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With more than 180 miles of barrier reef, hundreds of square miles of shallow reefs and three offshore atolls, Belize has ample diving variety

Colorful Reefs, Green Jungles and a Blue Hole

Flanked by the world's second longest coral reefs, Belize rewards divers with a rich array of underwater environments ripe for discovery and rich in fish life. Just inside the reef, a string of small coastal islands known as cayes is a short boat ride away from lively spur-and-groove reefs. Offshore atolls add steep walls, schooling fish and the famous Blue Hole. On southern reefs, seasonal fish spawns draw massive whale sharks. Expansive shallows between cayes and the mainland serve as an aquatic playground for kayakers, fishermen and sailors, while the rainforests and mountains of the interior offer Mayan ruins, jungle river drifts, cave tours, off-roading, hiking and more.

Highlights

  • Best for: Divers of all ability levels
  • Best season to visit: The dry season, January to early June, offers better visibility on reefs closer to the mainland. Lighter winds in summer months make for more comfortable rides to offshore atolls. April and May offer an ideal combination of conditions
  • Weather: Belize enjoys a sub-tropical climate moderated by Caribbean sea breezes. Winter temperatures occasionally dip below 70 during northerlies, while summers may reach into the 90s, with increased humidity and rain showers after June

Things to Do

Belize Information

About Diving in Belize

There are three primary areas of diving activity in Belize. Ambergris Caye is the country's most popular destination, and home to a number of dive resorts and charter operators who access nearby sites along the barrier reef, plus all-day excursions to the offshore atolls. The atolls—Lighthouse, Glovers and Turneffe—deliver dramatic walls and lively inner reefs with consistently good conditions. South of Belize City, the Placencia area is the gateway to miles of less-visited reefs and small, uninhabited islands ringed in white sand beaches. Water temperatures range from the high 70s to mid 80s.

Diving in Belize Tips

When diving the spur and groove formations near Ambergris Cay, save some air to explore the shallow beds inside the reef for the best chance to see small invertebrates, lobsters and rays. Manatees may also make a swim by, so scan the horizon every so often. Don't be surprised if you see reef sharks gliding up from the depths when descending into the Blue Hole. They won't attack.

Best Places to Dive in Belize

At Lighthouse Reef, the Aquarium combines a dramatic wall with a large number of colorful reef fish. Depth and shadows add drama to the stalagmites and ledges of the Blue Hole. Whale sharks make seasonal appearances at Gladen Spit. At Turneffe, the Elbow is a magnificent wall that sees a number of fish spawning aggregations. The Silk Cays combine reef diving with a deserted-island interlude. Near Ambergris, the crevices and caverns of Tackle Box Canyon hide a wealth of marine life discoveries.

What to Pack for Diving in Belize

In winter months include a windbreaker on the dive boat in anticipation of cooler north winds. Bring a dive light to illuminate reclusive marine life at sites such as Silver Caves, and to experience the Blue Hole.

Specials

Dive

Belize

Alaia Belize Autograph Collection

AMBERGRIS CAYE - $100 RESORT CREDIT 7 NIGHT BELIZE DIVE VACATION includes Resort View Vista Studio accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives with Belize Pro Dive Center, non-motorized watersports (kayaks/stand-up paddle boards), daily activities, free WiFi, use of fitness center, roundtrip ground transfers from San Pedro airstrip to Alai Belize Hotel, hotel tax, and service charges. Other room categories available in the shopping cart on the next screen.

Valid through 12/20/24. Book by 3/31/24.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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Rates from $1,614 per person, double diver

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Dive

Belize

Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort

DANGRIGA BELIZE HAPPY! RAINFOREST TO THE REEF ADVENTURE PACKAGE 6 night’s Beach Front accommodations, breakfast (continental), lunch, 3 course dinner, welcome drink upon arrival, free WiFi, round trip ground transportation from Belize International airport to resort, hotel tax and sales tax included.

Guests may choose 4 of the following Adventures: 2 Tank Barrier Reef Boat Diving (certified divers only). Barrier Reef Snorkeling. Mayflower Jungle & Waterfall Hike. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve. Cave and Jungle Adventure. Tropical Birding. Jungle River Canoeing. Magical Mayan History Tour. Jaguar Preserve Night Hike.
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From $2,374 per person double diver

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Belize

Royal Caribbean Resort

AMBERGRIS CAYE - 2024 HOT DIVE DEAL – BOOK NOW!
Relax on the beach at the Royal Caribbean Resort on Belize’s San Pedro Island and dive with Ambergris Divers!

