Home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, Belize is a renowned scuba diving destination. It’s warm and calm waters allow divers the opportunity to see beautiful coral reefs and marine life year-round.
Related: Belize Reef Things to Do & Atolls of Belize
Naturally, this has led to the development of many dive resorts in Belize. From luxury hotels with PADI 5-Star dive centers that provide a full range of diving services to small boutique properties that are run by passionate diving enthusiasts to all-inclusive resorts on private islands that only cater to divers, Belize has something for everyone.
Top 5 Belize Resorts for Divers
1. Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort
Often featured on best-in-the-world lists, Hamanasi is one of the most popular beach resorts in Belize. Located in the coastal village of Hopkins, this boutique eco-hotel is near the southern part of Belize’s Barrier Reef, which has many amazing dive sites.
The South Water Caye Marine Reserve, for example, which is alone is home to several of Southern Belize’s top dive sites is only 30 minutes away by boat and it is known for pristine reefs, coral and marine life. And for trips to atolls that are a bit further offshore, they have big dive boats that are fast.
2. Ramon’s Village Resort
Located in downtown San Pedro, Ramon’s Village is easily one of the best dive resorts in Ambergris Caye. Since 1982, the resort has specialized in diving, with an on-site dive shop that leads trips on a daily basis.
The beach resort is named after Ramon Nunez, a local San Pedrano who helped pioneer scuba diving in Belize. In fact, in 1972, as the only native Belizean diver, Ramon guided Jacques Cousteau during his visit to the world-famous Great Blue Hole.
3. Off The Wall Dive Center & Resort
Off The Wall is located on Glover’s Reef, the southernmost atoll of Belize. The biodiversity there is incredible–the area is a critical nursery and feeding ground for sea turtles, sharks and rays, and numerous fish species, including the endangered Nassau Grouper.
Offering a calm, laidback vibe, the private island resort caters to individuals that want to experience a simple secluded island lifestyle, with rustic accommodations that are powered by solar and wind. It is the ideal place for eco-tourism enthusiasts that are interested in a low-key diving trip in Belize.
4. Belize Dive Haven Resort and Marina
The Belize Dive Haven is located on Turneffe, Belize’s largest and most-developed atoll. There you can find some incredible dive sites. And top dive sites in Belize such as Lighthouse Reef and the Great Blue Hole are just 30 minutes away by boat.
Ideally, resort guests will include individuals that want to indulge in three to four dives per day and don’t mind the remoteness of staying on an atoll. After all, the beautiful coral reefs and marine life that surround atolls are what drive many divers to Belize.
5. Costa Blu Beach Resort
Costa Blu Beach Resort is an adults-only resort located in North Ambergris Caye. The resort doesn’t have its own diving center but on its dock is Tuff E Nuff Tours, which is a top-rated dive operator. I’ve used them in the past for boat cruises and snorkeling tours.
The resort is ideal for anyone that wants a quiet location, while only being 30 minutes away from the bustling San Pedro which has tons of things to do. Additionally, with the resort being a part of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, members collect rewards with their stay.
Should you stay at a dive resort in Belize?
New and casual scuba divers that visit Belize often stay at regular hotels and book 1-to-2 dives from independent dive shops. However, more prolific divers will stay at resorts that focus on diving so that they can book all-inclusive packages and go on several dives per day. Aside from taking advantage of a hassle-free trip and bundle rates, the perks of staying at popular Belize dive resorts typically include that they have their own dive center, hire the best divemasters and instructors, and are located near top dive sites.
What is diving in Belize like?
Belize offers fantastic diving opportunities. With warm and calm seas throughout the year and its reef system spanning the entire length of the country, the coral and marine life in Belize are second to none. Marine life that is often spotted at the best dive sites in Belize includes nurse sharks, reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, stingrays, moray eels, goliath groupers, and turtles. Also, dive leaders are usually well-experienced so they actively point out animals during dive trips.
When is the best time to dive in Belize?
Since the sea is warm and calm year-round, there isn’t really a bad time to dive in Belize. However, an important consideration for your comfort level and diving experience may be the difference in weather during Belize’s dry season (December to April) and rainy season (May to November).
The temperature is cooler during the dry season with the average being 73-82°F (22-86°C) vs 79-86°F (26-30°C) during the rainy season. Rainfall isn’t a major concern for diving in Belize unless there is a tropical storm. Unfortunately, major storms tend to occur more frequently during the tail end of the rainy season which may lead to dive trip cancellations due to rough seas.
Finally, another critical consideration can be wildlife sighting opportunities such as visiting during the grouper mating season from October to November or whale shark season from April to June.
That’s it for now. Let me know in the comments which resort seems the most appealing to you!
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