NO.1 & NO.12 - Ambergris Caye

Forget deep dives and big pelagics here. No.1 and No.12, affectionately known as "The Barges," are exactly what they sound like: two old barges that grounded in 1976. They sit in barely a meter of water, right off Rocky Point. We’re talking snorkel depth, really, but they’re incredibly fun for a casual splash around. Visibility here is usually excellent, and sunlight just floods the whole scene. You can spend an easy hour finning over the rusty metal, tracing the outlines of what were once working vessels. There are often schools of snapper darting in and out of the shadows, and we’ve seen plenty of juvenile barracuda lurking. Keep an eye out for small crabs scuttling across the seabed and anemones tucked into crevices. It’s a great spot for underwater photography, especially on a sunny day when the light catches the rust and the fish. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon when you want to see some history without lugging all your gear.

Location
Ambergris Caye, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
18.366667, -88.133330
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Corozal Bay

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 NO.1 & NO.12

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 NO.1 & NO.12

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 depth range and maximum depth for diving at No. 1 Reef in Durban?
For the NO.1 & NO.12 wreck site near Ambergris Caye, Belize, the typical depth is 1 meter. This shallow depth makes the site very accessible for divers of various experience levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to encounter at No. 1 Reef in Durban?
At the NO.1 & NO.12 site off Ambergris Caye, Belize, divers can explore the remains of a barge vessel that sank on December 21, 1976. This site is classified as a wreck, with portions of its hull or superstructure visible. Specific marine life details for this particular site are not provided in the available data.
How difficult is diving at No. 1 Reef, and what level of certification or experience is recommended?
Diving at the NO.1 & NO.12 wreck site near Ambergris Caye, Belize is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience and be comfortable with wreck diving environments. While specific certification requirements aren't detailed, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience is generally recommended for intermediate dives.
What are the best months or seasons to dive No. 1 Reef for optimal visibility and marine life sightings?
The provided data for the NO.1 & NO.12 wreck site near Ambergris Caye, Belize does not specify the best months or seasons for optimal visibility or marine life sightings. For general information on diving seasons in Belize, you may want to consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications or equipment, like Nitrox, required or highly recommended for No. 1 Reef?
For the NO.1 & NO.12 wreck site in Ambergris Caye, Belize, which is rated as intermediate difficulty, no specific certifications or equipment like Nitrox are explicitly required in the provided data. However, for any wreck dive, having appropriate equipment and advanced training is always highly recommended to enhance safety and enjoyment.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at No. 1 Reef, and how do they impact the dive experience?
The available data for the NO.1 & NO.12 wreck site near Ambergris Caye, Belize does not include information on typical current conditions or visibility. Therefore, we cannot detail how these factors might impact the dive experience at this specific site.