Belize is a diver’s paradise with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, including sharks, eagle rays, and sea turtles. I first traveled to Caye Caulker, an island in Belize, with one goal: diving in the Great Blue Hole. While that bucket-list dive didn’t quite live up to the hype for me, the island itself and other dive sites did. I stayed for a month, diving every weekend and discovering some of the best scuba diving in Caye Caulker.
If you’re planning to travel to Caye Caulker and looking for the top spots for scuba diving, here are my three favorite dive sites you won’t want to miss.
1. Long Caye Aquarium
Located in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Long Caye Aquarium is a diver’s paradise where you feel like you are descending into an aquarium. This site is famous for its colorful coral formations, large schools of tropical fish, and frequent encounters with eagle rays, groupers, and nurse sharks. This was the last dive site we went to as part of diving the Great Blue Hole.
- What makes it special? The sheer variety of marine life makes every dive feel like swimming in a natural aquarium.
- Best for: Underwater photographers, marine life lovers, and those who enjoy calm, scenic dives.
2. Half Moon Wall
Half Moon Caye Wall is one of the most breathtaking wall dives in Belize. This steep drop-off is covered in vibrant sponges, swaying gorgonians, and intricate coral structures that attract a diverse range of marine species. Glide past towering coral formations as reef sharks patrol the deep blue, eagle rays soar overhead, and sea turtles drift effortlessly along the wall. The shallow sandy area near the end of the dive is home to garden eels and offers a peaceful spot to soak in the beauty of the reef.
- What makes it special? The stunning vertical wall and abundance of large marine life make this a must-dive site.
- Best for: Advanced divers who love deep dives and dramatic underwater landscapes.
3. Esmeralda Canyons
So. Many. Sharks. Situated near Ambergris Caye and San Pedro, Esmeralda is a series of coral canyons teeming with marine life. The spur-and-groove formations create an exciting dive experience as you weave through the coral structures. Schools of snappers, groupers, and jacks are common, and lucky divers may even spot moray eels or nurse sharks resting in the crevices.
- What makes it special? The maze-like coral formations make for a thrilling and immersive dive.
- Best for: Divers who enjoy exploring unique underwater landscapes and swimming alongside large schools of fish.
Caye Caulker Dive Shops to Check Out
- Scuba Sensation – My go-to dive shop for multiple trips. Great equipment, fun and knowledgeable guides, lunch during surface intervals, and a larger boat, allowing access to further sites like the Belize Great Blue Hole.
- Sunrise Scuba – A newer dive shop off the main road with top-notch equipment and experienced guides. They focus on local dive sites around Caye Caulker and San Pedro. My favorite dive with them was Spanish Bay, where the guides speared a few invasive lionfish, and we made fresh ceviche for lunch after the dives.
Belize is a diver’s dream; however, it is experiencing its own coral bleaching, as well as a lionfish invasion. Practice conservative diving, and when visiting Caye Caulker, I highly recommend trying any dish with lionfish (especially tacos).
Have you been diving in Belize? I’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below and share your favorite dive sites.
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