You can actually dive Belize all year round and plan your trip for any time of the year. March-December offers optimal conditions. March-June is dry and ideal; April-June brings whale sharks in the south. The water temperature is a fairly consistent 79 to 84°F (26-29°C) all year round. 3 mm shortie wetsuits are commonly used or 3 mm full suits for those who are a bit more susceptible to the cold. Avoid August-October if hurricane risk concerns you, though visibility remains good year-round.

Top experiences include:
* Blue Hole (Lighthouse Reef): iconic deep walls.
* The Elbow (Turneffe Reef): huge schooling fish, groupers, snappers.
* Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley (Ambergris Caye): coral gardens, rays, nurse sharks.
* Half Moon Caye & Tarpon/Silver Caves: colorful corals, tunnels, barracuda, turtles.

The Blue Hole is a bucket-list dive with steep walls, stalactites, and stalagmites. Not abundant in coral, it’s a geological wonder requiring good buoyancy control and depth awareness. Expect clear blue waters, minimal marine life, and the awe of diving a site visible from space.

1. The best value for money option to dive at the Blue Hole is to join one of our 1 week liveaboard cruises. These tours depart from Belize City and spend time at the best dive location in Belize - Lighthouse Atoll. The reef is by far the best in Belize, it is very healthy and colorful, and has great marine diversity - both in terms of large and macro life. These cruises also visit Blue Hole and Turneffe Atoll, guaranteed.
2. A second option is to stay at one of our dive resorts on Turneffe Atoll. The island is remote with wonderful nature. The diving is good here and there are some activities on the island, based on nature, like kayaking etc. It is the more expensive option and all-inclusive packages have fixed twice-weekly start-end dates, and depart from Belize City. The resorts include a trip to the Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef once per week, guaranteed.
3. You can also stay at our resort in Ambergris Caye. This is a bigger island and the main tourist centre of Belize. There are more typical tourist things to do there. It has much more economical accommodation options. but IMO the diving is not as good as it is in Turneffe. The dive centre normally runs Blue Hole trips 3 times per week during the High Season of January-April on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Outside of the High Season, they usually run once per week on Tuesdays or Thursdays. when they have enough divers, so it is not guaranteed but probable if you stay for a few nights or more. The journey time is a couple of hours each way.

There are several Blue Hole day trip providers on Ambergris Caye. However, none have a fixed trip schedule and only operate trips when they have sufficient divers. Therefore, due to the uncertainty, it is not possible to book day trips in advance. If you are unable to book option 1, 2 or 3 with us, we suggest you book our regular local Ambergris day trips, and try your luck for a Blue Hole trip when you arrive.

Most of the sites along the barrier reef at Ambergris Caye are suitable for beginners. The diving at the atolls can be more challenging but there are plenty of calmer spots here too. The notable exception is the Blue Hole, this dive being recommended for advanced divers only due to the depth.

Stay on Ambergris Caye for easy access to the barrier reef and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, or at Turneffe Atoll for more remote, marine-rich diving. Resorts offer convenience and daily dives, while liveaboards let you explore multiple atolls, including Lighthouse Reef, without long boat rides. Choose based on whether you prefer comfort on land or full-immersion at sea.

Non divers are welcome on all of our liveaboards. There is plenty of great snorkeling available to keep them occupied or they may want to just top up their tan.

Decide between a resort-based stay or liveaboard cruise. Select sites based on skill level: shallow reefs for beginners, walls and drift dives for advanced divers. Book accommodations early, arrange dive packages, and plan extra days for exploring Mayan ruins or rainforest. Check water visibility, currents, and seasonal weather.

Dive sites close to the mainland are effected by silt from the rivers and are generally of poor quality. Reaching the outer atolls to dive on a daily basis is a long and sometimes uncomfortable boat journey from the mainland. For these reasons we recommend you stay at either Ambergris Caye or Turneffe Atoll to get the most out of your Belize diving trip.

We can arrange transfers to your liveaboard boat from your hotel, or from the airport if you arrive just before your cruise departure. Please advise us of your preferred transfer point at least 2 weeks before you arrive.

Ambergris Caye is just a short 20 minute flight from Belize City. Flights are provided every hour by Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. The return flight costs approximately USD 160.

The cheaper alternative to flying is a water taxi which costs around USD 35 per person per round trip. These are speedboats which take between 45 minutes and 2 hours to get to Ambergris, depending on route stops. Water taxi tickets can be purchased at the Maritime Museum in Belize City.

All of the resorts we offer on Turneffe Reef Atoll supply transfers from the mainland free of charge via a 1½ hour speedboat journey so there is no need to worry yourself with how to get to Turneffe.

Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, with the Caribbean Sea along its coast, Belize has emerged as a top travel destination thanks to its rich Mayan history and stunning underwater wonders.

Must-See Mayan Ruins:
* Caracol Ruins - The most famous archaeological site, located near Guatemala in the Chiquibul Forest, offers deep insight into ancient Mayan civilization.
* Altun Ha - Once a major trade hub, this is Belize’s most excavated ruin, featuring 13 temples and residences.
* Lamanai & Cerros - Both sites boast breathtaking scenery and a fascinating historical legacy.

