The Chutes - Turneffe Atoll

The Chutes at Turneffe Atoll is a solid afternoon dive, particularly if you’re looking for a wider perspective. You drop onto a sand flat that stretches out before a sheer wall, which starts around 50 feet. It’s a great spot for spotting garden eels swaying in the current, and we’ve often found yellowhead jawfish peeking from their burrows here. The chutes themselves are wide, sandy gullies that funnel you towards the main wall, where you’ll see plenty of yellow tube sponges and purple sea whips. Keep an eye out for hawksbill turtles cruising by, and we regularly spot spotted drums and scrawled cowfish in the overhangs. This site is pretty relaxed, good for wide-angle photographers or anyone who appreciates a bit of space on the reef.

Location
Turneffe Atoll, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
17.290000, -87.850000
Maximum Depth
50 feet deep

Marine Protected Area: Caye Bokel, Turneffe Atolls

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 The Chutes

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 The Chutes

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 is the typical diving depth at The Chutes dive site in St. Croix?
The provided data for The Chutes dive site refers to its location in Turneffe Atoll, Belize, not St. Croix. At The Chutes in Belize, the typical diving depth is approximately 50 feet deep along the top of the wall. This depth allows for exploration of the wall and the extensive sand flat.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving The Chutes?
When diving The Chutes, you can expect excellent opportunities for pelagic encounters and wide-angle photography. The site features a huge sand flat that is home to garden eels and yellowhead jawfish. The wide chutes lead to a vibrant wall covered with yellow tube sponges, purple sea whips, and brain coral, where you can often spot marine life such as hawksbill turtles, spotted drum, scrawled cowfish, and spotted morays.
How difficult is the diving at The Chutes, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The diving at The Chutes is classified as intermediate difficulty. While not recommended for absolute beginners, divers with an Open Water certification and some experience may find it manageable. It's always best for newer divers to consult with a local dive operator to ensure conditions are suitable for their skill level.
What is the best time of year to dive The Chutes for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for diving The Chutes for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal diving, you might explore our When to Dive section. We recommend checking with local dive operators in Turneffe Atoll for current conditions and specific seasonal recommendations.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving The Chutes?
The provided data does not explicitly state the required or recommended scuba diving certifications for The Chutes. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating, an Open Water Diver certification is typically a minimum requirement, and an Advanced Open Water certification might be beneficial for deeper sections or varying conditions. Always confirm with your chosen dive operator in Belize.
What are the typical current conditions at The Chutes dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions at The Chutes dive site. Current conditions can vary greatly depending on tides, weather, and time of year. For the most up-to-date information on currents, we advise consulting with local dive centers in Turneffe Atoll prior to your dive.