Tackle Box - Ambergris Caye

Wailea is one of those spots where we almost always spot something unusual, even if it feels like a fairly gentle, shallow reef. The main draw for us here is definitely the chance to see Oriental flying gurnards – they’re just so striking when they fan out those fins, like something from another planet. We usually find them shuffling along the sand patches between the coral fingers, often in the late morning. The site itself is a series of shallow coral fingers, averaging around five metres deep. It’s calm, perfect for easing back into things or for newer divers getting their fins wet. Visibility often pushes past 15 metres, giving you a good chance to pick out the smaller stuff like Scarlet wrasse and the vivid Yellow tangs darting around. Go a little further out, towards the deeper edge, and you might catch a glimpse of Giant trevally cruising by or a resident turtle munching on algae. Keep an eye on the sand for Diamond Lizardfish too, they blend in incredibly well. While it’s not a drift dive, we’d suggest a slow pace, really looking into every crevice for dwarf morays or the surprisingly well-camouflaged Blackside hawkfish. It’s a site for relaxed exploration, where the smaller, rarer finds are the real reward.

Location
Ambergris Caye, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
17.906000, -87.956700
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 Tackle Box

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 Tackle Box

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 Tackle Box Canyons?
Divers exploring Tackle Box can expect a maximum depth of 24m. This popular dive site off Ambergris Caye features intricate canyons, caverns, and tunnels, offering diverse exploration opportunities within this depth range.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Tackle Box Canyons?
At Tackle Box, divers will encounter fascinating underwater features including canyons, caverns, and tunnels, providing ample exploration for macro life like lobsters and eels. The site is also home to typical Caribbean marine life such as nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, turtles, stingrays, and schools of jacks, alongside various fish like snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrot fish, and grouper. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Tackle Box Canyons dive site, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Tackle Box dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This makes it suitable for divers with some experience who are comfortable navigating diverse underwater environments like canyons and caverns. It offers plenty to explore for those with a good grasp of their diving skills.
What are the best months or seasons to dive at Tackle Box Canyons for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best months or seasons for diving at Tackle Box for optimal conditions. For general information on dive seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or highly recommended for diving Tackle Box Canyons?
The provided data does not specify any particular diving certifications required or highly recommended for diving Tackle Box. However, given its intermediate difficulty and features like canyons and tunnels, divers should ensure they possess the appropriate experience level for such a site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Tackle Box Canyons dive site?
Divers at Tackle Box can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 21m. This allows for clear views of the reef and its abundant marine life. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions at this dive site.