Best Dives of Belize

By Joyce Huber

Based on the great classic, Best Dives of the Caribbean, this publication zeroes in on the best dives of Belize. Includes the latest and best dive and snorkel sites, each rated for visual excellence and marine life. The author's knowledge of the Caribbean

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hunter Publishing
• Release date: Jul 15, 2009
• ISBN: 9781588437501

Book preview

Best Dives of Belize

Joyce & Jon Huber

HUNTER PUBLISHING, INC,

www.hunterpublishing.com

Ulysses Travel Publications

4176 Saint-Denis, Montréal, Québec

Canada H2W 2M5

tel. [phone], ext. 2232; fax [phone]

Windsor Books

The Boundary, Wheatley Road, Garsington

Oxford, OX44 9EJ England

tel. [phone]; fax [phone]

© Joyce Huber

For complete information about the hundreds of travel guides offered by Hunter Publishing, visit our website at www.hunterpublishing.com.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.

This guide focuses on recreational activities. As all such activities contain elements of risk, the publisher, author, affiliated individuals and companies disclaim responsibility for any injury, harm, or illness that may occur to anyone through, or by use of, the information in this book. Every effort was made to insure the accuracy of information in this book, but the publisher and author do not assume, and hereby disclaim, liability for any loss or damage caused by errors, omissions, misleading information or potential travel problems caused by this guide, even if such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause.

Introduction

Planning Your Trip

SCUBA CERTIFYING ORGANIZATIONS

CRUISES AND PACKAGE TOURS

HANDICAPPED DIVERS

MONEY

INSURANCE

DOCUMENTS

SECURITY

DRUGS

CAMERAS

SUNDRIES

FIRST AID

SUNBURN PROTECTION

DIVER IDENTIFICATION

GEAR

Belize

When to Go

History

Best Dive & Snorkeling Sites

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

The Atolls

The Blue Hole

Where to Stay

Ambergris Caye

Caye Caulker

St. George's Caye

South Water Caye

The Turneffe Islands

Lighthouse Reef

Placencia

Sightseeing

Dining

Shopping

Facts

What About Sharks?

Nitrox

Introduction

Before the creation of underwater viewing equipment, early Caribbean travelers caught merely a glimpse of the world beneath the sea. But, once they did, the idea of subsea exploration really caught on. By the 1930s, rubber goggles with glass lenses and face masks became a standard part of many a tropical traveler's wardrobe and a new wave of adventure travel took root. And, though much has changed since those early days, the fascination of the sea and its splendid inhabitants are still romancing and captivating visitors the way they always have.

Dive vacations have since evolved into a major part of Caribbean travel. There are now resorts, travel agents, tour operators and yacht charters that cater exclusively to divers and snorkelers. Many all-inclusive resorts have added scuba lessons and tours. There is even a cruise ship with an all-dive itinerary. Sailing afficionados find hull-to-hull pick-up service offered by the dive shops. Novice sailor-divers can rent a yacht with a captain who doubles as a dive instructor and a reef-and-wreck tour guide. The biggest consideration left for the traveler is deciding where to go.

Best Dives of Belizeis designed to help you wade through this endless wonder of vacation choices. Whether you are a snorkeler, a novice diver or an experienced ocean explorer, you'll find a unique choice of destinations, diver-friendly accommodations and dive services to pick from. We've added several adventure destinations to this edition and expanded others to include more dive and snorkeling sites, a wider choice of accommodations, eateries and après-dive activities.

You'll find suggestions for the best time of year to visit each island and where to write, call or e-mail for additional information.

Dive