Belize has the largest coral reef in the Caribbean and world’s second-largest barrier reef overall. All that inviting coral means there is an abundance of marine life in Belize, from microscopic to massive. A few highlights include:
- Turtles
- Groupers
- Dolphins
- Sharks and Rays
- Manatees
Some of the animals above only visit seasonally. Read on for when and where to see your favorite marine life in Belize.
Fun Encounters & When To Go
Sea Turtles
Belize is one of the best places in the world to dive with sea turtles. Green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are the most common, but loggerheads are occasionally spotted. Turtles frequent Hol Chan Marine Reserve, especially from January to May.
The southern end of Ambergris Caye is a popular nesting spot for sea turtles. Nesting season is May through August and hatching season is July through November.
Groupers
October through November is mating season for Nassau groupers. Thousands of massive fish show up in the cayes of Belize immediately after the full moon.
The endangered Nassau grouper was once common in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, predictable spawning aggregations, such as the one in Belize, made them an easy target for fishermen. Once a spawning ground is overfished, that grouper population is gone for good.
Fortunately, Belize has taken steps to protect its grouper population. By booking a dive trip to Belize, you support their conservation efforts.
Dolphins
You’re most likely to see dolphins from the dive boat, but it’s possible to see them underwater too. The Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is the most common dolphin in Belize, but you may also encounter:
- Atlantic spotted dolphins
- Rough tooth dolphins
- Spinner dolphins
December to March typically offer the calmest sea conditions, making it easier to spot dolphins on the surface and during dives.
April to June Expect to see higher dolphin activity around the reef during whale shark season. This happens from April to June and is due to an abundance of food sources.
Stingrays and Sharks in Belize
A healthy shark population is the sign of a healthy reef, so you have a good chance of seeing sharks in Belize. The most common sharks are nurse sharks, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks. Hammerheads visit seasonally (June through September), as do whale sharks (more on those magnificent creatures in a moment).
Eagle rays and southern stingrays are the most common ray species in Belize. Some divers are lucky enough to see a massive manta ray — usually swimming at or near the surface.
Shark Ray Alley
Shark Ray Alley, located in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, used to be where fishermen cleaned their daily catch. Today it attracts southern stingrays and nurse sharks. Shark Ray Alley is a snorkeling spot that can often be paired with a dive in Hol Chan.
When to See Whale Sharks in Belize
Of all the marine life in Belize, whale sharks are arguably the most spectacular. Peak whale shark season is April through June, but they can be seen as early as March.
Whale sharks don’t follow a precise calendar, they come when the snapper spawn. If you want to swim with whale sharks in Belize, check a lunar calendar before planning your trip. The biggest spawns are 3-4 days before and after the full moon.
Manatees in Belize
Belize is home to the world’s largest population of Antillean manatees and you can see them year-round. These sweet “sea cows” are considered a Vulnerable species due to various threats, including poaching and pollution.
Belize has three protected areas for manatees. Scuba diving with manatees is not permitted, but you can see these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
- Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Northern Lagoon
- Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern Lagoon
- Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary (about 11km/7m from Belize City)
Worth the Visit
Jacques Cousteau put Belize on the (dive) map because of The Blue Hole. The Blue Hole, located off the coast of Belize, is a bucket-list destination for divers worldwide. This iconic underwater sinkhole is over 300 meters (984 feet) across and approximately 125 meters (410 feet) deep. This makes it one of the largest and most visually striking sinkholes on the planet!
But many people forget: a sinkhole isn’t a great place for marine life. There are sharks that tend to pass through, especially Caribbean reef sharks! The Blue Hole is a unique experience, don’t get me wrong. Its real charm lies in its geological history and the surreal dive experience it offers.
Pack Your Bags
Ready for some epic marine life encounters? If you’re interested in seeing marine life in Belize for yourself, then be sure to book diving excursions to the dive spots mentioned in this article. Each site offers its own unique underwater treasures waiting to be discovered!