Package includes 7 nights Cabana accommodations, 5 days 2-tank boat dives and hotel tax.

Valid 9/1/24-10/31/24.Price from $851 per person, double diver. Package excludes air transfer from Belize International to San Pedro (option to book available in the shopping cart).

Caradonna Diving Adventures offers multiple package combinations and group deals-Call for additional information 800.328.2288.
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Belize

Ramons Village Resort

AMBERGRIS CAYE - SUMMER BELIZEAN DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 nights room accommodations, 6 days of 2-tank boat dives with Ramon’s Village Divers, breakfast daily at “Pineapples on the Beach”, shuttle transfers roundtrip from the San Pedro airstrip, hotel tax and service charges.

Additional room category upgrades for Jungle, Seaside, Beachfront, Suites, and more are available on the next screen.

Travel 5/1/24-12/21/24 from $1,096 per person/double diver sharing.
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Packages

Dive

Belize

Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort

DANGRIGA BELIZE DIVE EXPLORER PACKAGE includes 7 night’s package in your choice of room accommodations, breakfast (continental), lunch, 3 course dinner, welcome drink upon arrival, private birding on Hamanasi grounds led by professional guide, tour of organic garden and carpentry shop, use of kayaks and service charges, free WiFi, ground transportation from Belize International airport to resort, hotel tax and sales tax included.

5 Dive Adventures (must be a certified diver): 2-tank dive in Southern Water Caye Marine Reserve. 2-tank dive in Tobacco Caye Range. 3-tank dive to Glover's Reef Atoll. Lionfish spearfishing adventure. Night dive on Barrier Reef.
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Dive

Belize

Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort

DANGRIGA BELIZE REEF & RAINFOREST ADVENTURE PACKAGE 7 night’s package in your choice of room accommodations, breakfast (continental), lunch, 3 course dinner, welcome drink upon arrival, free WiFi, ground transportation from Belize International airport to resort, hotel tax and sales tax included.

Guests may choose 5 of the following Adventures: 2 Tank Barrier Reef Boat Diving (certified divers only). Barrier Reef Snorkeling. Mayflower Jungle & Waterfall Hike. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve. Cave and Jungle Adventure. Tropical Birding. Jungle River Canoeing. Magical Mayan History Tour. Jaguar Preserve Night Hike.
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Dive

Belize

Blackbird Caye Dive Resort

TURNEFFE ATOLL - DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 night’s accommodations, 6 days of 3-tank boat dives, all meals, complimentary use of kayaks and airport transfers (complimentary boat transfers provided only on Saturdays).
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Belize

SunBreeze Suites

AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 night’s accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives with Ambergris Divers, roundtrip air transfers on Maya Island Air from Belize International Airport to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, hotel tax, and service charges. (#3)

Caradonna Adventures can customize most any Hotel/Dive Package Combination. For additional information 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com.
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Belize

SunBreeze Hotel

AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE DIVE PACKAGE includes 4 night’s accommodations, 2 days of 2-tank boat dives and 1-tank night dive with Ambergris Divers, roundtrip air transfers on Maya Island Air from Belize International Airport to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, hotel tax, and service charges. (#4)

Caradonna Adventures can customize most any Hotel/Dive Package Combination. For additional information 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com.
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Belize

SunBreeze Hotel

AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE DIVE PACKAGE includes 5 night’s accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank boat dives with Ambergris Divers, roundtrip air transfers from Belize International Airport to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Maya Island Air, hotel tax, and service charges. (#5)

Caradonna Adventures can customize most any Hotel/Dive Package Combination. For additional information 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com.
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Dive

Belize

SunBreeze Hotel

AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE DIVE PACKAGE includes 5 night’s accommodations, 3 days of 3-tank boat dives and 1 day of 2-tank boat dives with Ambergris Divers, roundtrip air transfers from Belize International Airport to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Maya Island Air, hotel tax, and service charges. (#5A)

Caradonna Adventures can customize most any Hotel/Dive Package Combination. For additional information 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com.
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Dive

Belize

SunBreeze Hotel

AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE DIVE PACKAGE includes 6 night’s accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank boat dives and 1 day 3-tank boat dive with Ambergris Divers, roundtrip air transfers on Maya Island Air from Belize International Airport to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, hotel tax, and service charges. (#6)

