Mermaid’s Lair
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 - Mermaid’s Lair offers some of Ambergris Caye's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-31°C, warmest August, September, October.
Mermaid’s Lair, just off Ambergris, is one of those spots that really sticks with you. We love it because it’s so consistently relaxed; we rarely encounter any strong current here, making it perfect for a long, unhurried explore. The reef is mostly shallow, topping out around 24 meters, and the visibility often hits 20 meters or more, which means the light really punches through. As you drop in, you’re greeted by sprawling beds of staghorn and finger corals, interspersed with the chunky formations of great star and grooved brain corals. It feels like swimming through an ancient, miniature city. We’ve had incredible luck here spotting juvenile reef sharks cruising the sandy patches, and often a lazy nurse shark tucked under an overhang. Look closely in the coral heads for shy parrotfish and gangs of snapper darting in and out. If you’re lucky, an eagle ray might glide past in the deeper blue. This site suits anyone looking for a comfortable, vibrant Caribbean reef dive without the stress of strong currents, making it ideal for photographers or newer divers building confidence.
Nearest Dive Centres to Mermaid’s Lair
Dive shops near Mermaid’s Lair
Chuck & Robbie's Scuba Diving + Instruction
Aqua Scuba Belize
Amigo's del Mar
Ambergris Divers Dive Shop
Island Divers
Ambergris Divers Dive Shop
Reviews for Mermaid’s Lair
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Mermaid’s Lair
Mermaid’s Lair Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Mermaid’s Lair, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (17.98, -87.92) (0km away)
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)
Plan & book
Ways to dive Ambergris Caye, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Ambergris CayePlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Ambergris Caye.
Search stays in Ambergris CayeDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near Mermaid’s Lair
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
