It’s true.
Belize has some of the best shore diving in the world.
But the best way to experience scuba diving around Belize is on a scuba diving liveaboard.
While the country isn’t huge, getting to all the dive sites can take some time.
There are tons of sites, and for reasons such as weather, lodging, and transportation, taking a Belize liveaboard ensures sure you won’t miss any.
But when it comes to booking a liveaboard, it can be tough to tell which cruise is the best one for you.
Here at OtterAquatics, we’ve done all of the research for you, allowing you to choose the boat that best fits your budget and goals.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Different liveaboards and the options they offer
- What sea creatures you could see on your dives
- The top dive sites
- What time of the year to take a liveaboard in Belize
- Other activities you can do on shore
Let’s get right into it!
Table of Contents
At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help you book your dream liveaboard. We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors, as well as liveaboard cruise directors to research all available options.
How We Pick
In order to create our best liveaboard lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the liveaboard landscape for a particular region of world, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to go on every single liveaboard, but we go on the ones we can.
Next, we identify 3-5 liveaboards per region that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget options, luxury options, or a liveaboard that exclusively hits a certain dive site.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the liveaboards on our lists by researching information on liveaboard booking websites, review websites, and our social media communities of divers.
We also contact each liveaboard mentioned on our lists ensuring the information is accurate.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help you book your dream liveaboard. We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors, as well as liveaboard cruise directors to research all available options.
How We Pick
In order to create our best liveaboard lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the liveaboard landscape for a particular region of world, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to go on every single liveaboard, but we go on the ones we can.
Next, we identify 3-5 liveaboards per region that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget options, luxury options, or a liveaboard that exclusively hits a certain dive site.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the liveaboards on our lists by researching information on liveaboard booking websites, review websites, and our social media communities of divers.
We also contact each liveaboard mentioned on our lists ensuring the information is accurate.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
Best Belize Liveaboards
Belize Aggressor III
Take a ride on one of the world-renowned Aggressor Fleet boats around the gorgeous blue waters of Belize.
- Photography facilities
- Great food
- Complimentary alcohol
- Snorkel gear not included
- Extra for wifi
- Extra for nitrox
The Aggressor III is a luxury liveaboard diving yacht that operates in Belize and offers up to 5 dives a day. The vessel offers guests the opportunity to explore some of the most spectacular dive sites in the country going through the Belize Barrier Reef, Turneffe Atoll, and Lighthouse Reef.
The Aggressor III is spacious and comfortable liveaboard. All cabins are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms and a range of amenities. The open areas have more options for you to relax like a hot tub, sun deck, and an air-conditioned salon. While all rooms are amazing the Master Stateroom even has ocean views.
As for the food all of the meals and food are prepared by an onboard chef. The food is western and local and served buffet style. You can choose a full board and have all meals, drinks, and alcoholic beverages included.
This vessel offers a wide range of diving packages, from week-long itineraries to extended expeditions. The crew is world-class and the dive staff is dive masters and instructors, you could even take a Nitrox course if you wanted.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or just getting started on your diving careers beginner, the Aggressor III offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the vibrant and diverse marine life of Belize, in style and comfort.
Route/ Itinerary: Belize Aggressor III explores various locations along the Belize Barrier Reef, such as Turneffe Atoll, Lighthouse Reef, and Half Moon Caye
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 18
- Number of Dives: Up to 5 dives per day
- Number of cabins: 9
- Trip Length: 7 nights
- Wifi: Available but dependent on signal strength
- Nitrox: Available
- Drinks: Complimentary beer and wine
- Port: Belize City
- Onshore Excursions: Available, such as visiting Mayan ruins or exploring wildlife sanctuaries
- Camera Station: Yes
Sea Hunter
- Built to support divers
- Very stable in the water
- Fresh Costa Rican cuisine
- Tricky sites for beginners
- Long ocean journey
- No wifi
The Sea Hunter is a luxurious liveaboard diving vessel now that was a former commercial diving support boat. Since it was transformed it has great stability and is designed for long-range expeditions, you could even get to Malpelo and Coco Islands.
The Sea Hunter offers divers the opportunity to explore some of the most spectacular dive sites in the country, including the Belize Barrier Reef, Turneffe Atoll, Lighthouse Reef, Coco Islands, and Malpelo. The creatures you could see are hammerhead schools, tiger sharks, white tips, black tips, silver tips, Galápagos sharks, schools of big-eyed jacks, yellowfin tuna, and pacific flybys.
