San Pedro Canyons - Belize - Ambergris Caye

If you’re looking for turtles in Prony Bay, Tépava is our go-to. We’ve had dives here where we lost count after a dozen. It's a shallow drift, maxing out at 14 metres, which means plenty of bottom time to really soak in the busy reef. What we love about Tépava isn't just the sheer number of green sea turtles, but how relaxed they are. You’ll often find them grazing on the seagrass beds, barely noticing you as you float by. The hard coral gardens here are also surprisingly healthy for a lagoon site, with some impressive table corals providing shelter for schooling pinkfish and inquisitive saddleback butterflyfish. We’ve also seen some sizeable great barracuda patrolling the deeper edge, and the occasional ghost pipefish hidden amongst the coral branches – keep an eye out, they’re tricky. Visibility is usually a comfortable 10-15 metres, so everything feels close and clear. This spot is perfect for photographers, particularly macro fans who also want a decent chance at a turtle portrait. We'd suggest going at high tide for the clearest water and an easier drift over the reef.

Location
Ambergris Caye, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
17.905600, -87.955800
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 San Pedro Canyons - Belize

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 San Pedro Canyons - Belize

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 are the typical depths for diving in the San Pedro Canyons in Belize?
At San Pedro Canyons, divers can expect a maximum depth of 22m. This reef dive offers a comfortable depth range for exploring its unique formations.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at San Pedro Canyons, Belize?
Divers at San Pedro Canyons will encounter a variety of stony corals that create a loose framework, providing protective homes for small invertebrates like Brittle Star Fish, Shrimps, and Crabs. You'll also see typical Caribbean marine life, including nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, turtles, stingrays, and a diverse array of fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrot fish, and grouper. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at San Pedro Canyons, Belize, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at San Pedro Canyons is rated as intermediate difficulty. While not ideal for absolute beginners, divers with some experience will find it a rewarding site. It's recommended that divers have appropriate certifications and comfort with varied conditions.
When is the best time of year to dive San Pedro Canyons in Belize for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data for San Pedro Canyons does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. However, Belize generally offers good diving conditions year-round. We recommend checking local dive operators for current seasonal insights.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at San Pedro Canyons, Belize?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed for San Pedro Canyons, its intermediate difficulty rating suggests that divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. Always confirm with your chosen dive operator regarding their specific requirements. Ensure your equipment is suitable for intermediate dives.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the San Pedro Canyons dive site in Belize?
At the San Pedro Canyons dive site, divers can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 21m. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions, so it's always wise to consult with local dive guides for up-to-date information before your dive.