With enchanting blue water and magnificent marine life, Belize is one of the best places to dive in Central America. Coral reefs shelter an abundance of fish and smaller creatures, while bull sharks and hammerheads, manta rays, and other pelagics inhabit the waters just a short distance off shore. In addition, there are wrecks that beg to be explored, all filled with colorful life. Here are just five fabulous wrecks to get you started.
HMS Advice
The wreck of the HMS Advice, located on Turneffe Atoll, lies beneath only 16 feet of water, and is ideal for all divers to explore. A British Naval Cutter which was lost on June 1st of 1793, Advice was a small ship, only 53 feet long, but she was nonetheless proud, being armed with 10 cannons. Built in 1780, she saw service in the North Sea and Irish Sea before heading to the warmer waters where she met her demise.
Today, not much of the Advice remains, but beautiful coral has sprung up around what is left. You’ll find splendid reef fish everywhere, along with a small shark or two, if you are lucky. Look for turtles, too!
Sayonara
Sitting upright beneath 50 feet of water, the Sayonara Wreck was deployed as an artificial reef in 1985. This cargo and passenger boat is now quite unstable, so penetration is not recommended, but you’ll find abundant life among the coral and sponges which cover the wreckage. Besides schooling French grunts and peacock flounder, there are basket starfish and coral shrimp, little file clams and tiny crabs. Look for lobsters and little blennies, too!
Marlon L
Discovered in 1999, the Marlon L is a 180 foot steel hulled lumber ship which was lost during a storm in 1946. Lying in 130 feet of water, with her deck at 118 feet and her topside accessible at 95 feet, the wreck is completely intact and is covered in magnificent sponge and coral growth. Bull sharks and hammerheads may be spotted off in the blue, and you may see large stingrays, manta rays, and turtles among the many other inhabitants of the wreck. As Marlon L is in deep water, this wreck is suitable only for expert divers on mixed gas. Trips to the site need to be arranged in advance of your visit.
Amigos Wreck
More interesting for the aquatic life than for her structure or history, the Amigos Wreck is a small barge which was deployed as an artificial reef in 1996. With groupers, snappers, and nurse sharks, all of which are used to being fed, plus a large green moray eel that sometimes puts in an appearance, the wreck is a great place to encounter some larger creatures. Lying beneath 75 feet of water with her topside accessible at 40 feet, the wreck is only four and a half miles south of San Pedro, and is suitable for intermediate divers.
Changa’s Wreck
The broken remains of an old wooden barge, Changa’s wreck sits in just 10 feet of water. Home to a colorful array of fish and other creatures, including stingrays and nurse sharks which can be seen from time to time, this site is popular with local dive operators and is suitable for all divers. Excellent for macro photography, thanks to the many small crustaceans and invertebrates that live onboard, it is beautifully colorful and makes a great second dive.
Whether you are new to the sport, or if you have been diving for decades, you are certain to enjoy these fantastic wrecks along with all the other dive sites Belize has to offer. And if you’re new, don’t worry. The local dive companies are well equipped and many offer classes and lessons, so before you know it, you’ll be able to join your more experienced buddies for deeper dives.