Stann Creek District Diving
Stann Creek District, on the south east coast of Belize, is still in the phase of being discovered which means relaxing dives and marine environments in pristine condition. That, in combination with pleasant diving conditions and the chance to see large species, diving here is a must.
Placencia
The resort town of Placencia, off of the south east coast of Belize, holds an exciting mix of diving adventures in the warm, clear waters. Beginners can enjoy shallow dives, advanced divers can enjoy steep walls and canyons, and everyone has the opportunity to spot Whale Sharks.
Diving in the Stann Creek District
Stann Creek District is a district which lies on the south east coast of Belize, with its shore on the Caribbean Sea. There are numerous exciting diving locations here, with some of the highlights including Placencia, Tobacco Caye and Glover’s Reef Atoll. What all these diving locations have in common include fantastic visibility, usually over 30 degrees Celsius, warm waters throughout the year; ranging between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius, stunning marine environments and the chance to see a multitude of marine species. All of these areas have a few dive centres and dive resorts that offer multiple diving adventures including dive courses, night dives, and guided dives to the best dive sites in the region.
All these areas cater to a wide range of divers from beginners wanting to start their diving journeys in the shallow, calm dive sites, to more experienced divers who want to visit the steep reef walls, the deep sea caves, the channels, the pinnacles and more. All of these regions also provide an opportunity to spot some very exciting marine species; at Tobacco Caye divers can visit Shark Cave and see different species of Sharks, Glover’s Reef Atoll provides the chance to see Manta Rays and Placencia is a popular spot to dive with Whale Sharks. These regions are slightly less popular than other parts of Belize, but this means a lack of crowds and still an impressive selection of marine environments including vibrant reefs, and all the life that comes with it. Diving here should absolutely be on divers bucket lists.
Best places to dive
Tobacco Caye
Shark Cave is one of the most thrilling dive sites here as divers can spot multiple species of Sharks including Nurse Sharks, Black Tip Reef Sharks and Bull Sharks all together in one space. This is an unforgettable dive.
Tarpon Channel is the best shore dive in all of Belize. This channel is filled with hundreds of Tarpon and just about every other species of Caribbean fish.
Glover's Reef Atoll
Long Caye Wall is an extraordinary reef wall which is covered in almost every colourful coral and sponge imaginable. A highlight of this dive is also the chance to see Manta Rays out in the blue.
The Pinnacles is a dive site which holds over thirty large coral pinnacles which are all approximately 30 metres high, a very unique topography to explore.
Placencia
Gladden Spit is by far the most popular dive site here as this is where divers are most likely going to spot the Gentle Giants of the sea; the Whale Sharks.
Laughing Bird Caye National Park is one of the shallower Cayes which is perfect for dive courses and beginners. What also makes this an attractive dive site is not only the crystal clear water, but also the chance to spot multiple species of Rays.
Diving in Placencia also means the opportunity to visit some of the most popular diving destinations in Belize including the Belize Barrier Reef, the Belize Blue Hole and the Shark Hole to see a selection of Sharks.
