Diving in Belize

Great Hammerhead

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Great Hammerhead is the largest of all hammerhead species, instantly recognizable by its massive, flattened head extension called a cephalofoil. This prehistoric-looking predator can reach lengths of up to 20 feet, with a distinctive tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Their unique head shape houses electroreceptors that help them hunt stingrays buried in sand. Great Hammerheads are solitary hunters, often seen cruising along reef walls and sandy bottoms. Despite their intimidating size, they're generally shy around divers and will often move away when approached. Their powerful swimming style and graceful movements make encounters truly memorable for fortunate divers.

Caribbean Reef Shark

General species description, not specific to this destination

The most common reef shark in the Caribbean. Usually seen patrolling reef edges.

Splendid Toadfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

Found ONLY in Cozumel - this endemic species hides in coral crevices. Look for their distinctive yellow and black stripes.

Nurse Shark

Destination note

Very abundant year-round; guaranteed sighting at Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley, and most reef sites near Ambergris Caye

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Common year-round at outer reef walls and atoll edges; frequent at Eagle Ray Canyon, Turneffe, and Lighthouse Reef

Southern Stingray

Destination note

Guaranteed year-round at Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan; also common on sandy flats at Turneffe and Caye Caulker seagrass beds

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Common year-round; nesting season peaks May-August with highest turtle activity at Half Moon Caye and Glover's Reef

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Common year-round on coral reefs; nests at Half Moon Caye, Laughing Bird Caye, and Glover's Reef

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Destination note

Year-round resident; most frequently sighted during boat crossings to outer atolls and around Turneffe Atoll

Bull Shark

Destination note

Seasonal visitor Mar-Aug; most frequently sighted near Gladden Spit during snapper spawn and at the Great Blue Hole rim

Loggerhead Turtle

Destination note

Occasional year-round; most common at Turneffe Atoll (Lindsey's Back Porch, The Elbow) and outer reef walls; nests on Glover's Reef

Nassau Grouper

Destination note

Year-round resident on all reef systems; spawning aggregations Dec-Mar at Grouper Flats, Glover's Reef; common at Turneffe Elbow, Hol Chan, and Half Moon Caye