Diving Placencia
Placencia prides itself as having
some of the best diving in Belize. This area is rapidly
becoming one of the hottest diving spots in the Caribbean
region. Here dive sites are more pristine because they have
felt less impact from boats and divers.
As the Belize Barrier Reef progresses southward
along the coast, the reef begins to separate further from
the mainland. This results in substantial patches of coral
reef, separated by channels dropping to 80 feet or more,
forming canyon like walls which rise sharply to form shoals
and Caye's.
This provides shallow sites for snorkelers,
while at the same time allowing divers access to nearby
sites in deeper waters. Tropical fish such as giant jewfish,
stingrays and massive amounts of soft and hard corals abound.
Dolphins may provide you a rare opportunity to swim with
them (If they are in the mood).
Between May and June whale sharks migrate
through these waters. If you are planning a dive trip with
whale sharks in mind, plan doing it three days before
the full moon to three days after the last quarter moon
(During this period Cubera Snappers spawn, attracting the
Whale Sharks).
Whale sharks are the largest known fish in the world and can grow up to 50 feet in length and weigh up to 15 tons. They feed mostly on plankton, crustaceans, squid and tiny bait fish, as well as sardines and anchovies, by moving through the water with their mouths open. Whale Shark Dive Package
Diving the Inner Reef
The Inner Reef acts as a home for juvenile aquatic animals.
Here divers will find most of the Gorgonians, (known
in the Caribbean as sea fans), sea rods, seawips, sea plumes,
cleaner shrimp, yellow-line Arrow Crab, Giant Hermit Crab
and a wide variety of juvenile fish such as spotted
drum, barracuda, eagle rays and stingray. The depth range
on these inner reef dives is between 60 and 80 feet.
Diving the Outer Reef
The Barrier Reef, is home to some of the most spectacular
walls that start from around 40 ft. and drop off to approx.
3000 ft. Here the maximum depth for diving is 100 ft. Turtles,
Manta Rays, Moray, Eels and Lobsters are just a few of the
creatures divers will encounter. Reef visibility is around
80 ft. - 120 ft. Silk Cayes, Pompion, Tarpon and Ranguana
are a few of nearly 40 options available for year-round
diving and snorkeling.
Fore experienced divers, the "Shark
Hole" is literally an underground hole inhabited
by nurse sharks. Because of the nature of this dive, a minimum
of 50 dives or an Advanced Certificate is required.
Diving in Placencia is excellent for
divers of all ages and experience levels, and it's safe
diving. If you would like to learn how to dive, 3-4 day
certification courses are offered by area divemasters.
Snorkeling
Swim with the many varieties of tropical fish in Belize's warm Caribbean waters, including Angelfish, Trumpet Fish, rays and beautiful Parrot fish. From Beginners to the experienced, everyone can enjoy snorkeling.
Between the Placencia Peninsula and Belize's Barrier Reef extends twenty miles of underwater canyons and mountains - the tops of which create the extensive range of cayes with white sandy beaches, the kind you so often see on postcards. Laughing Bird Caye, Pumpkin, Ranguana and the Silk Cayes to name a few...
Some of the most spectacular, unspoiled snorkeling
spots that the Caribbean has to offer are experienced in
this area. Fewer boats are seen here, compared to more
populated areas in the Caribbean, therefore the coral formations
are well preserved.
Laughing Bird Caye is the most well known and
most frequented snorkel destination in the Placencia area.
In addition, the caye offers excellent swimming along with
a beautiful beach and a great place to picnic. Laughing Bird Caye is roughly 35 feet wide by 350 feet long. The surrounding
area has been designated a marine park.
Where to Stay in Placencia
 Green
Parrot Beach Houses
A private beachfront resort on Maya
Beach... with beautiful Placencia Lagoon nearby. An
oasis for the traveler....Whether couples seeking a romantic
space or groups in search of a base location for birding
or an adventure in water sports.
 Laru Beya Resort & Villas
An exclusive, midsize resort located on seven acres
of lush gardens and beach front featuring the amenities of a large scale resort with the service and attention to detail of an exclusive villa.
Stay at Green Parrot
Beach Houses or Laru Beya Resort & Villas
as part of a Rainforest, Ruins & Reef Vacation Package
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