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