Cultural & Historical Highlights:
* Museum of Belize – Housed in a 19th-century colonial prison (Gabourel & Hutson St., Belize City), it showcases Mayan artifacts and the country's colonial past.
* Belize Zoo – Located 31 miles (50 km) west of the capital, this internationally acclaimed wildlife center features over 100 native species in spacious, natural enclosures.

Ambergris Caye offers an exciting mix of activities for every type of traveler. Nature lovers can explore the island's rich biodiversity, with excellent birdwatching opportunities spotting over 200 species in the mangrove-lined eastern coast, or visit the Bacalar Chico reserve to see wildlife including whitetail deer and crocodiles. The island is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering world-class diving and snorkeling, along with kayaking, kite surfing, parasailing, and excellent flats fishing for tarpon and bonefish. Beautiful white-sand beaches stretch along the eastern shore, while nearby cayes like Caulker Caye and Chapel Caye offer quieter retreats with small resorts and even a golf course.

San Pedro serves as the vibrant heart of the island's dining and nightlife scene, with lively bars, clubs and diverse restaurants ranging from casual local eateries serving Belizean specialties to fine dining establishments. Don't miss the unique 'chicken drop' game for some local entertainment. For shopping, San Pedro's gift shops offer everything from local crafts and jewelry to Cuban cigars and Belizean rum. Getting around the island is easy and fun, with golf carts being the preferred mode of transport, along with bicycles and taxis, while speedboats provide access to more remote areas.

Turneffe Atoll offers a pristine paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with world-class diving and legendary flats fishing where anglers can pursue the coveted 'Grand Slam' of bonefish, tarpon, and permit (all catch-and-release). Kayaking through the atoll's mangrove creeks provides opportunities to spot American crocodiles and abundant birdlife, including ospreys and herons. Marine enthusiasts can join dolphin-watching tours or search for gentle West Indian manatees grazing in the lagoons. The atoll boasts a rich history, from ancient Mayan fishing villages to pirate hideouts and 20th-century coconut plantations, now protected as Belize's largest marine reserve since 2012.

Visitors should come prepared with bug spray for mangrove areas and embrace the atoll's remote charm - there are no shops, nightlife or ATMs, just resort bars and restaurants perfect for swapping stories with fellow adventurers after days filled with aquatic exploration. The lack of commercial development preserves Turneffe's wild beauty, making it an ideal escape for those seeking untouched nature and spectacular marine encounters.

For more travel inspiration, visit the Belize Tourism Board website.

Visitors from the United States, the European Union, CARICOM nations, the United Kingdom, most British Commonwealth countries, and much of Central and South America do not require a visa. A 30-day entry stamp will be granted, and extensions may be obtained while in Belize. However, nationals of China, Colombia, Cuba, India, Libya, Pakistan, Peru, and Taiwan will need a visa. Entry requirements:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
• A return or onward ticket.
• Proof of sufficient funds (US$50 per day may be requested).

Visa regulations can change, so check the latest requirements at:
- Embassy of the United States for Belize, or
- The Belize High Commission

Belize has no serious epidemic diseases, and no vaccinations are required for entry. However, yellow fever and dengue fever are present in some areas, and anti-malarials are recommended for extended stays in jungle regions. We advise consulting your doctor before your trip for personalized health recommendations.

Medical Facilities:
- Belize City has a hospital and private clinics for general medical care.
- For divers: A hyperbaric chamber is available on Ambergris Caye in case of decompression sickness.

Belize is in the same time zone as United States Central Time: -6 hrs UTC or -1 hr EST.

The national electricity voltage is the same as in the USA - 110/220V AC, 60 Hz. Plugs on electrical devices are either North American 3-pin (2 flat blades with round grounding pin), or UK-style (3-pin rectangular blade pins). The liveaboard boats have 2-flat pin sockets.

Business & Money:
- Bank Hours: Open Monday - Thursday (8 am - 1 pm), Friday (8 am - 1 pm & 3-4 pm). Some businesses operate Saturdays.
- Currency: The Belize Dollar (BZ$) is fixed at BZD 2 = USD 1. US dollars are widely accepted, but confirm which currency is being quoted.
- Credit Cards: Often incur a 5% service fee - check before paying.

Internet & Communications:
- Wi-Fi: Available but limited; most dive resorts and liveaboards offer it. Internet cafes are scarce.
- Phones & Mail: International dialing code is +501. Postal service is reliable (2 days to USA, 8-10 days to Europe).

Tipping Etiquette:
- Restaurants: Tip 10-15% if no service charge is included.
- Hotels & Tours: Many include a 10% service charge. Additional tipping is optional.
- Tour Guides: A small tip is appreciated for good service.
Pro Tip: Carry small bills in both USD and BZD for convenience.

Belize is generally a safe destination for tourists, though basic precautions should be taken as in any foreign country. While serious crime against visitors is rare, it's wise to exercise common sense - avoid displaying expensive jewelry, stay in well-lit areas, and travel in groups when exploring. The risk level varies by location, with remote dive resorts and liveaboards being particularly secure compared to urban areas like Belize City.

When venturing off the beaten path, always use licensed tour operators and qualified guides. Though some border areas may have illicit activity, typical tourists are unlikely to encounter such situations. Most visitors enjoy trouble-free stays by maintaining reasonable awareness of their surroundings and following standard travel safety practices. The country's dive tourism operators maintain excellent safety records, allowing travelers to focus on enjoying Belize's natural wonders with peace of mind.