Tuffy Canyon - Ambergris Caye

Twenty kilometers southeast of Lord Howe Island, Balls Pyramid stands stark against the horizon, a volcanic spire that makes for an epic boat ride out. Once you're in, this is a drift dive, often with a good push, so be comfortable in moving water. We’ve had incredible encounters here, particularly with large pelagics – Galapagos sharks are common, and those schools of violet sweepers can be genuinely massive, almost blocking out the light in places. Keep an eye out for the Ballina Angelfish, a species you won't see many other places. It’s a site for advanced divers, no question, but the reward is often some truly memorable encounters.

Location
Ambergris Caye, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
17.868600, -87.998000
Type
drift

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 Tuffy Canyon

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 Tuffy Canyon

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