BELIZE Information

Belize has the world's second largest barrier reef that runs parallel to its coast, at distances ranging from a few hundred feet at the northern tip of Ambergris Caye, to nearly forty miles at the southern-most tip of the country.

The barrier reef is only one factor that makes Belize one of the world's most popular destinations for scuba divers and snorkelers. Many of the small islands, known as "cayes," that lie off the coast of the Belizean mainland have their own coral reefs, with spectacular underwater gardens teeming with sea life of all types.

The waters average temperature is 79-84 degrees and is close to Ambergris Caye, making travel time short thus is a favorite destinations for divers and snorkelers. A popular destination is Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located 4 miles southeast of San Pedro. The ocean floor ranges from 5 to 35 feet, so both divers and snorkelers have the opportunity to swim in what seems like an underwater aquarium, teeming with colorful tropical fish of all sizes and types and beautiful coral formations. The "cut" (channel) leading out to sea functions as a sort of "fish freeway" for many large fish including giant groupers, barracuda and nurse sharks.

The rocks are home to a lush array of colorful sea life and many moray eels, who sometimes venture out in search of a meal. Belize is the perfect spot to try your hand at underwater photography. Great locations to visit and dive are Mexico Rocks, Palmetto Reef, Sandy Point Reef, San Pedro Cut and Coral Gardens.

The highlight of scuba diving in Belize is its famous Blue Hole -a huge sunken cave 300 by 400 feet that was the subject of a documentary by underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau. The Blue Hole is probably Belize's best known scuba diving attraction, but Lighthouse Reef is also the site of Half Moon Caye National Monument, established as Belize's first nature reserve in 1982.
For informaiton on Belize, visit www.travelbelize.org

For travel arrangements call: 866-480-DIVE (3483)     

OR             E-mail:  Info@H2OTOURS.NET