The Sea Hunter is spacious with comfortable cabins, private bathrooms, and a range of amenities including a hot tub, sun deck, and air-conditioned lounge. The camera lounge/ room will give you the opportunity to edit photos or relax while watching TV, or DVDs comfortably. If you are taking a course this also doubles as a classroom for the theory portions.
The dining room has 5 four-person booths where you can enjoy a mix of Costa Rican and International cuisine. Healthy and delicious snacks are there to give you the energy to keep diving all day. If you are a vegetarian or have any special dietary needs let the staff know before you depart as storage and preparation space is limited on the liveaboard.
It even has a ‘DeepSee’ Submersible on board which is a custom-built submarine. This submarine is capable of carrying two passengers to a depth of 1,500 feet with a 360-degree field of vision.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 20
- Number of Dives: Up to 4 dives per day
- Number of cabins: 10
- Trip Length: 7-10 nights
- Wifi: Available for an additional fee
- Nitrox: Available for an additional fee
- Drinks: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included
- Port: Puntarenas, Costa Rica
- Onshore Excursions: Tours to Manuel Antonio National Park and Tortuga Island are included
- Route/ Itinerary: The Sea Hunter explores the Cocos Island National Park.
- Camera Station: The Sea Hunter has a camera table and charging station for underwater photographers.
Belize Aggressor IV
- High-level service with all alcoholic beverages included
- Weekly departures year-round
- Sea view cabins
- Port Fees (110 USD per trip)
- No Wifi
The luxurious M/Y Belize Aggressor IV liveaboard is a large yacht that can hold up to 20 guests in 10 spacious cabins. The main deck has seven deluxe staterooms and all have windows and sea views. There is also an option for deluxe staterooms on the lower deck. All of the cabins have private bathrooms, air-conditioners, a TV and come with bathrobes, hairdryers, toiletries, and towels.
The food is prepared in American & Latin/Caribbean styles and served buffet style. You also will be fed throughout the day with all different types of snacks. The chef also takes advantage of local fruits, vegetables, and seafood so everything is sourced locally when available. The beverages include fruit juices, soft drinks, beer, wine, and a limited variety of mixed drinks. If you are a vegetarian, or vegan or have any specific dietary requirements you can add this to your special requests before the boat departs.
The Belize Aggressor IV offers divers a chance to explore some of the best dive sites in the country, including the Belize Barrier Reef, Turneffe Atoll, and Lighthouse Reef to name a few. The creatures you could see are dolphins, tarpons, different varieties of sharks, and rays. The walls and reefs have abundant marine life and corals for you to explore as well.
Overall, the Belize Aggressor IV is a great choice for those looking for a luxurious and comfortable diving experience in Belize and is an excellent way to explore the beauty and diversity of the Belize Barrier Reef and other top dive sites in the country.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/Divers: 20
- Number of Dives: Up to 27 dives
- Number of Cabins: 10
- Trip Length: 7 nights
- Wifi: Available for an additional fee
- Nitrox: Available for an additional fee
- Drinks: Complimentary beer and wine
- Port: Belize City
- Onshore Excursions: May be available for an additional fee
- Route/Itinerary: Typically includes diving at sites in Belize such as Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Caye, and the Blue Hole
- Camera Station: Yes, there is a camera table with charging stations.
Why go on Belize Liveaboard Holiday?
A liveaboard holiday in Belize offers several advantages, including:
- All Levels: Belize diving is varied enough to have dive sites for novices to seasoned divers.
- Access to remote dive sites: Belize has many dive sites that are only accessible by liveaboard, offering the chance to see unique marine life, coral formations, and the Blue Hole.
- Convenience: With a liveaboard, divers have everything they need on board, including accommodation, meals, and dive gear, making the experience more convenient and efficient.
- Extended dive time: Liveaboard trips offer the opportunity to dive multiple times a day, allowing for more time underwater and a greater chance to explore the underwater world.
- Marine Life: During these dives, you will have the opportunity to see coral gardens, sponges, reef fish, whale sharks, rays, macro, and a variety of sharks.
- Increased safety: Liveaboards have a dive professional onboard, providing increased safety and peace of mind for divers. The divemasters, instructors, captains, and boat crew are all trained and ready for all situations.
- Community: These boats often bring together a group of divers that share a passion and create a community allowing for social interaction with like-minded individuals.
