Saint George’s Caye - Turneffe Atoll

Tatawa Kecil, for us, is one of those sites where you jump in and immediately feel the energy of Komodo. It’s got that classic Komodo mix of current-swept corals and big fish action. We love dropping in on the north side, letting the water push us over the shallow reef, keeping an eye out for manta rays cruising in the blue. The hard corals here are fantastic, lots of robust staghorns and thick table corals, providing shelter for sweetlips and schooling fusiliers that can be so dense they almost block out the sun. Keep your eyes peeled for pygmy seahorses tucked into gorgonians if the current isn’t ripping too hard. It’s not an easy dive, that current can be a serious ride, but for experienced divers who enjoy a bit of drift, Tatawa Kecil delivers that quintessential Komodo rush. We usually find the best conditions, and fewest other boats, first thing in the morning.

Location
Turneffe Atoll, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
17.553600, -88.072800
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: St. George's Caye Cemetery

Best Time to Dive in Turneffe Atoll

The warmest water temperatures in Turneffe Atoll occur in January, averaging 27.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.4°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • February: 27.4°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • March: 27.4°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • April: 27.4°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • May: 27.4°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • June: 27.4°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 27.4°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • August: 27.4°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • September: 27.4°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • October: 27.4°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • November: 27.4°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • December: 27.4°C (air: 26.0°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Turneffe Atoll

Nearest Dive Centres to Saint George’s Caye

Marine Life in Turneffe Atoll

Home to 383 recorded species including 318 reef fish, 27 hard corals, 14 sharks & rays, 6 whales & dolphins, 5 other, 2 jellyfish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Saint George’s Caye

Based on average water temperature of 27.4°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°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 dive depths around Saint George's Caye?
Divers exploring Saint George's Caye can expect typical reef depths, with a maximum recorded depth of 22 meters. This allows for enjoyable dives within recreational limits, suitable for exploring the vibrant Caribbean reef ecosystem.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see when diving at Saint George's Caye?
At Saint George's Caye, divers can anticipate encountering typical Caribbean marine life amidst beautiful reef formations. You'll likely spot nurse and reef sharks, turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrot fish, and grouper, with possible sightings of eagle rays. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is diving at Saint George's Caye suitable for beginner divers, or is it more for experienced divers?
Diving at Saint George's Caye is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the maximum depth of 22m is within recreational limits, the intermediate rating suggests it's best suited for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. However, the resort offers Valet Diving and 5-star service, which can greatly assist divers of varying skill levels.
What is the best time of year to go diving at Saint George's Caye for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings at Saint George's Caye. For general information on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive around Saint George's Caye, especially for trips to nearby sites like the Blue Hole?
The provided data for Saint George's Caye does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required for diving in the area or for trips to nearby sites like the Blue Hole. It's always recommended to check with the local dive operator, such as St. George Caye Resort, for their specific requirements before planning your dives in Belize.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like for diving around Saint George's Caye?
Divers at Saint George's Caye can generally expect excellent visibility, averaging around 19 meters. The provided data does not specify typical water temperatures or current conditions for the area.