Beginner Diving in Belize

Long before the British wrestled Belize from Spanish rule, this relatively untouched Latin American nation was part of the Mayan Empire. While British influence still lingers – Belize being the only Central American nation with English as its official language – the Mayans left behind a number of fantastic ruins and ancient monuments. Throw in the world’s second-largest barrier reef, jaguar-inhabited rainforests and some pretty iconic dive sites, and you’ve got everything you need for an incredible beginner diving adventure.

Beginner diving in Belize allows newbies to gain experience in the company of turtles, dolphins and eagle rays, as well as an impressive selection of smaller critters such as seahorses and frogfish. The Belizean coastline marks the western limit of the Caribbean Sea, and the Mesoamerican Reef lies just off the shore. The corridor between the reef and the land is dotted with picturesque atolls and cayes, and its beauty and diversity mean Belize is a firm favourite of our Original Diving team.

Outer Atolls

Belize's three outer atolls (Turneffe Atoll, Glover's Atoll and Lighthouse Reef) are a huge draw for divers, with Lighthouse Reef's Great Blue Hole topping many diving bucket lists. Although the Great Blue Hole isn't suitable for beginners, nearby sites on the protected Belize Barrier Reef offer some of the best beginner diving in Belize. The Aquarium dive site is a particular highlight, allowing newbies to observe colourful hard coral, vibrant reef fish and even dolphins gliding through the water.

Southern Belize

Southern Belize is perfect for those looking to scuba dive and snorkel away from the crowds. The region boasts a number of fantastic resorts, including a beachfront resort in Placencia owned by American filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and a private-island paradise on the edge of Gladden Spit. Nearby, Laughing Bird Caye offers shallow sites ideal for snorkellers and divers alike, while Silk Cayes Marine Reserve sees manta rays and sea turtles, as well as annual spawning aggregations of snapper between March and June.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a stone's throw from the southern tip of Ambergris Caye, boasts colourful coral formations and an abundance of marine life. The reserve was established as a marine protected area in 1987, and its gentle conditions are perfect for diving newcomers.

While any more experienced diving companions can head to Shark Ray Alley for nurse sharks and southern stingrays, beginners can explore the shallower reefs, weaving through tropical reef fish and soft coral bommies.