At 185 miles in length with over 200 cayes (small islands), the Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Snorkeling and scuba diving here is truly spectacular, there are over 460 species of fish that one might see. Belize is the premiere diving destination in the world. UNESCO has named Belize's barrier reef a World Heritage Site.
Water visibility commonly reaches 100+ feet; water temperature hovers around 80 degrees Fahrenheit; and the barrier reef makes for calm water most of the year.
You have three major options when deciding how to experience the underwater world of Belize.
- Island Vaca can make reservations with one of the offshore resorts for you
- Sign on with one of the many live-aboard boats
- Island Vaca can hire a charter boat
Diving in Belize is an exceptional experience.
With the longest barrier reef and home to 3 of only 4 coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere (185 kilometers), over 460 species of fish, and diverse formations of coral, the Belize coastal zone is ranked as one of the seven underwater wonders of the world and the Belize Barrier Reef System was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1996.
Diving With Whale Sharks:
Diving with whale shark's and their gentle nature is always a special treat for divers and snorkelers and the whale shark's curiosity even pulls fishing parties into its thrall when the huge sharks pull up alongside fishing boats as they sometimes do in the summer and fall months.
Although 3 or 4 days before and after the full and new moons in April and May are the best times to interact with the sharks, they are often sighted through the summer months as well.
At 185 miles in length with over 200 cayes (small islands), the Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Snorkeling and scuba diving here is truly spectacular, there are over 460 species of fish that one might see. Belize is the premiere diving destination in the world. UNESCO has named Belize's barrier reef a World Heritage Site.
