Basil Jones Canyons - Ambergris Caye

Basil Jones Canyons, north of Ambergris Caye, is one of those sites we always make a point of revisiting. It's a shallow dive, maxing out around 12 meters, making it incredibly relaxed. You’ll drift past these wide sand flats interspersed with lens-shaped coral stacks, almost like little coral islands. What really sets Basil Jones apart, though, is its location. It's far enough from the usual boat traffic that we often encounter larger pelagics cruising by – we’ve had some fantastic reef shark encounters here. It’s a great spot for an easy dive with the potential for something special.

Location
Ambergris Caye, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
18.050000, -87.870000
Maximum Depth
shallow

Marine Protected Area: Rocky Point, Ambergris Caye

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Ambergris Caye

Nearest Dive Centres to Basil Jones Canyons

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Basil Jones Canyons

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Basil Jones Canyons?
Basil Jones Canyons is characterized as a shallow dive site. While specific depth ranges aren't provided, divers can expect a comfortable experience exploring its unique reef formations. For more details on this site, visit the Basil Jones Canyons dive page.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Basil Jones Canyons?
Divers at Basil Jones Canyons can expect to encounter unique reef characteristics, including distinctive lens-shaped coral stacks and expansive wide sand flats. This site is particularly renowned for the potential of seeing large pelagics, making it a natural refuge for diverse marine life due to its protected location.
How challenging is diving at Basil Jones Canyons for different skill levels?
Diving at Basil Jones Canyons is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that while it's not overly challenging, divers should possess a certain level of experience and comfort in the water. It's an excellent site for divers looking to advance their skills beyond beginner levels.
What is the best time of year or day to dive Basil Jones Canyons for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive Basil Jones Canyons for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving considerations in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Basil Jones Canyons?
The provided information does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required for Basil Jones Canyons. Given its intermediate difficulty, it is generally recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, though local dive operators may have specific requirements. Always check with your chosen dive center in Ambergris Caye.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at Basil Jones Canyons?
The provided data does not detail the typical water conditions or currents at Basil Jones Canyons. However, as an intermediate dive site, divers should be prepared for potentially varied conditions. It's always advisable to consult with local dive operators in Belize for the most current information before planning your dive.