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Featuring the world's second-largest barrier reef (the largest in the Western Hemisphere), divers and snorkelers can explore 185 miles of underwater life in these warm waters. Mainland tours can be arranged from resorts and hotels based in the Cayes.

Southern Belize

Pristine diving and snorkeling conditions - some of them unexplored in - less crowded waters can be found here. Experience a variety of dives, including reef, gutters, walls and cayes. See large barrel and colorful tube sponges, eagle rays, brilliantly colored fish and more. The best opportunity for whale shark sightseeing, unique to southern Belize, is in April, May and June.

Laughing Bird Caye

An atoll inside the reef 13 miles southeast of Placencia, Laughing Bird Caye is one of Belize's newest national parks. It was originally named after a large population of laughing gulls that returned each year to breed. This three-mile protected area yields excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. There's elkhorn coral mixed with staghorn and brain coral and beautiful fish.

South Water Caye Marine Preserve

This is one of Belize's newest and largest marine preserves, stretching from north of Tobacco Caye to Carrie Bow Caye. There are abundant schools of fish, as fishing is banned. The pristine southern section of the barrier reef sees few divers and is typically a wall dive that is interspersed with sand channels and spur and groove sections.

Often seen are turtles, moray eels, barracuda, large mackerel, eagle rays, southern sting rays, as well as several shark species. Typical dive sites include the Cathedral, South Cut, Carrie Bow Ridges, South Water Wall and The Abyss.

Ambergris Caye

Some of the best diving in the world is found along the coral reef that lies just a few hundred yards off Ambergris Caye. The coral reef is home to more than 430 species of fish and 70 species of hard coral.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

A national park four miles southeast of San Pedro, Hol Chan features a natural break that gives rise to striking coral formations, fish and other marine life. Established in 1987, it's the first reserve of its kind in Central America.

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