Hol Chan Marine Reserve - Ambergris Caye

Lumbaria Island offers a mellow dive, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. We’ve found it’s a good spot for newer divers, or when you just want a long, shallow soak. The max depth is only 9m, so you get plenty of bottom time to poke around the scattered WWII metal. Visibility usually sits around 25m, revealing schooling rainbowfish and bluestripe pipefish darting among small coral patches. Keep an eye on the sand flats for crocodilefish and those shy ostrich gobies.

Location
Ambergris Caye, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
17.853100, -88.012700
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Hol Chan

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 Hol Chan Marine Reserve

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 Hol Chan Marine Reserve

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 Hol Chan Marine Reserve?
Diving at Hol Chan Marine Reserve typically involves shallow depths, with a maximum depth of 11m. This makes it an accessible and enjoyable reef dive, allowing for extended bottom times and ample light penetration to appreciate the vibrant ecosystem.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Hol Chan Marine Reserve?
Divers at Hol Chan Marine Reserve can expect to encounter an abundance of marine life and beautiful coral formations. The reserve is home to large marine creatures such as nurse and reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, and large Southern stingrays. You'll also frequently spot plenty of turtles cruising through this vibrant reef ecosystem. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Hol Chan Marine Reserve for beginner divers?
Diving at Hol Chan Marine Reserve is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the maximum depth of 11m is relatively shallow, the 'intermediate' rating suggests that beginner divers should have some comfort and experience beyond their initial certification. It's always recommended for newer divers to go with an experienced guide and ensure they are comfortable with basic dive skills.
What is the best time of year and day to dive at Hol Chan Marine Reserve for optimal conditions and marine life?
The provided data for Hol Chan Marine Reserve does not specify the best time of year or day for optimal conditions and marine life. However, you can often find general information about regional diving seasons on our When to Dive page to help plan your trip to Belize.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Hol Chan Marine Reserve?
The specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Hol Chan Marine Reserve are not detailed in the provided information. Generally, an Open Water Diver certification is the minimum for most recreational dives, but it's always best to check with local dive operators in Ambergris Caye for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like for diving in Hol Chan Marine Reserve?
Divers at Hol Chan Marine Reserve can expect excellent visibility, with an average of 16m. This great visibility enhances the experience of exploring the vibrant reef. Information regarding typical current conditions for this site is not available in the provided data.