Outside Magazine contributor believes there’s nothing better than swimming alongside sea critters and floating through underwater forests of kelp when exploring the deep blue. “A scuba certification is an underwater passport that lets you access some of the best scuba diving in the world,” writes Gillespie in one of Outside’s most recent articles. “Just like topside travel, you can pick destinations based on what you enjoy most.”
For the freelance journalist and diving enthusiast, one of those beloved destinations is Belize. Highlighting the country as one of the most beautiful scuba diving destinations in the world, Gillespie praises the country for its diverse marine life. Where Belize shines most of all, though, is in the world of night dives.
“I can never get enough of the sea life that comes out in the light of the moon, especially unfurling octopus and eels with glinting eyes. During my week there, not a night went by without a Caribbean reef squid encounter,” says Gillespie.
Planning a dive trip to Belize? Here are some of our recommendations for where to go.
Scuba Diving in Belize: Where to Go
Dive the Belize Barrier Reef for memorable adventures. Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
For Steep Dive Walls: Belize’s Turneffe Atoll, often praised as one of the best places to dive in the country, boasts some amazing steep dive walls. This is partly owed to the atoll’s unique landscape, with shallow and deep water found near each other. The Turneffe Atoll is also the home of The Wit, promising an amazing wreck dive.
For Whale Sharks: The pristine waters of Southern Belize are famous for being the best place for whale shark sightings. For your best chances at spotting the gentle giants, plan to visit the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve in the Spring months, specifically around the time of the full moon.
Similar: Belize Scuba Diving – Learn How to Scuba Dive in Belize
For a One-of-a-Kind Experience: Of course, it’s a given that any talk of diving in Belize will mention The Great Blue Hole. Though not boasting as much spectacular marine life as other sites on the barrier reef, the experience of diving one of the largest blue holes in the world is otherworldly, and definitely bucket list worthy.
Book a dive tour with San Pedro’s Ambergris Divers here.