The abundance of marine life, the clear, warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, and the world’s second-largest barrier reef just offshore combine to make Belize one of the best places to scuba dive in the world.

Below are the seven best scuba diving adventures in Belize:

1 – Shark Ray Alley

Many years ago, local fishermen would clean their fish in a specific area above a sandy plateau adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef. Over time, this began to attract large groups of sharks and stingrays. Today, guides use chum to attract enormous rays and nurse sharks to the area, allowing divers to get up close and personal with the animals.

2 – Swimming With Dolphins

Established on the island of Spanish Lookout Caye is Belize’s first authorized facility for scuba divers who want to interact with dolphins. The large, four-acre lagoon is home to a select group of dolphins. Scuba divers can swim and interact with the dolphins in a controlled, educational environment.

3 – Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Just offshore of Ambergris Caye is a large split in the Belize Barrier Reef. More than three square miles in size, the area is designated as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Protected from fishing and large boats, scuba divers can explore the shallow split, marveling at the enormous number of colorful underwater species that shelter in the area.

4 – The Great Blue Hole

Rated by Jacques Cousteau as one of the best diving spots on the planet, the Great Blue Hole is a nearly perfectly circular ring in the middle of the Belize Barrier Reef. A flooded underwater series of caverns allows scuba divers to witness a wide variety of marine life, including the elusive hammerhead shark.

5 – Ambergris Caye/San Pedro

The island of Ambergris Caye is the largest in Belize and San Pedro is its capital. With nearby access to many great spots along the Belize Barrier Reef, scuba diving opportunities abound in and around Ambergris Caye.

6 – Lighthouse Reef and Glover’s Atoll

Beyond the Great Barrier Reef lie a number of atolls, including Lighthouse Reef and Glover’s Atoll. Formed from coral, the atolls have nearby sandbars that allow scuba divers to explore the rich underwater architecture of coral canyons and pinnacles.

7 –  Belize Whale Sharks

The small strip of land known as Gladden Spit annually plays home to migrating schools of whale sharks. The largest extant fish species, whale sharks are attracted to the area to feed on fish spawn every summer. Scuba divers can interact with these gentle giants, as whale sharks pose little risk to humans.

Banyan Bay

Conveniently located close to all of the amazing scuba diving sites listed above are the luxury accommodations of Banyan Bay. With affordable, modern accouterments just a short distance away from the best dive sites in Belize, Banyan Bay is the perfect place for divers to enjoy their time ashore.