Is there diving, SCUBA or snorkeling in and around Cayo, Belize, including San Ignacio and Belmopan?

​Cayo is not located in the beach areas so if we want to go scuba diving or snorkeling, we go to the cayes (islands). The most popular cayes are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

 

We also go south to Placencia where snorkeling tours are offered as well. Placencia is a 2-hour drive away from San Ignacio. You could also go to the eastern cayes of Belize but it takes about 3 to 4 hours to get there from San Ignacio using public transport. There is a now a new...

​Cayo is not located in the beach areas so if we want to go scuba diving or snorkeling, we go to the cayes (islands). The most popular cayes are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

 

We also go south to Placencia where snorkeling tours are offered as well. Placencia is a 2-hour drive away from San Ignacio. You could also go to the eastern cayes of Belize but it takes about 3 to 4 hours to get there from San Ignacio using public transport. There is a now a new service by Tropic Air that offers flights to San Pedro in Ambergris Caye. There is a plane strip a few minutes outside of San Ignacio Town. You can take a plane there going to the cayes, which would take about an hour to an hour and a half. It is a bit pricey but if you have the means and resources, it is a great option.

 

Scuba diving and snorkeling in the cayes is very beautiful. Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world after Australia so we have different species of sharks, none of which I know are dangerous or preys on humans. Belize is home to stingrays. In June, you may also go whale shark diving off the coast of Placencia when the whale sharks are migrating. It’s a great experience.

 

Generally, there is not scuba or snorkeling in Cayo because we only have rivers here. If you want to go scuba diving or snorkeling, you have to go to the cayes. We have beautiful and clear waters on the cayes, as they are not contaminated. The waters of Belize are very pristine and that’s why it offers a great diving and snorkeling experience.

 

(Snorkeling with mega fauna in Belize, pictured.)