Diving Adventures – Exploring Belize’s Great Blue Hole and Beyond

While the Great Blue Hole is Belize’s underwater crown jewel, the surrounding areas, including Caye Caulker, Turneffe Atoll, and Half Moon Caye, offer diverse underwater experiences. From serene coral gardens to exhilarating drift dives, this Caribbean paradise caters to divers of all levels. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, the waters around Caye Caulker have captivating sites waiting to be explored.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about diving around Caye Caulker.

The Best Season to Dive

Caye Caulker offers year-round diving with consistent temperatures between 25-29°C. The warmer months are from July to September, while the cooler ones are from January to March.

Diving seasons

🌧️ June to November: Wet season with light winds and choppy surfaces. Tropical storms might suspend diving for a few days, and heavy rain can affect visibility in shallower areas.
☀️ December to May: Dry season with warm, sunny weather. The ocean warms up, and visibility is usually excellent.

Season for Specific Species

🐟 October-November: Grouper mating season with thousands of groupers around the cayes.
🐢 May: Best time to spot mating sea turtles, with hatchlings emerging around October.

Other species are present year-round without specific seasons.

Diving Difficulty and Equipment Recommendations

Diving around Caye Caulker is generally easy with minimal currents, perfect for beginners. If currents are present, you’ll enjoy a drift dive with the boat picking you up wherever you surface. The water temperature varies from 25-29°C, suitable for a 3mm wetsuit or shorty.

The Great Blue Hole requires Advanced Open Water Certification or equivalent due to its depth (around 40 meters). Dive shops may require at least 25 logged dives.

Always prioritize your safety and comfort, paying close attention to guides and local regulations.

Booking your Dives

Only two operators on Caye Caulker offer local dives and trips to the Great Blue Hole. We chose Frenchies Diving based on their schedule, but Elite Adventures Belize is also well-regarded. Prices for the Great Blue Hole trip are around $330 USD, including park fees and three dives. Turneffe Atoll dives cost about $300 USD for three dives, while closer reefs are $200 USD for three dives or $150 USD for two. Always compare pices while you are on the island, because they are (unfortunately) subjected to change.

A Daytrip to the Famous Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole, off Belize’s coast, is a must-see for underwater beauty. This geological marvel, a 300-meter-wide and 130-meter-deep sinkhole, dates back to the last ice age when it was a limestone cave. Jacques Cousteau’s 1971 expedition brought it international fame, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Diving the Great Blue Hole

After a 2-hour boat ride from Caye Caulker, you’ll reach the Great Blue Hole. While aerial views may be famous, don’t expect the same from the surface. Prepare for the dive to explore the deep caves and stalactites at around 40 meters depth. Despite dive limits, you’ll marvel at the impressive stalactites formed over thousands of years. Keep an eye out for sharks as you ascend around the reef. A typical dive lasts 30-40 minutes.

Enjoy Halfmoon Caye Above and Below Water

Our second dive was at Half Moon Wall, near Half Moon Caye, part of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. This site features a dramatic vertical drop-off ranging from 10-30 meters depth, with some expected currents. The wall’s overhangs shelter various species like angelfish, parrotfish, snappers, and groupers. Keep watch for reef sharks, nurse sharks, and eagle rays. After diving, visit Half Moon Caye, known for its red-footed booby bird sanctuary. Enjoy lunch and watch these beautiful birds.

Dive The Aquarium on your third dive

“The Aquarium” dive site is often the third dive of the day. As the name suggests, it’s a vibrant spot with colorful corals, sponges, and tropical fish. With depths ranging from 8-25 meters, it’s suitable for all divers and makes for the perfect end to your trip.

Diving Caye Caulker: Our Thoughts

Exploring the waters around Caye Caulker, particularly the Great Blue Hole, is a dream for many divers. Our dive day was fantastic, though I must admit, I was slightly let down by the lack of marine life. The imposing stalactites are awe-inspiring, especially for seasoned divers; this dive is a must!

For beginners, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve offers a solid choice. However, those with more dives under their belt might find the reefs farther out more impressive. Despite ongoing efforts to restore marine life at the reserve, there’s still plenty to behold, from vibrant coral systems to a variety of fish species. Another great option, suitable for divers of all levels, is the Turneffe Atoll. While slightly pricier than the Hol Chan Marine Reserve dives, we found the experience here more rewarding.