45-100+ feet
    Ambergris Caye, Belize
    Hol Chan

    Boca Ciega

    Best months: Nov–Mar

    Protected Area

    Hol Chan

    Why dive here

    With 192+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, lemon sharks, nurse sharks and sea turtles - Boca Ciega offers some of Ambergris Caye's richest diving. Water ranges 27-31°C, warmest August, September, October.

    Best timeNov–Mar
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Dolphins, Lemon Sharks, Nurse Sharks and Sea Turtles · 192+ species recorded
    Water27-31°C · warmest August, September, October
    Charactermax 45-100+ feet
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Boca Ciega sits just a short boat ride from San Pedro, a quick jaunt. The moorings start you in about 45 feet of water, right amongst a thick stand of purple sea fans and other branching gorgonians. From there, the reef plunges down beyond 100 feet, cut by broad sand chutes. We’ve often been shadowed by a couple of chunky black groupers here, they’re quite the characters, and it’s a good spot to find nurse sharks tucked away. Keep an eye out for Caribbean reef sharks cruising the deeper parts. Look under the overhangs for lobsters and morays, and closer to the top of the spurs, you’ll see plenty of parrotfish, angelfish, and schools of blue chromis. This is a solid, easy dive for most skill levels, offering that classic Belizean reef vibe without having to venture too far.

    Typical Boca Ciega Dive Profile

    15m30m45mSafety Stop0m45m max~15 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Maximum depth 45m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today05:4517:3411h 50m daylightGolden hour 17:05

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Boca Ciega

    Boca Ciega Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Boca Ciega, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (17.98, -87.92) (0km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    30°C

    86°F · Range: 28.6–31.5°C

    Current Speed

    4 cm/s

    Direction: N (0°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.045 mg/m³

    Very clear (oligotrophic)

    Salinity

    35.42 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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