Caradonna Adventures can customize most any Hotel/Dive Package Combination. For additional information 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com.
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Dive

Belize

SunBreeze Hotel

AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 night’s accommodations, 4 days of 2-tank boat dives, 1 night boat dive with Ambergris Divers, roundtrip air transfers from Belize International Airport to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Maya Island Air, hotel tax, and service charges. (#2)

Caradonna Adventures can customize most any Hotel/Dive Package Combination. For additional information 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com.
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Dive

Belize

SunBreeze Hotel

AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 night’s accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives with Ambergris Divers, roundtrip air transfers on Maya Island Air from Belize International Airport to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, hotel tax, and service charges. (#3)

Caradonna Adventures can customize most any Hotel/Dive Package Combination. For additional information 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com.
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Dive

Belize

SunBreeze Suites

AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE DIVE PACKAGE includes 4 night’s accommodations, 2 days of 2-tank boat dives and 1-tank night dive with Ambergris Divers, roundtrip air transfers on Maya Island Air from Belize International Airport to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, hotel tax, and service charges. (#4)

Caradonna Adventures can customize most any Hotel/Dive Package Combination. For additional information 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com.
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Belize

SunBreeze Suites

AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE DIVE PACKAGE includes 5 night’s accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank boat dives with Ambergris Divers, roundtrip air transfers from Belize International Airport to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Maya Island Air, hotel tax, and service charges. (#5)

Caradonna Adventures can customize most any Hotel/Dive Package Combination. For additional information 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com.
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Dive

Belize

SunBreeze Suites

AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE DIVE PACKAGE includes 5 night’s accommodations, 3 days of 3-tank boat dives and 1 day of 2-tank boat dives with Ambergris Divers, roundtrip air transfers from Belize International Airport to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Maya Island Air, hotel tax, and service charges. (#5A)

Caradonna Adventures can customize most any Hotel/Dive Package Combination. For additional information 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com.
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Dive

Belize

SunBreeze Suites

AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE DIVE PACKAGE includes 6 night’s accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank boat dives and 1 day 3-tank boat dive with Ambergris Divers, roundtrip air transfers on Maya Island Air from Belize International Airport to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, hotel tax, and service charges. (#6)

Caradonna Adventures can customize most any Hotel/Dive Package Combination. For additional information 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com.
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Belize

SunBreeze Suites

AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 night’s accommodations, 4 days of 2-tank boat dives, 1 night boat dive with Ambergris Divers, roundtrip air transfers from Belize International Airport to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Maya Island Air, hotel tax, and service charges. (#2)

Caradonna Adventures can customize most any Hotel/Dive Package Combination. For additional information 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com.
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Dive

Belize

Alaia Belize Autograph Collection

AMBERGRIS CAYE - ULTIMATE ALL INCLUSIVE DIVE PACKAGE 7 nights Resort View Vista Studio accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives with Belize Pro Dive Center, breakfast, lunch, dinner daily, unlimited beverages including frozen drinks (alcohol & nonalcoholic), 24 hour room service, non-motorized watersports (kayaks/stand-up paddle boards), daily activities, free WiFi, 10% off cabana rentals, 10% off spa services, use of fitness center, roundtrip ground transfers from San Pedro airstrip to Alai Belize Hotel, hotel tax, and service charges.

Caradonna Diving Adventures offers multiple dive package combinations-Call us for additional information 800-328.2288.
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Belize

Turneffe Flats

TURNEFFE ATOLL - DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 night’s Beach Cabana accommodations with a Panoramic View including all taxes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily with basic beverages plus daily hors d’ oeuvres (excl. alcohol). Activities include sea kayaks, snorkeling, pool, and gym. Airport (ground/boat) transfers Saturday only.

Diving Inclusions: Six (6) full dive days (2 am dives and a 3rd pm in the afternoon) at more than 60 sites around Turneffe Atoll. 1-day trip to the Lighthouse Reef (weather permitting) to dive the famous Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall, and a 3rd site - $40 per park fee not included.

Atoll Adventure Package for non-divers including world-class snorkeling combined with eco-tours such as manatee/dolphin adventures, birding, night walks and many activities such as boat tours to see manatee and porpoise. Available in the shopping cart.

