for their grazing eating patterns, they are an aquatic mammal.

Sea Turtles - Swimming among sea turtles is a fantastic experience. These beautiful animals seem so heavy with their hard shells and large fins, however watching them swim through the water creates an entirely different view. Of the 5 species in Belize you will most likely see Hawksbill turtles, Green Turtles, and Loggerhead turtles.

Sharks - In Belize, as well as other popular reef diving destinations around the world, you will encounter many harmless shark species. Notably, reef sharks, nurse sharks, and whale sharks will drift around, making for wonderful photographs.

Nurse sharks are known for their brown color, often camouflaged among the rocks, making for a startling surprise after you jump in. Whale sharks can be found in southern Belize, and are recognizable for their spotted pattern and size.

Spotted Eagle Stingray - These beautiful silent gliders are a sight to behold. They can get up to eight feet long, and are distinctive for their white spots which reflect the light creating a fantastic show to watch. They also have one of the more defined heads of the stingray family.

Dolphins - One of the biggest draws for ocean activities is the chance to see dolphins in the wild. These incredibly smart creatures are playful, graceful, and curious, and the opportunity to swim among them is one of the best experiences for travelers.

Belize Scuba Photography Tips

1. Lights and lenses. An external light source is essential for taking your underwater photography to the next level, especially in the ocean. Light penetration, or lack thereof, is one of the most distinctive characteristics of the ocean - leading to the many fascinating adaptations that have had to be made by the ocean dwellers who live close to the ocean floor.

2. Underwater Casing. This goes without saying, however for scuba diving, it’s worth it to invest in a nice underwater casing for your camera. This will avoid it breaking or being affected by the depth. Also prepare for tight spaces - factor this into the size of camera you want to bring.

3. Think about composition! It can be tempting to only think about the marine wildlife and when you’re weightless, the perspective on composition can change or easy to forget about. Consider framing your wildlife shots with coral in the foreground or background, and anticipate any other subjects that might drift into frame.

4. Shifting light is inevitable. Underwater photography is perhaps one of them most unpredictable modes of outdoor photography. The light is impossible to predict, plus the complications are compounded with you factor in how light behaves in water. You’ll encounter flares and reflections which can be frustrating when you don’t plan for working with them. However if you’re prepared for this the filtered sunlight, especially closer to the surface can make for spectacular color popping and nuance.

5. Use a red filter over your lights or lens. Red is the first color you lose in deep ocean underwater photography. Using a red filter can help create a less monotone image, adding depth and softness.

6. You’ll have less time and ability to adjust your camera’s manual settings, so try and set these before you submerge. Your diving guide will have a lot of tips on the best settings to achieve maximum light and movements for the many subtle changes you encounter under the surface.

7. Don’t forget about Macro photography. Changing lenses is not a luxury afforded most divers so you are more or less tied to one lens. And for extended dives this is best as a wide angle or telephoto zoom lens- allowing you the most flexibility for different shots. However, if you have an extra day use a macro lens and sticking closer to the surface around the colorful reefs and lighter water.

Belize Scuba Tours Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
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Kevin

Dec 2016

Written on

We really enjoyed the kayaking and snorkeling off of Carrie Bow Caye!!

Our Paradise Islands tour was a superb opportunity to see Belize up close and personal. We were blessed with a small group (3 guests and 1 guide), great weather, eas...

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Anonymous

Dec 2016

Written on

A great trip. Well organized!!

A great trip. Well organized. The guides, Omar and Kimike were very professional and knowledgeable. The snorkeling was good and there was lots of variety with the di...

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Karen

Dec 2016

Written on

This was one of those trips of a lifetime!

This was one of those trips of a lifetime, filled with challenges as well as relaxation. The group provided lovely bonding and helping experiences in the blue waters...

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Amy

Dec 2016

Written on

Guides are very interesting sharing!!

All of the guides were very accommodating and each had a great sense of humor...made the trip fun. All guides were very interesting sharing so much info about Belizi...

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Gale

Dec 2016

Written on

Loved the kayaking and snorkeling!!

We traveled to Belize in December to get away from the cold north , and to feel the warm breeze and warm water. Loved the kayaking and snorkeling The fresh melons an...

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