With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an array of marine life, Belize is one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations. San Pedro, located on Ambergris Caye, offers easy access to the Belize Barrier Reef—the second-largest in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner looking for adventure, San Pedro has something for everyone. Here are the top 7 scuba diving spots in San Pedro, Belize that you don’t want to miss.
1. The Great Blue Hole
One of the most famous dive sites in the world, the Great Blue Hole is a must-visit for experienced divers. This massive sinkhole, measuring 300 meters across and 125 meters deep, was once a limestone cave before it was submerged by rising sea levels. Now, it’s home to an astonishing underwater landscape featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and marine life such as reef sharks, giant groupers, and blacktip sharks. The deep blue waters and mysterious formations make this a thrilling and unforgettable dive.
2. The Elbow
Located at Turneffe Atoll, The Elbow is known for its strong currents and thriving marine ecosystem. This site features deep canyons and steep walls that attract large schools of predatory fish like barracudas, jacks, snappers, and groupers. The strong currents also bring spotted eagle rays and reef sharks, making it an exciting dive for experienced divers. Due to the drift diving conditions, this spot is best suited for those comfortable with fast-moving waters.
3. SeaGrass Beds
Nestled within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Seagrass Beds provide a tranquil diving experience. A short 15-minute boat ride from Ambergris Caye, this spot is famous for its manatees, stingrays, and camouflaged marine creatures that thrive in the nutrient-rich seagrass. Divers can enjoy a slow-paced, relaxing swim while observing marine life feeding on the underwater vegetation. The calm waters make this an ideal site for both beginners and experienced divers.
4. Shark Ray Alley
One of the most exhilarating dive sites in Belize, Shark Ray Alley is just 15 minutes from the shore and offers an up-close encounter with nurse sharks and stingrays. These creatures have become accustomed to human presence and often swim curiously around divers. While feeding them is prohibited, they still gather in large numbers, making this an unforgettable experience for any diver. With clear visibility and shallow waters, this is a great spot for divers of all skill levels.
Bacalar Chico Marine National Park & Reserve
Located at the northern tip of Ambergris Caye, Bacalar Chico Marine National Park & Reserve is a protected area within the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. Home to over 187 species of fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations, this site is an important spawning aggregation area. Divers can explore both reef walls and sandy bottoms, encountering everything from parrotfish and moray eels to colorful sponges and coral gardens. This site is also accessible from shore, making it convenient for divers staying nearby.
Tackle Box Canyons
A hidden gem near San Pedro, Tackle Box Canyons is a dive site featuring dramatic coral formations, underwater tunnels, and steep canyon walls. Divers can navigate through narrow passageways while spotting lobsters, moray eels, and angelfish. It’s also common to see nurse sharks resting on the sandy bottom and eagle rays gliding above the coral ridges. This dive site offers depths ranging from 40 to 80 feet, making it suitable for both intermediate and advanced divers.
7. Esmeralda Canyons
For those looking for a truly unique topography, Esmeralda Canyons is a must-visit dive spot near San Pedro. This site is famous for its series of deep channels and coral ridges, providing shelter to large schools of fish, reef sharks, and green moray eels. The rich biodiversity and strong currents make it a favorite among photographers looking to capture dynamic underwater life. The colorful coral gardens and abundance of marine species make every dive at Esmeralda Canyons a breathtaking experience.
Plan Your Dive Adventure in San Pedro, Belize
San Pedro, Belize, offers some of the best scuba diving experiences in the Caribbean. From deep sinkholes and coral canyons to marine reserves teeming with life, there’s something for every diver. Whether you’re drawn to the mystery of the Great Blue Hole, the biodiversity of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, or the exhilarating encounters at Shark Ray Alley, San Pedro’s dive sites promise an adventure you’ll never forget.
So pack your dive gear, book your trip, and get ready to explore the incredible underwater world of Belize!