Call Caradonna Adventures 800.328.2288 with any additional questions.
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Dive

Belize

Alaia Belize Autograph Collection

AMBERGRIS CAYE - BELIZE DIVE PACKAGE Resort View Vista Studio accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives with Belize Pro Dive Center, non-motorized watersports (kayaks/stand-up paddle boards), daily activities, free WiFi, use of fitness center, roundtrip ground transfers from San Pedro airstrip to Alai Belize Hotel, hotel tax, and service charges. Other room categories available in the shopping cart on the next screen.

Caradonna Diving Adventures offers multiple dive package combinations-Call us for additional information 800.328.2288.
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Belize

Ramons Village Resort

AMBERGRIS CAYE - DIVE PACKAGE Includes 7 nights in your choice of room accommodations, 6 days of 2-tank boat dives, breakfast daily, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel tax and service charges.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected including Island Tours, Mayan Ruin Tours, Snorkel Tours, Off-roading Tours, Paddle Adventures and Zip-lining Excursions.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Dive

Belize

Turneffe Island Resort

TURNEFFE ISLAND - DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 night’s accommodations in your choice of Deluxe Room, Superior Room or a Private Villa including all Belize taxes, 15 single tank boat dives, 1 custom full day trip to dive the Great Blue Hole and spectacular reefs of Half Moon Caye and Long Caye. This trip includes lunch on Half Moon Caye Beach and a visit to the Red Footed Booby Sanctuary (Tuesday only). Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily including basic beverages plus daily hors d’ oeuvres (excluding alcohol). Complimentary activities include kayaks, shore snorkeling, pool, hobie kat, paddle boards, horseshoes, and volleyball. Complimentary airport transfers on Saturdays.

For non-divers we can offer snorkeling, fishing, and/or combo packages. Call Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for your tailor-made luxury travel package.
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Resorts

Dive

Belize

Blackbird Caye Dive Resort

TURNEFFE ATOLL - Located on a private island on one of Belize’s outer atolls, Blackbird Caye Eco-Dive Resort overlooks an iridescent turquoise coral lagoon, protected by the atoll’s rim reef. This long-established resort acclaimed for snorkeling and scuba diving, recently added an array of ecofriendly activities. An on-site marine biologist helps visitors understand the amazing undersea world of Belize. Nestled within 1,300 acres of island forest on a private white sand beach, the resort is comprised of 18 individual beachfront cabanas offering a personal, private and relaxing atmosphere.
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Belize

Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort

DANGRIGA The best of Belize, from reef to rainforest! An ecofriendly boutique paradise hotel located on the southern coast of the Belize mainland.

Hamanasi offers spacious deluxe treehouse rooms, beachfront rooms and suite accommodations with handcrafted hardwood furnishings, air conditioning and private porches.

From Scuba Diving Belize’s Great Barrier Reef and Belize's three atolls to climbing Mayan pyramids, hiking through rainforests, discovering hidden waterfalls and hidden caves, trekking through dense jungle trails, or canoeing a jungle river, to birdwatching!

Hamanasi resort offers it all at one comfortable, convenient location.
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Belize

SunBreeze Hotel

AMBERGRIS CAYE Located on the southern edge of the friendly town of San Pedro in the heart of Ambergris Caye, convenient seaside resort catering to divers with pool, restaurant and massage studio. Custom boats with state-of-the-art equipment. Daily barrier reef dives, Blue Hole/Lighthouse Reef and Turneffe Atoll dives, and PADI courses available. SunBreeze’s Latin-Caribbean architectural design forms a wide crescent that embraces the waterfront as well as its own private white sand beach and palm and tropical garden complete with a fresh water pool.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Belize

SunBreeze Suites

AMBERGRIS CAYE Comprised of twenty comfortable one bedroom vacation suites overlooking the beautiful blue sea. Each comes with a private balconies from where you can enjoy breathtaking sunrises, refreshing cool sea-breezes and romantic moonlight nights. It is within walking distance to grocery stores, entertainment centers, local and gourmet restaurants, banks, fruit shops, cafes, and Belizean art galleries.
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Belize

Royal Caribbean Resort

Boutique beach resort on the island of Ambergris Caye. Forty- Two sound-proof private Cabana suites (500sq. ft.), finished in fine cedar from the Belizean jungle. Suites feature high wood ceilings, a living room, bedroom area, large ceiling fans, hot shower and private bathroom, high powered, split unit A/C, fully outfitted kitchenette (microwave, mini-fridge, toaster, kettle, dishes, glassware, and utensils), a flat-screen TV with international cable (including movie channels), and WiFi.

