Punta Arenas (Small Cut) - Ambergris Caye

Punta Arenas, often called the Small Cut, offers a neat little adventure for those who enjoy a swim-through. We’re talking about a sandy-bottomed tunnel that starts wide enough for a couple of divers, then narrows quite a bit. It’s a single-file affair further in, which adds to the fun, though you’ll want to watch your fin kicks to keep that sand from silting things up too much. Even in the darker sections, visibility usually holds up well. We've seen plenty of nurse sharks here, often tucked into crevices, and the occasional green moray eel peeking out. It's a good choice for divers looking for something a bit different from the usual reef drift, without being overly challenging.

Location
Ambergris Caye, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
17.980000, -87.910000

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 Punta Arenas (Small Cut)

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 Punta Arenas (Small Cut)

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 for diving at "Punta Arenas (Small Cut)"?
The typical depth range for diving at Punta Arenas (Small Cut) is not specified in the available data. However, the main attraction is an 82ft (25m) tunnel, which gives an indication of the feature's extent. Divers should be prepared for varying depths within the reef environment.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at "Punta Arenas (Small Cut)"?
Divers at Punta Arenas (Small Cut) can expect to explore a unique underwater feature-a narrow, snaking 82ft (25m) tunnel. This site is characterized as a reef, with the tunnel entrance located at the base of the coral reef and its bottom composed of sand. While specific marine life is not detailed, the reef environment suggests potential for various species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at "Punta Arenas (Small Cut)" for different experience levels?
Diving at Punta Arenas (Small Cut) is rated as intermediate difficulty. This is primarily due to the main attraction-a narrow, snaking tunnel that requires single-file navigation in sections. While visibility within the sandy-bottomed tunnel is generally good, some dark sections require careful attention, making it best suited for divers with some experience.
What are the best months or seasons to dive at "Punta Arenas (Small Cut)" for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best months or seasons for optimal diving conditions at Punta Arenas (Small Cut) is not available in the current data. For general guidance on diving seasons in Ambergris Caye, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at "Punta Arenas (Small Cut)"?
While no specific certification is explicitly required for Punta Arenas (Small Cut), its intermediate difficulty rating suggests that divers should be at least Open Water certified and comfortable with confined spaces. Given the narrow, snaking tunnel, advanced certification or experience with cavern/cave diving principles would be beneficial for navigating the darker, single-file sections safely.
What are the typical water temperatures, currents, and visibility conditions at "Punta Arenas (Small Cut)"?
For Punta Arenas (Small Cut), the data indicates that visibility within the tunnel is generally good, with "loss of visibility not a great concern" due to its sandy bottom. However, specific information regarding typical water temperatures and currents for this dive site is not provided in the available context.