TRAVELSPECIAL
Porkfish in a reef of plume corals
Essentials
GETTING THERE: Flights from London Gatwick to Belize start from around £ 650 return. Belize City hosts the international airport with easy connections to domestic flights to the main dive hubs( we used Tropic Air).
A Caribbean jewel
Belize is a destination that truly lives up to its claims. With spectacular reefs, legendary dive sites, and a commitment to conservation, it offers an underwater experience that is both inspiring and meaningful. Whether you’ re descending into the enigmatic Blue Hole, drifting along a coral wall, or mingling with nurse sharks in shallow reserves, Belize promises memories that will last a lifetime. So, get some reef-safe SPF, and discover this
Caracol Temple
Sunset Caribe Hotel
Sandy Feet Resort
Caribbean jewel for yourself. Why not book onto the Beyond Blue Dive Summit travelbelize. org / beyond-the-blue / that Belize is hosting on April 22nd- 25th, 2026? This event is a tailored package of some of the best dives available in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Alongside meeting and learning from amazing people working to protect and improve the coral reefs. What’ s more, April is one of the best times to see whale sharks. The event is limited to 50 divers, so book early.
WHEN TO GO: November to May is generally the best time for diving, with calm seas and excellent visibility. June to October brings occasional storms and reduced visibility, but also fewer crowds and lower prices. Water temperature is 26-29 ° C year-round. A rash vest and leggings were sufficient in Sept.
EATS AND TREATS: In Palencia, Wendy’ s Creole Food, or the Barefoot Bar. In San Pedro, Rain restaurant or Pirate’ s Not-So-Secret Beach Bar and Grill. Don’ t forget to sample the local chocolate.
OPERATORS: We dived with Splash Dive Center splashbelize. com; Belize Pro Dive Center belizeprodivecenter. com( while friendly, were a little lax on diver discipline and limitations for my comfort) and Ramon’ s Dive Shop ramons. com. All have kit rental available.
Day of scenic diving, including Shark Ray Alley, £ 75( with gear rental included) ambergrisdivers. com
Blue Hole day dives start from around £ 252( including £ 30 park fee). belizedivingadventures. net
A week’ s dive and accommodation package with Ramon’ s Village Resort costs around £ 955 for 7 nights in a double Jungle Mini cabana. ramons. com
TOPSIDE ACTIVITIES: Explore the jungle, cave systems, and Caracol and Xunantunich ancient Myan temples. Snorkel options are abundant for non-divers. Maya Walk offer Xunantunich Mayan Ruins tours on horseback for £ 90. mayawalk. com
ACCOMMODATION: Stay on the mainland or escape to a paradise island. You can find Green Globe Certified Hotels at travelbelize. org / sustainability /
■ Sandy Feet Beach Resort, from £ 131 per night for a king-size room sandyfeetbeach. com /
■ Sunset Caribe Belize, from £ 157 per night for a Cabana Loft for two sunsetcaribebelize. com
70