Near San Pedro Town, just over 1-mile, but far enough from the hustle and bustle to provide tranquil settings but also, guests can easily pop into town. In the mornings, the sun glistens over the sea right outside your door, and the resort's rich vegetation attracts a wide variety of unusual birds of all colors.
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Belize

Alaia Belize Autograph Collection

AMBERGRIS CAYE - Located in historic San Pedro on 1,000 feet of Mar de Tumbo beach, just 600 yards from the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve – the second largest reef system in the world stunning views of the Caribbean Sea throughout the property, on-site scuba dive, snorkel, and excursions shop with departures from the Dock. Modern Vista Studios and Suites to secluded and family-style Reef House Suites, to spacious three-bedroom Beachfront Villas featuring private plunge pools. Defined by its dedicated service to guests, which is genuinely unmatched thanks to its Personal Concierge teams.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Belize

Turneffe Flats

TURNEFFE ATOLL - Turneffe Flats air-conditioned beachfront cabanas offer stunning tropical seascapes, expansive bonefish flats, and the sound of surf breaking over the coral reef. Recognized as Belize's premier scuba diving, saltwater fly fishing and marine eco-tourism destination. Located on beautiful Turneffe Atoll in the Caribbean, our resort specializes in superior flats fishing, diving, and guided snorkeling, and other eco-tours for a limited number of guests.

Call Caradonna Adventures 800.328.2288 with any additional questions and book your tailor-made package.
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Belize

Ramons Village Resort

AMBERGRIS CAYE - Authentic palm-thatched cabanas. Full service beachfront resort nestled in a tropical garden of Royal Palms, bougainvillea, lilies, hibiscus and dozens of other types of tropical flora. Dive the Belize Barrier Reef, Turneffe North, and the Blue. Hole/Lighthouse Atoll. PADI 5-Star IDC Resort.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Belize

Turneffe Island Resort

TURNEFFE ISLAND - Located 30 miles off the coast of Belize on a 14-acre private island with more than 70 dive sites just minutes away. Twenty-two beachfront guest rooms with private, screened in porches and amazing Caribbean views. Family-style meals included, pool, kayaks, paddleboards, Hobie cats. Excursions to the Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Caye.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Liveaboards

Dive

Belize

Belize Aggressor III

Far from the reach of tiny day boats, the 110-foot Belize Aggressor III divers explore the pristine walls of Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Cay, Turneffe Reef and the famous Blue Hole. The yacht has nine staterooms with individual air conditioning controls, ensuite facilities and TV/DVD combos. Chef-prepared meals, snacks, soft beverages, local beer and wine, and up to 27 dives are included in your charter package. After a full day of diving, including night dives, guests can relax in the upper deck hot tub.
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Belize

Belize Aggressor IV

As the largest yacht in the Fleet, the 138-foot Belize Aggressor IV is outfitted to accommodate 20 divers cabins with direct access to the dive deck. All of this magnificent yacht’s staterooms have ensuite bath facilities; individual air-conditioning controls, flat screen LCD’s and DVD players, and most have picture window views. While not diving, guests can visit the large wet bar on the Lido Deck, relax on the big covered and uncovered sundeck or enjoy the beautiful and comfortable air-conditioned salon.
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Diving in Belize

With more than 180 miles of the barrier reef, hundreds of square miles of shallow reefs and three offshore atolls, Belize has ample diving variety. To the north, the shores of Ambergris Caye are home to a number of first-class resorts that offer easy two-tank excursions to nearby sites on the reef line. Options include large spur-and-groove formations that resemble underwater canyons, deeper drops, stand-along coral heads and one wreck. Currents are generally mild to non-existent on these sites, and variable depths accommodate both novices and divers versed in multi-level computer profiles. Nearby is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where the steep-sided walls of a cut in the reef attract large schools of fish and support lush coral growth. This is one of the few sites where currents can be strong. Also in the reserve is Shark Ray Alley. Here, stingrays and nurse sharks accustomed to receiving bait scraps from fishermen will gather when boats arrive, and divers can immerse in the swirling mass with no fears for their safety. The offshore atolls of Turneffe Island, Lighthouse Reef and Glover's Reef offer the most dramatic underwater topographies and consistently clearest waters. Steep outer walls feature tunnels, swim-throughs and large projecting coral buttresses, and hold schools of jacks, permits and spadefish. Without a doubt, the best-known dive site in all of Belize is the Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef. This symmetrical, 412-foot deep hole was made famous by scuba pioneer Jacques Cousteau, who moored his Calypso in the hole's center. As divers drop deeper, the vertical walls of the hole receded, revealing huge stalactites. Recently, sharks have become more numerous at the site, adding an extra degree of adventure. Turneffe Island is the largest of the atolls, with interior shallows that shelter hundreds of small mangrove islands. These islands serve as fish nurseries and increase the area’s biodiversity. Equally diverse as the fish life is the range of dive sites, which include wrecks, novice-friendly shallow reefs and deep walls. Glover's Reef is too far from Ambergris Caye for day trips and therefore sees fewer visitors. Trips are best arranged from operations located on the cayes. Near the full moons of April to June, the spawning activities of cubera snapper and other fish attract whale sharks to Glovers Reef and to the section of the southern barrier reef known as Gladden Spit. Whale sharks are plankton eaters, and eggs released during spawning are an easy and abundant food source. The southern section of Belize's barrier reef sits farther from shore. This results in clearer waters, but also longer boat rides from shore-based resorts in areas such as Placencia. The reef becomes a more continuous ridge from Southwater Caye Marine Reserve south, and cuts in the reef become focal points for fish life. A favorite destination is Laughing Bird Caye National Park, which supports large stands of staghorn and elkhorn corals, along with thick growths of tunicates and anemones. On the sheltered inside of the reef, coral islands provide relaxing second dives.

