Belize

The underwater world thrills year-round at sites along the famed Lighthouse Reef, the Great Blue Hole, and beyond.

Belize Tourism Board

Eco-friendly diving that prioritizes sustainability awaits travelers who venture to Belize. This tiny Central American country with 240 miles of easily accessible Caribbean coastline punches far above its weight when it comes to a commitment to marine conservation. Belize’s 185-mile-long barrier reef is thriving as part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest in the world. Approximately 28 percent of Belize’s marine areas are protected. The underwater world thrills year-round at sites along the famed Lighthouse Reef, the Great Blue Hole, and beyond. Whale sharks also make seasonal appearances in the waters of Gladden Spit off Placencia. “Diving the Great Blue Hole is a must, but the dives along the reef are also incredible,” says Nadia Chaplin, a dive instructor with Splash Dive Center. “And South Water Caye is known for its double reef formation and rich marine life, including eagle rays, sharks, turtles and a variety of vibrant corals bursting with color.” Adrenalin-rush wall dives with huge drop-offs and healthy coral gardens frequented by hawksbill turtles, rays, nurse sharks and a rainbow array of over 500 kinds of fish mean every dive brings something to discover. You’ll want to make time to dive into Belize’s land adventures too, which might see you exploring Maya archaeological sites, zip-lining through lush rainforests or cave tubing along a subterranean route through the Nohoch Che'en caves. No matter how you choose to experience Belize, wonder is always in view here.

Belize’s incredible scenery and natural environment please the eye both underwater and topside.

Belize Tourism Board

Explore Further

Jaguar-Spotting

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the world’s first protected jaguar preserve. The chance to spot the elusive cats in the wild is the main lure, but black howler monkeys and toucans are also at home here.

Island Vibes

The roughly 4-mile-long island of Caye Caulker, easily accessible from Belize City via ferry or a quick flight, lures divers and budget backpackers. Manatees are sometimes spotted in the shallows at Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, and you can rent a bike to explore the island’s back roads.

2025 Readers Choice Awards

Belize took home 11 total destination awards, including Big Animals, Macro Life, Wall Diving, Underwater Photography, Health of Marine Environment and Best Value.