The Belize Academy of Diving is based at Mexico Rocks, six miles north of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, the most popular dive destination in Belize.
We offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off for guests of nearby resorts, including:
To the North
- Diamond Reef Condominiums - Located right on the beach with unobstructed views of the gorgeous aqua blue Caribbean Sea. *
- Blue Reef - Luxurious one and two bedroom suites with breathtaking views of the Caribbean and barrier reef, featuring plush amenities designed to pamper.
* You can also reach us from these resorts with a short stroll along the beach.
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 up to US$40 per person.
Climate
Belize has a sub-tropical climate with two main seasons. The dry season is from December to May. The wet season is from June to November with a short dry spell during August/September.
Ambergris Caye is in the north of the country, which averages less than half the rainfall of that in the south. Most of the rain falls in heavy but short showers, sometimes at night, with sunshine for the rest of the day.
Temperatures on the coast range from 50-95F (10-35C) with an average of 79F (26C). However winter temperatures as low as 50F (10C) are quite rare. Humidity averages 87% and is highest from November to January. Easterly trade winds blow along the coast throughout most of the year making even the hottest days feel pleasant.
In November and December arctic cold fronts from North America known as northers occasionally blow down into Belize bringing squalls and low temperatures. June to November is the official hurricane season for the Atlantic and Caribbean region, but historically, most tropical storms occur between August and October.
Water temperatures vary from 77-85F (25-30C). Visibility is usually 50-80ft (15-25m) along the local barrier reef and 100ft (30m) plus on the offshore atolls.
Bring shorts, T-shirts, sunglasses, sun block, a hat and a shortie wetsuit (or hire one from us). You may want to bring a 3mm full-length wetsuit if you plan several days of repetitive diving.
At a Glance
Visas - Citizens of the US, European Union and Commonwealth countries do not require visas if they have a full passport and return ticket. Other citizens should check with their embassy or consulate.
Language - English (official), but also English Creole, Spanish, Maya and Gar�na.
Currency - Belizean dollar (BZ$), 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.