Passport and/or Visa Requirements

A current passport, valid through your departure date, is required for entry into Belize. Your passport needs to have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Proof of onward or return flights may be required at entry as well. No visa is required for stays less than 30 days. Upon departure from Belize, there is a departure tax of approximately $40.00 U.S. which should be included on your international ticket.

Check the entry/exit requirements here.

Immunizations

There are no required immunizations for entry into Belize, although you should check with your doctor and reference the Centers for Disease Control on recommended vaccinations.

Culture and Customs

Belize is a true melting pot of cultures, stretching back to the stone cities of the ancient Maya, and the Arawak roots of the Garfunkel dialect that are still heard through the country. British settlers arrived in the 1600s, and English remains the nation's official language. But Spanish influences are equally prevalent, and Mennonite, Creole, Lebanese, Chinese, and East Indian immigrants have all left their mark on the collective consciousness. Today, they are all just Belizeans, and everyone gets along in a society that places a high value on civility and inclusion. This is a country that doesn't need an excuse to dance and throw a party. Weekends are reason enough for celebration, and dozens of festivals, carnivals and concerts are staged throughout the year. Head up to the country into the rainforest and wooded mountains of the interior and you are in the land of Indiana Jones where thatch-roofed eco lodges serve as base camps for jungle hikes and inner tube drifts through river caves. Head offshore and island times takes over when you land on the offshore cayes. On Ambergris Caye a flipflop and tank top vibe permeates the beach town of San Pedro, where beach bikes are the preferred mode of transportation, and packed-sand streets are fronted by colorfully painted wooden shops and taverns.

Electricity, Phone and Internet Access

Belize electricity is 110 Volt/60 cycles and uses the same plug types as the U.S., so no converters are required.

Belize has a standardized seven-digit phone numbering system and a country code of 501.

Many hotels offer WiFi. Be sure to check with your mobile provider to see if International plans are available for phone and data usage while in Belize.

Water Quality

Bottled water is recommended in Belize and readily available for purchase and also supplied by some resorts.

Language & Currency

English is the official language, but Spanish is widely spoken. Other languages spoken are Maya, Garifuna, and Creole.

The BelizeDdollar (BZD) is pegged to the US dollar at 2:1 - always verify whether you are paying U.S. or Belize Dollars. It's easy to change U.S. dollars just about anywhere.

ATMs are available in many cities and accept major cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, although cash will be dispensed in Belize Dollars.

Most businesses will accept U.S. cash without question. They usually give change in Belizean Dollars, though they may return U.S. change if you ask.

Time

Belize is on Central Standard Time, 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-6 GMT). Belize does not observe daylight saving time.

Location, Size and Population

Belize is located on the Eastern coast of Central America, along the Caribbean Coast. Its capital city is Belmopan.

Belize is bounded on the North by Mexico, South, and West by Guatemala, and the beautiful Caribbean Sea washes its 174-mile coastline to the East.

Belize has an area of 8,866 sq. miles including 266 sq. miles of islands.

The population of Belize is 367,177 (2016), while the island of Ambergris caye has an estimated 22,000, the area of Placencia approximately 1,500 and the area of Dangriga close to 10,000.

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