Belize has the biggest coral reef within the Caribbean and world’s second-largest barrier reef general. All that inviting coral means there may be an abundance of marine life in Belize, from microscopic to huge. A number of highlights embody:
- Turtles
- Groupers
- Dolphins
- Sharks and Rays
- Manatees
A number of the animals above solely go to seasonally. Learn on for when and the place to see your favourite marine life in Belize.
Enjoyable Encounters & When To Go
Sea Turtles
Belize is without doubt one of the greatest locations on the earth to dive with sea turtles. Inexperienced sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are the commonest, however loggerheads are sometimes noticed. Turtles frequent Hol Chan Marine Reserve, particularly from January to Could.
The southern finish of Ambergris Caye is a well-liked nesting spot for sea turtles. Nesting season is Could via August and hatching season is July via November.
Groupers
October via November is mating season for Nassau groupers. 1000’s of huge fish present up within the cayes of Belize instantly after the total moon.Â
The endangered Nassau grouper was as soon as frequent within the Caribbean. Sadly, predictable spawning aggregations, such because the one in Belize, made them a straightforward goal for fishermen. As soon as a spawning floor is overfished, that grouper inhabitants is gone for good.
Luckily, Belize has taken steps to guard its grouper inhabitants. By reserving a dive journey to Belize, you assist their conservation efforts.
Dolphins
You’re most certainly to see dolphins from the dive boat, but it surely’s attainable to see them underwater too. The Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is the commonest dolphin in Belize, however you may additionally encounter:
- Atlantic noticed dolphins
- Tough tooth dolphins
- Spinner dolphins
December to March sometimes supply the calmest sea situations, making it simpler to identify dolphins on the floor and through dives.
April to June Anticipate to see larger dolphin exercise across the reef throughout whale shark season. This occurs from April to June and is because of an abundance of meals sources.
Stingrays and Sharks in Belize
A wholesome shark inhabitants is the signal of a wholesome reef, so you’ve got a superb likelihood of seeing sharks in Belize. The commonest sharks are nurse sharks, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks. Hammerheads go to seasonally (June via September), as do whale sharks (extra on these magnificent creatures in a second).
Eagle rays and southern stingrays are the commonest ray species in Belize. Some divers are fortunate sufficient to see a large manta ray — normally swimming at or close to the floor.
Shark Ray AlleyÂ
Shark Ray Alley, positioned within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, was the place fishermen cleaned their every day catch. Immediately it attracts southern stingrays and nurse sharks. Shark Ray Alley is a snorkeling spot that may typically be paired with a dive in Hol Chan.
When to See Whale Sharks in Belize
Of all of the marine life in Belize, whale sharks are arguably probably the most spectacular. Peak whale shark season is April via June, however they are often seen as early as March.
Whale sharks don’t comply with a exact calendar, they arrive when the snapper spawn. If you wish to swim with whale sharks in Belize, test a lunar calendar earlier than planning your journey. The most important spawns are 3-4 days earlier than and after the total moon.
Manatees in Belize
Belize is residence to the world’s largest inhabitants of Antillean manatees and you’ll be able to see them year-round. These candy “sea cows” are thought of a Weak species as a result of varied threats, together with poaching and air pollution.
Belize has three protected areas for manatees. Scuba diving with manatees will not be permitted, however you’ll be able to see these light giants of their pure habitat.
- Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Northern Lagoon
- Gales Level Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern Lagoon
- Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary (about 11km/7m from Belize Metropolis)
Definitely worth the Go to
Jacques Cousteau put Belize on the (dive) map due to The Blue Gap. The Blue Gap, positioned off the coast of Belize, is a bucket-list vacation spot for divers worldwide. This iconic underwater sinkhole is over 300 meters (984 toes) throughout and roughly 125 meters (410 toes) deep. This makes it one of many largest and most visually putting sinkholes on the planet!
However many individuals overlook: a sinkhole isn’t an amazing place for marine life. There are sharks that are likely to cross via, particularly Caribbean reef sharks! The Blue Gap is a singular expertise, don’t get me unsuitable. Its actual attraction lies in its geological historical past and the surreal dive expertise it gives.
Pack Your Baggage
Prepared for some epic marine life encounters? If you happen to’re involved in seeing marine life in Belize for your self, then you should definitely e-book diving excursions to the dive spots talked about on this article. Every website gives its personal distinctive underwater treasures ready to be found!
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