A liveaboard vacation in Belize is an excellent way for divers to immerse themselves in the underwater world, take advantage of all that Belize has to offer, and enjoy a unique and convenient diving experience.
What You Will See Diving in Belize
Scuba diving in Belize offers the chance to observe a variety of marine life, including:
- Coral Reefs: Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, the Belize Barrier Reef, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Fish: Divers can see hundreds of species of fish, including angelfish, parrotfish, and colorful reef fish. This is not to mention sharks, hammerheads, tigers, white tips, black tips, silver tips, and Galápagos sharks are a possibility.
- Sea Turtles: Hawksbill and green turtles can often be spotted while diving.
- Mantas and Rays: Manta rays and eagle rays are frequent visitors to the dive sites in Belize.
- Holes: Belize has the famous “Blue Hole”, which attracts divers from all over the world.
- Marine mammals: Belize is one of the few places in the world where divers can observe manatees and whale sharks in the wild.
The clear waters and diverse marine ecosystems make Belize an excellent destination for scuba diving.
What makes up the Belize Barrier Reef?
The Belize Barrier Reef is a coral reef system located along the eastern coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. It is the second largest coral reef system in the world (stretches over 190 miles/ 305km in length) after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and is considered one of the most diverse and well-preserved coral reef ecosystems on the planet.
It is home to a wide range of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, whales, reef sharks, eagle rays, and more. The reef is also home to several unique and important ecosystems, including over 400 cayes, 3 atolls, 7 marine reserve areas, seagrass beds, and mangroves.
The reef is a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers, who come to explore the vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life. The reef is also an important source of income for the local Belizean community, which relies on tourism, scuba diving, fishing, and lobster industries for their livelihoods.
The Belize Barrier Reef is an important and unique ecosystem that plays a vital role in the health of the ocean. It is considered a valuable and treasured natural resource by both the local Belizean community and the global community as a whole and should not be missed.
Top Dive Sites in Belize
Belize offers a range of excellent scuba diving sites, including:
The Blue Hole: This UNESCO Site is one of the most famous dive sites in Belize, this underwater sinkhole is over 400 feet (1200 meters) deep and offers unique geology.
Lighthouse Reef: This atoll is home to the Blue Hole, as well as several other dive sites, including Half Moon Caye Wall, Long Caye Ridge, and the Aquarium.
Turneffe Atoll: This large coral atoll is located off the coast of Belize and is home to a variety of marine life, including reef sharks, eagle rays, and schools of colorful tropical fish.
Glover’s Reef: This shallow reef system offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, with clear waters, healthy coral, and a diverse array of marine life.
Ambergris Caye: The largest of Belize’s islands, Ambergris Caye is home to several excellent dive sites, including Shark-Ray Alley, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and Mexico Rocks.
St. George’s Caye: This historic site is located off the coast of Belize and is home to a variety of dive sites, including the Wreck of the spur, Turtle Tail, and Barracuda Point
Half Moon Caye: The Half Moon Caye Wall is your stop after the Blue hole and is one of the most popular dives for its drop-off and sharks.
When To Dive in Belize
Best Season: The best time to scuba dive in Belize is from late spring to early fall and between the months of May and October. During this time, the water is typically warm, the clearest, and calm, with visibility up to 100 feet (33 meters) or more. August to October have average temperatures around 82- 84°F (28-29°C).
Winter Season: The winter months of November to April can also offer good diving. There is a higher chance of choppy waters and limited visibility due to increased rainfall and storm activity.
Rainy Season: The rainy season in Belize usually starts in June and can go through November. You can expect 40-80 ft (12-24m) visibility and the boat can get a bit bumpy but you will have fewer tourists.
Hurricane Season: Do note that the Caribbean hurricane season runs from June to November. While Belize is relatively protected from major storms, it’s still a good idea to check the forecast and be prepared for the possibility of cancellations or changes to dive plans.
Whale Shark Season: Belize Whale Shark Season is from April to June.
The best time to scuba dive in Belize will depend on the individual’s personal preferences and the specific dive sites they hope to visit. Regardless of when you go, Belize offers a unique and memorable diving experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression any time of year.
How to Get to Belize
Belize is located in Central America and is accessible by air and sea. The main international airport in Belize is Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) located just outside of Belize City.
There are several airlines that offer flights to Belize from North America, South America, and Europe. Once you arrive in Belize, you can either stay in Belize City or travel to other parts of the country.
