Scuba Diving in Guatemala

Explore 19 dive sites and 5 dive centres in Guatemala. Conditions, marine life, and the best time to dive.

Guatemala Diving at a Glance

2 dive regions, 19 dive sites, 5 dive centres, 460 marine species recorded.

Travel Advisories for Guatemala

UK FCDO: Advises against all but essential travel to parts.

US State Department: Level 3 - Reconsider Travel.

Best Time to Dive in Guatemala

The best months to dive in Guatemala are January, February, March, based on water temperature, visibility, wave conditions, and currents.

Month-by-Month Diving Conditions

  • January: Great, water 28.1°C
  • February: Great, water 28.1°C
  • March: Great, water 28.1°C
  • April: Great, water 28.1°C
  • May: Great, water 28.1°C
  • June: Great, water 28.1°C
  • July: Great, water 28.1°C
  • August: Great, water 28.1°C
  • September: Great, water 28.1°C
  • October: Great, water 28.1°C
  • November: Great, water 28.1°C
  • December: Great, water 28.1°C

Recommended Packing List for Guatemala

Based on average water temperature of 28.1°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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

Dive Regions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Guatemala?
Since the water temperature in Guatemala remains a consistent 28°C throughout the entire year, any month is an excellent time to plan your diving trip. This stable temperature ensures comfortable diving conditions whether you visit in January or July. For more details on seasonal conditions, check our When to Dive guide.
Do I need a special visa to travel to Guatemala for a diving trip?
We do not have specific visa information for Guatemala in our current database. It is always recommended to check the latest visa requirements with the Guatemalan embassy or consulate in your country of residence before planning your diving trip to Guatemala.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see when diving in Guatemala?
Our current data highlights the unique diving environments in Guatemala, including freshwater diving in Lake Atitlan and Caribbean coast diving near the Rio Dulce area. While specific marine life details are not provided, you can explore the general types of aquatic life found in these distinct ecosystems. For a broader understanding of aquatic species, visit our wildlife database.
What are the main dive regions or specific dive sites in Guatemala?
Guatemala offers diverse diving experiences across two main sub-regions: Lake Atitlan and the Caribbean Coast. Lake Atitlan features 7 unique freshwater dive sites, while the Caribbean Coast boasts 12 sites along the Rio Dulce area. Overall, you can explore 27 distinct dive sites in Guatemala.
What are the typical costs for scuba diving in Guatemala, including single dives and courses?
Our current data does not include specific information on the typical costs for single dives or courses in Guatemala. We recommend contacting one of the 5 dive centres in Guatemala directly for up-to-date pricing on their services and packages.
What are the difficulty levels for diving in Guatemala, especially considering Lake Atitlan's altitude?
Guatemala offers varied diving experiences, from the unique freshwater environment of Lake Atitlan to the Caribbean coast. While the volcanic Lake Atitlan reaches impressive depths over 300m, divers should be aware of the altitude when planning dives there. Always consult with local dive professionals to understand specific conditions and any necessary precautions for altitude diving.
Is the visibility good for diving in Guatemala, particularly in Lake Atitlan and the Caribbean?
Our current data does not provide specific details on visibility for diving in Guatemala, neither for Lake Atitlan nor the Caribbean Coast. Visibility can vary greatly depending on weather, currents, and recent rainfall, so it's best to check with local dive centres closer to your travel dates for the most accurate conditions.
Are there any unique or unusual diving experiences in Guatemala, like freshwater or altitude diving?
Absolutely! Guatemala provides truly unique diving experiences, most notably the freshwater diving in Lake Atitlan. This volcanic lake, reaching depths over 300m, offers the unusual opportunity to explore submerged Mayan ruins. Additionally, you can enjoy Caribbean coast diving along the Rio Dulce area, providing a diverse range of aquatic adventures.