Located in the southern part of Belize, Placencia has some of the world’s most beautiful diving spots. The pristine barrier reef off of its coast has become popular with locals and tourists for its shallow, calm, and warm water. Placencia is a short plane ride from Belize City, making it an ideal winter getaway, honeymoon location, or spring break destination for world-class diving at any level.
With year-round temperatures averaging 80 degrees, anytime is a good time to go diving in Placencia. The most popular time of the year is between April and June. This is the peak period when the whale shark, the ocean’s largest fish, migrates to Belize. Divers flock to Gladden Spit Marine Reserve, a small island near Placencia, to swim with these gentle creatures as they display their unique feeding habits.
October and November are the best times to view groupers as they descend on the area by the thousands for mating. The wet season in Belize extends from August to October. The daily rain showers last only a few hours and allow you to dive without the crowds seen during the more popular months. November to July is the dry season in Belize, offering great water visibility and little to no rain to impede your diving experience.
Most of the diving in Placencia at the barrier reef is approximately a 30-minute boat ride from the coast. The inner reef is characterized by a series of shallow coral channels and mazes, excellent visibility, and no current. The area is ideal for beginning divers working on their certifications or for experienced divers looking to hone their skills.
The water is typically less than 80 feet deep and is home to a variety of sea life. Divers may see manta rays, mantis shrimp, barracudas, and stingrays, some of which are recently spawned and are spending their juvenile stages on the reef. On the boat ride to the reef, you may spot manatees and dolphins. One of the most popular dive locations for beginners is the Laughing Bird Caye National Park with its wide variety of ray species.
The outer reef provides the more advanced divers the opportunity to explore deep underwater canyons and experience jaw-dropping dropoffs. On your dive around one of over 40 outer reef islands, you may spot sea turtles, lobsters, and moray eels. Silk Caye and Tarpon Caye are popular dive locations on the outer reef.
Chabil Mar Resort is located in the village of Placencia. Our luxury beach-front property offers access to some of the best diving adventures in the area. You can choose from several of the resorts’ dive packages that include reef diving, inland adventures, or exploring the village center.
Chabil Mar also offers packages for stays up to seven nights and can accommodate couples, families, or large groups. Diving trips may include Glovers Reef Atoll, South Water Caye, and Gladden Spit. After a full day of diving, your package will include meals of your choice in Placencia Village or at the resort, and you will have access to all of the amenities such as the infinity pools, bikes, and kayaks.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize diving vacation.
