Diving in Ambergris Caye

Explore 60 dive sites in Ambergris Caye, Belize. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Ambergris Caye

The warmest water temperatures in Ambergris Caye occur in September, averaging 30.3°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 26.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.9°C
  • February: 26.8°C
  • March: 27.2°C
  • April: 28.0°C
  • May: 29.1°C
  • June: 29.5°C
  • July: 29.7°C
  • August: 30.1°C
  • September: 30.3°C
  • October: 29.9°C
  • November: 28.8°C
  • December: 27.9°C

Marine Life in Ambergris Caye

Home to 193 recorded species including 156 reef fish, 19 hard corals, 7 other, 3 sharks & rays, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 jellyfish.

Dive Site Difficulty in Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye has 3 beginner dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Ambergris Caye

Based on average water temperature of 28.7°C, currents 5 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Ambergris Caye

  • Halfmoon Caye - Natural Monument (IUCN Category II)
  • Hol Chan - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category II)
  • Laughing Bird Caye - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Bacalar Chico - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • South Water Caye - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Glover's Reef - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Réseau de réserves du récif de la barrière du Belize - World Heritage Site (natural or mixed) (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Blue Hole - Natural Monument (IUCN Category III)
  • Caye Caulker - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Corozal Bay - Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Swallow Caye - Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Emily or Caye Glory - Spawning Aggregation Site Reserves (IUCN Category IV)
  • Gladden Spit - Spawning Aggregation Site Reserves (IUCN Category IV)
  • Sandbore, Lighthouse Reef - Spawning Aggregation Site Reserves (IUCN Category IV)
  • Caye Bokel, Turneffe Atolls - Spawning Aggregation Site Reserves (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • South Point, Lighthouse Reef - Spawning Aggregation Site Reserves (IUCN Category IV)
  • Rocky Point, Ambergris Caye - Spawning Aggregation Site Reserves (IUCN Category IV)
  • Northern Glover's Reef, Glover's Reef Atoll - Spawning Aggregation Site Reserves (IUCN Category IV)
  • Dog Flea Caye, Turneffe Atolls - Spawning Aggregation Site Reserves (IUCN Category IV)
  • St. George's Caye Cemetery - Archaeological Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Maugre Caye, Turneffe Atolls - Nassau Grouper & Species Protection (IUCN Category IV)
  • Northern Two Cayes, Lighthouse Reef - Nassau Grouper & Species Protection (IUCN Category IV)
  • Turneffe Atolls - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Glover's Reef - Specially Protected Area (Cartagena Convention) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hol Chan - Specially Protected Area (Cartagena Convention) (IUCN Category II)
  • Zone 1 - High Protection for Biodiversity Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Zone 2 - High Protection for Biodiversity Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Zone 3 - High Protection for Biodiversity Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Zone 4 - High Protection for Biodiversity Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Zone 5 - High Protection for Biodiversity Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Zone 6 - High Protection for Biodiversity Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Zone 7 - High Protection for Biodiversity Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Ambergris Caye - Nearest Airports

  • John Greif II Airport (SPR), San Pedro - 9 km away, approx 25 min travel time
  • Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), Belize City - 64 km away, approx 85 min travel time
  • Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB), Coxen Hole - 237 km away, approx 273 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving conditions like in Ambergris Caye, including water temperature and visibility?
Diving in Ambergris Caye offers wonderfully warm conditions. During the best water temperature months, you can expect averages around 30°C, with September reaching 30.31°C, August 30.11°C, and October 29.85°C. While specific visibility details are not provided in the current data, these warm waters contribute to comfortable diving experiences.
What kind of unique marine life can divers expect to see when diving around Ambergris Caye?
Divers exploring Ambergris Caye can anticipate encountering a vibrant array of marine life, particularly in areas like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. As the name suggests, Shark Ray Alley is a prime spot to observe sharks and rays. For more details on potential sightings, you can explore our wildlife database.
Which dive sites are considered the best or most popular for scuba diving in Ambergris Caye?
Among the 37 dive sites in Ambergris Caye, two of the most popular and renowned are Hol Chan Cut and Shark and Ray Alley. Hol Chan Cut offers exciting drift diving, while Shark and Ray Alley provides incredible opportunities to interact with sharks and rays. You'll find a diverse range of other sites, from reef dives to wrecks, catering to various interests.
Is Ambergris Caye suitable for beginner divers, or is it more geared towards experienced divers?
Ambergris Caye is well-suited for both beginner and experienced divers. There are several excellent sites classified as 'Beginner,' such as La Poza, Xcalak and Xcalak, which are perfect for those new to diving. Additionally, a wide array of 'intermediate' sites, including many reef and wreck dives, cater to more experienced divers.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Ambergris Caye, considering weather and marine life?
Considering water temperature, the best time of year to go scuba diving in Ambergris Caye is during August, September, and October. These months boast the warmest waters, with averages around 30°C; September peaks at 30.31°C. While specific seasonal marine life events are not detailed in the provided data, these months offer optimal comfort for diving. For more general information, visit our when to dive guide.
How do divers typically get to Ambergris Caye from the mainland of Belize?
Information regarding typical transportation methods to Ambergris Caye from the mainland of Belize is not available in the provided data context.
Are there any specific seasonal marine life events or phenomena that divers should be aware of in Ambergris Caye?
The provided data for Ambergris Caye does not detail any specific seasonal marine life events or phenomena that divers should be aware of. However, areas like Shark Ray Alley offer consistent opportunities to see sharks and rays year-round.
What are the common water currents and surface conditions divers might encounter around Ambergris Caye?
While detailed information on common water currents and surface conditions across Ambergris Caye is not extensively provided, the presence of sites like Hol Chan Cut, which is classified as a 'drift' dive, indicates that currents can be encountered. Divers should always consult local dive operators for real-time conditions.