Can you swim in the Belize Barrier Reef?

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience but you need to be aware that marine life is abundant in Belize. Stonefish, scorpionfish, lionfish, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims.

Can you swim in the ocean in Belize?

In Belize, all beachfront is public. This does not include beach furniture or toys, but you can swim at any of the beaches you find on the island.

Does Belize have clear blue water?

Belize is full of gorgeous beaches to relax on, swim in, and explore, thanks to a 240-mile-long coastline hugging the Caribbean Sea and hundreds of offshore islands. From powdery white and copper sand to palm tree-shaded to clear blue water, Belize has beaches for all types of bums.

Is it safe to snorkel in Belize?

Be aware that you are on your own when snorkeling in Belize. There are no set rules to ensure safety and if you die, it is just YOUR fault in the first place. They do NOT understand some people are not exposed to this environment, and once in the water and left behind things can get rough. Yes people have died.

Where is the clearest water in Belize?

Amongst these options, Half Moon Caye—a protected monument—is said to have the clearest water in Belize…as well as the comical red-footed boobies… From Placencia one option is to take a day-trip to Laughingbird Caye. This protected area has beautiful beaches and a desirable swimming area.

Belize Barrier Reef, Swimming with Sea Turtles and Sharks, Moho Caye

What is the best month to visit Belize?

The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season, which is between January and May. Although you can enjoy warm temperatures across the country, the type of weather you get will depend on the region. Expect clear, sunny days in the Cayo District and on the Cayes.

Does Belize have turquoise beaches?

The only English-speaking country in Central America, beautiful Belize is home to breathtaking stretches of sun-kissed beaches that dip into the turquoise hues of the Caribbean Sea.

Is Belize Barrier Reef Safe?

And, surprisingly, it's not because the reef is so degraded or damaged that it can't be saved. The BBC reports that instead, after a decade of “visionary” work to protect the reef, Unesco believes it's safe for the time being.

Are there sharks in Belize?

Sharks. Species of sharks present along Belize's coastline include docile nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, bull sharks, black tip sharks, lemon sharks, hammerheads, scalloped hammerheads (though rare), and the impressive, migratory whale sharks.

Do you need a wetsuit to snorkel in Belize?

The waters of Belize are temperate and clear, making it ideal for divers and snorkelers. Temperatures range from 77-78 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months (November through March) to 83-84 degrees during the summer (April through October). We recommend full 3mm wetsuits during the winter months.

Can you snorkel from the beach in Belize?

It's not easy to find Belize snorkeling from shore, but you can snorkel right from our beach at our Belize snorkeling resort. Daily we swim to a favorite nearby snorkel site, or use our kayaks to access an even greater area. Seventeen spots that we explore regularly are shown below on our Belize snorkel map.

Do Belize beaches have waves?

Surf Belize

Long Caye Belize enjoys the only surf break in the country that is both accessible and safe (not breaking over live coral). Because the Belize Barrier Reef blocks ocean swells, only shoals outside the reef or bordering a break in the reef will form a wave.

Is the water pretty in Belize?

With fragrant sea breeze, soul-warming sun and clear azure waters, Belize is a dream come true for beach connoisseurs. From private resorts with shady palm trees to picture-perfect cayes, the country has a bevy of beaches to satisfy all types of beachgoers.

Are there saltwater crocodiles in Belize?

Types of Crocodiles in Belize

Belize has two native crocodile species. The saltwater American crocodile can grow 20 feet or more. It mostly lives in mangrove swamps and lagoons. The freshwater Morelet's crocodile inhabits rivers and lagoons.

Can you swim with dolphins in Belize?

Chaa Creek's Belize Inland and Island Vacation package has guests stay at an eco-friendly resort. There, travelers can do everything from birding, swimming with dolphins and taking excursions to the Blue Hole and the booby bird sanctuary on Lighthouse Reef.

Does Belize have white sand beaches?

Thanks to a magnificent coastline hugging the Caribbean Sea and more than 200 offshore islands — at least 20 of which are inhabited — Belize has golden and white-sand beaches that are a boat or plane ride away from Belize City.

Does Belize have crocodiles?

Two species of crocodiles reside in Belize: the Morelet's crocodile and the American crocodile. The survival of both species is threatened by continuing human development within their wetland habitats.

Does Belize have tiger sharks?

Tiger sharks can be found in Belize, but these are far rarer. Perhaps the most famous shark to visit the waters of Belize are whale sharks. Every spring, vast schools of migrating whale sharks visit the outer part of the reef, consuming enormous quantities of fish spawn and plankton.

Can you swim with whales in Belize?

ARE YOU UP FOR A SNORKEL OR A DIVE WITH THE LARGEST FISH IN THE SEA? Of the handful of countries in the world, you can swim with Whale Sharks, Belize is one of them! Whale Sharks have a preference for warm water, and why they gravitate to Belize.

Is diving in Belize safe?

If you're new to it, scuba diving can be a bit intimidating. Being underwater can be scary at first, making beginners wonder if scuba diving is safe. The truth is, scuba diving is a very safe activity, even more so than traditional sports like hockey and football.

What is special about the Belize Barrier Reef?

In 1842, Charles Darwin described the Belize Barrier Reef as the "most remarkable reef in the West Indies." The Belize Barrier Reef provides important habitat for a number of threatened marine species including the West Indian manatee, green turtle hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle and the American crocodile.

Does Belize require reef safe sunscreen?

The science has become irrefutable, chemicals in sunscreen (most notably oxybenzone and octinoxate) kill developing coral, increase the bleaching of coral and damage the developing polyps. Unfortunately, there are no places in Belize to buy reef-safe sunscreen. So, it's important you get it before your trip departure.

Can you swim in Placencia Lagoon?

Placencia offers two beach options

Frolic in the surf on the Caribbean side of the peninsula or swim on the lagoon side where you could spot a shy manatee.

Where is the best water in Belize?

The Placencia Peninsula boasts the best beach in Belize, hands down. It is huge, extending for miles. Placencia, or “Pleasant Point,” is a long spit of sand extending finger-like into the calm, protected waters inside of the Belize Barrier Reef.

Can you swim on Caye Caulker?

Caye Caulker is an island lover's paradise with no paved roads, chilled out beach bars, and possibly the best swimming spot in Belize.