Scuba Diving in Belize Offers New World of Aquatic Life

Divers hoping so see some of the most spectacular underwater scenery in normally crystal-clear water go scuba diving in Belize on the east coast of Central America. The ocean waters of this Caribbean nation are almost always in the mid to upper-80s offering a tepid diving environment. During certain times of the year there may be some concern about surface currents, especially along the 140-0mil barrier reef protecting the east coast. This reef, made of natural coral is one of the main draws to bring people scuba diving in Belize.

Many places along the country’s shoreline can offer spectacular underwater views, but most experienced divers are interested in viewing the famed Blue Hole while scuba diving in Belize. About 60-miles from the mainland, this near-perfectly round hole in the ocean’s floor as about 400-feet deep and due to its depth and the lack of light getting to lower level makes it appear blue in color.

The Blue Hole is about 300-feet in diameter and should not be attempted by recreational or resort divers. It requires excellent buoyancy control due to the inside walls opening wider as the depth increase and sudden descent, or worse sudden ascent, can be dangerous. Several stops are need when rising from the depth of the Blue Hole while scuba diving in Belize for degassing and attention must be paid to remaining air to insure making it to the surface without incident.

Divers Can Appreciate Surrounding Beauty

Other than the Blue Hole, many divers appreciate the magnificent colors found in the coral reefs while scuba diving in Belize. There is never a shortage of brightly colored fish and other marine life that can pump some extra adrenaline into the system. Hammerhead sharks are often sighted while scuba diving in Belize, especially near the barrier reef, and many other warm-water-loving predators patrol the shoreline.

Resort qualified divers and those without appropriate certifications are not welcome on dives to the Blue Hole but there are so many opportunities while scuba diving in Belize to see many wonders of the ocean. Most visitors take a lesson or two so they can get closer to the ocean bottom and all the wonders available to see when scuba diving in Belize.

Most of the underwater caves and caverns that can be spotted while scuba diving in Belize were made at the end of the ice age when many of the caves filled with water during the melt. Some of the deeper caves also offer glimpses or limestone stalagmites and stalagtites that grow unabated inside the caves.