Belize's Beach, Snorkel, Dive, Fishing and Windsurfing Paradise

Belize

One of the major charms of Belize is that it is never crowded: here indeed is Mother Nature's best kept secret. If you were to ask a group of people if they have ever heard of Belize, the ones most likely to respond affirmative would be the divers, snorkellers and sports fishermen. They have discovered that Belize truly is the ultimate marine paradise.

Start with the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, closely paralleling the mainland for 185 miles, an area declared a World Heritage Site. This creates an enormous area of protected water with an infinite variety of dive sites that can be reached in minutes. From undersea walls to intricate caverns and tiny coconut-palmed Cayes, there is literally something for everybody, from beginning snorkeller to expert scuba divers.

. Beyond the reef, Belize boasts three major atolls, including Lighthouse Atoll, home of the famous Great Blue Hole, Turneffe Atoll and Glover's Atoll. Marine Reserves abound: among them are Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Alley, Half Moon Caye National Monument, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye National Park and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve.

It is believe that thousands of years ago, the Great Blue Hole was a cave, but as the sea claimed the land, the roof collapsed, forming a water filled shaft 1000 ft wide that plunges to a depth of 412 ft. Its towering stalactites and stalagmites offer an unbelievable diving experience.

The fabulous marine ecosystem is home to more than 400 species of fish, 540 species of exquisite birds, a broad range of mammals and reptiles and some 70 different types of coral. Of course you do not have to be a diver to appreciate this incredible aquatic playground. Opportunities abound for water skiing, wind surfing, kayaking or just swimming and relaxing. And the fishing is absolutely beyond compare, with a choice of reefs, rivers and flats.

One thing is certain, whether you are devoted to diving, fishing or exploring, the Belize water adventure is not to be missed!