Location
The Belize
Academy of Diving is based at Mexico Rocks, seven miles north of San Pedro on Ambergris
Caye, the most popular dive destination in
Belize.
We're on the dock of Costa Maya Reef Resort, a luxury vacation club in a secluded setting with landscaped gardens and white sandy beaches.
Nearby Resorts
We offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off for guests of nearby resorts, including:
To the North
- Legacy - Luxury, upscale Caribbean charm at its finest. *
- Blue Reef - Luxurious one and two bedroom suites with breathtaking views of the Caribbean and barrier reef, featuring plush amenities designed to pamper.
To the South
- Portofino - A luxury resort offering some of the best cuisine and service on the island. *
- Xamen Ek - A secluded retreat and spa in landscaped lush vegetation which leads to the pristine beaches and the shimmering turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea.
- Mata Chica - A secluded and exquisite beach resort with an award winning restaurant.
* You can also reach us from these resorts with a short stroll along the beach.
Belize
Set on the south-eastern shore of Central America, Belize is located just
south of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, bordered by Guatemala to the west and
south. It is approximately the size of Massachusetts, with a population of
225,000, and affords a multitude of attractions to visitors. With the richness
of its soil and seas it offers a real treat for tourists seriously inclined
towards exploration. The Government is well informed and realize the importance
of the unique historic and natural resources, from the Mayan ruins, with their
insight into a civilization long gone, to the un-spoilt rain forest with its
fabulous array of flora and fauna.
But one of the major highlights of a visit to Belize is the beauty of the undersea environment that borders its coastline. The 185 mile Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, offers some of the most exciting and challenging diving in the world, as well as plenty of simpler sites for the less experienced divers.
Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye,
36 miles (58km) north of Belize City, is the
largest of the country's cayes. It's 25 miles (40km) long and very close to the
Mexican mainland on its northern side. It has an engaging laid-back atmosphere
reflected in its motto "no shirt, no shoes, no problem". You'll see why.
Ambergris Caye has much to recommend it. Away from the center of town there is an abundance of birds and other animals. Much of the island is covered with a broadleaf forest that attracts wildlife. The sea abounds with adventure for fisherman, divers, snorkelers and sailors. The stores are well stocked with everything from fishing equipment to food, and some of the country's best cooks work here taking great pride in their seafood dishes.
The amazing coral reef system lies just half a mile east of the shoreline and runs the entire length of the island. The Great Blue Hole, Turneffe Islands, Shark Ray Alley, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Mexico Rocks, Lighthouse Reef, and many other fabulous dive sites are only a short boat ride away from this coconut palmed paradise.
Getting There
There are flights to Belize International Airport from Miami, Houston,
Charlotte, Atlanta and Los Angeles. If you're traveling from Europe, flight schedules and
the time difference sometimes mean that on the way out you have to stop
overnight in the US. On your return, the time difference works in your favor, so
the total journey takes around 15 hours even though you arrive the next day.
On arrival
Once you’ve collected your baggage and gone through customs, take a 20-minute domestic flight to San Pedro on one of the local airlines. Flights by Tropic Air and Maya Island Air leave at least once per hour. Visit their websites for flight schedules and online reservations.
If you haven’t arranged to be met when you get to San Pedro, then you’ll need a taxi. If you’re staying in town, that will take you to your hotel. If you’re staying at a hotel on the north of the island, ask the taxi to take you to Fido's dock. Most hotels provide a complimentary boat service for their guests, but if it’s unavailable, you can take the Island Ferry from there.
On departure
Departure taxes that were once collected at the international airport are now included in the cost of airline tickets. Please confirm with your airline that the fee is included at the time you purchase the ticket. If it is not, you must pay in US dollars cash. Taxes currently total US$40 per person.
Climate
Belize has a sub-tropical climate with two main seasons. The dry season is
from December to May. The wet season is from June to November with a
short dry spell during August/September.
Ambergris Caye is in the north of the country, which averages less than half the rainfall of that in the south. Most of the rain falls in heavy but short showers, sometimes at night, with sunshine for the rest of the day.
Temperatures on the coast range from 50-95°F (10-35°C) with an average of 79°F (26°C). However winter temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) are quite rare. Humidity averages 87% and is highest from November to January. Easterly trade winds blow along the coast throughout most of the year making even the hottest days feel pleasant.
In November and December arctic cold fronts from North America known as ‘northers’ occasionally blow down into Belize bringing squalls and low temperatures. June to November is the official hurricane season for the Atlantic and Caribbean region, but historically, most tropical storms occur between August and October.
Water temperatures vary from 77-85°F (25-30°C). Visibility is usually 50-80ft (15-25m) along the local barrier reef and 100ft (30m) plus on the offshore atolls.
Bring shorts, T-shirts, sunglasses, sun block, a hat and a shortie wetsuit (or hire one from us). You may want to bring a 3mm full-length wetsuit if you plan several days of repetitive diving.
At a Glance
Visas - Citizens of the US, European Union and Commonwealth
countries do not require visas if they have a full passport and return
ticket. Other citizens should check with their embassy or consulate.
Language - English (official), but also English Creole, Spanish, Maya and Garífuna.
Currency - Belizean dollar (BZ$), US dollars are widely accepted at a rate of BZ$2 to US$1.
Time - GMT minus 6 hours.
Electricity - 110V, 60 Hz.
Weights & measures - Both the metric and the US system are in general use.
Health - Check with your doctor, visit a travel clinic or see the US Department of Health’s website.