Diving in Caribbean Coast

Explore 19 dive sites in Caribbean Coast, Guatemala. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Caribbean Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Caribbean Coast occur in January, averaging 27.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.7°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • February: 27.7°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • March: 27.7°C (air: 26.6°C)
  • April: 27.7°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • May: 27.7°C (air: 28.5°C)
  • June: 27.7°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • July: 27.7°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • August: 27.7°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • September: 27.7°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • October: 27.7°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • November: 27.7°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • December: 27.7°C (air: 25.1°C)

Marine Life in Caribbean Coast

Home to 459 recorded species including 380 reef fish, 32 hard corals, 12 other, 8 sharks & rays, 6 sea urchins, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Dive Site Difficulty in Caribbean Coast

Caribbean Coast has 2 beginner dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Caribbean Coast

Based on average water temperature of 27.7°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

Marine Protected Areas in Caribbean Coast

  • Punta de Manabique - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category III)
  • Río Dulce - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Punta de Manabique - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Caribbean Coast - Nearest Airports

  • Placencia Airport (PLJ), Placencia - 40 km away, approx 58 min travel time
  • Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (SAP), San Pedro Sula - 90 km away, approx 114 min travel time
  • Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), Belize City - 150 km away, approx 179 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions, like visibility and temperature, for diving along the Caribbean Coast?
Divers exploring the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala can expect consistently warm water temperatures, averaging 27.73°C during the best diving months. While specific visibility data isn't provided, Caribbean waters generally offer excellent clarity, making for enjoyable dives.
What kind of unique marine life can divers expect to see when exploring the Caribbean Coast?
While the provided data does not detail specific unique marine life for the Caribbean Coast, divers exploring its reefs and wrecks can generally anticipate encountering a variety of vibrant Caribbean fish and coral species. For more information on common marine life, visit our wildlife database.
Which dive sites are considered the best or most popular for scuba diving in the Caribbean Coast region?
The Caribbean Coast of Guatemala offers a variety of dive sites catering to different interests. Popular options include the wall dive at Pompion Wall, the vibrant reefs of Gladden Spit and Zapotillo Cays, and fascinating wreck dives like BB-17 and HYBUR 8.
Is the Caribbean Coast suitable for beginner divers, or is it more geared towards experienced divers?
The Caribbean Coast of Guatemala is suitable for a range of diving experience levels. Beginner divers can explore sites like Rio Dulce Reef and Zapotillo Cays, while intermediate divers will find numerous options including Pompion Wall and various wreck sites.
What are the best times of year to dive the Caribbean Coast, considering weather and marine life?
The optimal time to dive the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala, considering water temperature, is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when the water consistently averages a warm 27.73°C. While specific seasonal marine life or weather patterns are not detailed, these months offer comfortable conditions for underwater exploration.
How do divers typically get to the main dive regions and sites along the Caribbean Coast?
While specific transportation details are not provided in the data, divers typically access the main dive regions and sites along the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala via local boat charters. Given that diving is described as being 'near Livingston,' it is highly probable that dive operators in or around Livingston facilitate trips to the various dive locations.
Are there any notable wreck dives or unique underwater geological features to explore on the Caribbean Coast?
The Caribbean Coast of Guatemala boasts several notable wreck dives for intermediate divers, including the BB-17, HYBUR 8, and the JUSTO RUFINO BARRIOS II. Additionally, divers can explore unique geological features such as the impressive Pompion Wall, offering a different kind of underwater landscape.
What are the general current conditions divers might encounter in different areas of the Caribbean Coast?
The provided data for the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala does not specify general current conditions divers might encounter. It is always recommended to consult with one of the two local dive centres for up-to-date information on currents and site-specific conditions before planning your dives.