Belize
Incredible Offshore Reefs, Super Inland Adventure Tours...
"Belize is situated along the Caribbean coast of central America, about 750 miles from either
Miami, Houston or New Orleans. Bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and
south, mainland Belize is about 180 miles wide, with a land mass similar to that of the state of
Massachusetts. The longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere is found in Belize. Running
some 185 miles, from Ambergris Cay in south, the U/W appeal of the barrier reef is augmented by
more than 200 offshore cays and three distinct atolls. There are but four true atolls in the western
hemisphere and Belize proudly claims three of them -- the Turneffe Islands, Lighthouse Reef and
Glover’s Reef.
Belize is among the most accessible of Caribbean dive destinations, at least in terms of air
transportation. Most travelers arrive at Belize international Airport, just nine miles outside of Belize
city, via jet. The airport terminal is new and air-conditioned, with an extended runway to
accommodate the increase in air traffic coincident with the nation’s increasing popularity for
business travelers and tourist. The weather in Belize is consistently pleasant. The raining season
runs from June through October; the water is also warm. The official language is English. There is
an hyperbaric chamber on Ambergris Cay and helicopters from British Army have been very helpful
in emergencies.
Quality dive boats are available departing Belize city and it is possible to find good diving within
the context of a one half day trip.
The Atolls
Turneffe Islands: The Turneffe Islands enclose a massive mangrove lined lagoon that is a
breeding ground for a tremendous diversity of life. More than any other area in Belize, the Turneffe
Islands support impressive populations of both reef tropical and pelagic species.
Lighthouse Reef: Is likely the premier destination for exotic diving in Belize. Its most famous dive is
probably the Blue hole, subject of a 1970 Cuesteau expedition. Standing in contrast to the
aquamarine surroundings, the Blue Hole is an Indigo cylinder with a diameter of more than 1,000
feet and a maximum depth of 412. Dives are generally staged to about 135 feet to view the
stalactites formed when this was a subterranean cave 15,000 years ago.
Glover’s Reef: This is the most southern of the three atolls and the least frequently dived. Rarely
do the live-aboards visit Glover’s and, except from Blue Marlin, this atoll is too far for day-trips from
the barrier reef resorts."
Text by Stephen Frink and Bill Gleason
This page was designed by Carlos Parra
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