South Water Caye Diving and Snorkeling

Located about 30 miles north of Placencia. It is well known for off-the-beaten-reef diving and snorkeling. You can expect to find more pristine reefs and coral, as well as numerous spotted eagle rays and southern stingrays.

Tour Sheet

Duration 

Depart: 7:00 a.m.

Return: 3:00 p.m.

Boat Ride: 1Hr 15Min

Skill Level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Includes 

  • Gears
  • Bottled Water
  • Lunch
  • Small Breakfast*
  • Towels
  • Hotel Transfer*
  • Park Fees
  • Sales Tax

Minimum

5 Divers

Price

3 Dives 
$180USD

2 Dives
$150USD

Snorkeling
$100USD 

South Water Caye Marine Reserve

South Water Caye Marine Reserve (SWCMR) is the largest Marine Reserve in Belize covering an area of 117,878 acres.

Located just a little further North of our Local Barrier Reef Dives, South Water Caye is known for good off-the-beaten-reef diving.

Divers and Snorkeler will find more pristine reefs and corals here. This area is home to numerous spotted eagle rays and large southern stingrays.

Not certified? Still want to dive?

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If you want to try scuba diving but don’t have the time or not quite ready to take the full certification course. Discover Scuba Diving is for you. This course only lasts a day and will have you exploring a fascinating underwater world in no time.

South Water Caye Dive Sites

Located about a 1 hour and 15 min boat ride to the northeast of Placencia, this reserve straddles the barrier reef for about a 7-mile stretch. The wall dives here are amongst the best in the country.

There are so many sites in this huge marine reserve, and along this long stretch of the barrier reef, that it definitely requires more than one visit to understand the scope of the area.

Some of the dive sites we frequently visit are:

Trick Ridge

This dive site features an incredible ridge along the top of a plunging wall, with a deep sand channel running parallel to the ridge. This area is known for its resident spotted eagle rays, as well as large southern stingrays and rough tail rays. On top of the ridge, you can expect to find an array of bright hard and soft corals infused with colorful reef fish. Both hawksbill and Loggerhead turtle frequent the area, so you will almost always see one on the dive.

Rosella’s Garden

This dive site got its namesake from a longtime resident of South Water Caye. You can expect encounters with nurse sharks and southern stingray in the sandy bottom between tow reef structures. Ranging from 45 -60 feet, you can also expect to see spotted eagle ray, both loggerhead and hawksbill turtles, as well as a wide variety of colorful tropical fish thriving around pristine coral structures.

The Abyss

This is quite an impressive wall dive. The wall begins at about 40 feet and has a sheer wall that plunges into the abyss. The visibility here often exceeds 100 plus feet. Sighings here may consist but not limited to colorful hard and soft corals, eagle rays, turtles, lobsters, and nurse sharks.

Spiny Lobster
Scuba Diving Glover's Reef

Lionfish Hunting 

Although fishing of any kind is not allowed while scuba diving, we are permitted to spear Lionfish. This species' aggressive tendencies and a large appetite for juvenile fish make them hazardous to our reefs. Because they are not native to our waters and have very few predators, we spear them to keep their population in check. We provide tridents for divers who like to help us with the Lionfish.

Prerequisite 

Requirements

Intensity 

What Should I Bring?

What Equipment Will I need?

What's Included?

Prices

Scuba Diving:
3 Dives - $180USD
2 Dives - $150 USD
Snorkeling:$100USD
(minimum 5 Divers)

Boat Ride

1Hr 15 min

Duration 

Full Day

7:00 am – 3:00 pm

Includes 2 or 3 dives or snorkel sessions, pick-up/drop-off from hotel (restrictions may apply),  all diving and snorkeling equipment, lunch, bottled water, conservation fees,12.5% sales taxes, and led PADI divemaster or snorkel Guide.

Other Great Dives From Placencia: