A Year in the Life of the Belize Academy of Diving
20 December 2002
The team at the Belize Academy of Diving has just completed its first
year of operation.
Just 18 months ago, the dive resort was still a dream. They had chosen to start up in Belize in Central America because it is a major eco-tourism attraction with the second largest barrier reef in the world, three coral atolls including the famous Blue Hole, first explored by Jacques Cousteau in 1970. But they needed a location in which to base their resort.
They settled on Ambergris Caye, the most popular dive destination in the country. They are in a beautiful location, near Mexico Rocks, which is a shallow site excellent for snorkelers and novice divers. It is also close to the reef with easy access to many deeper and more exciting dive sites.
In just less than six months, the dive center was built, equipped with all new Scubapro kit, a compressor was installed and a new 38ft custom-built dive boat was delivered to join the 25ft boat that had already started taking divers and snorkelers out.
Highlights of their first year have been:
- rescuing a mother dolphin and her calf who had become trapped in an abandoned fish trap
- diving with a manatee at Mexico Rocks, a long way from its usual home
- admiring two magnificent manta rays at Playa Blanca, a nearby dive site
- hosting the Full Circle Expedition on their round the world tour
Not to mention the numerous other magical encounters with marine life along the reef.
They now offer a full range of diving and snorkeling services for guests staying at hotels based north of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, whatever their level of experience, such as:
- FREE try dives
- Full range of PADI courses from Discover Scuba to Assistant Instructor
- Daily diving and snorkeling trips to the local reef
- Full day outings to dive the famous Blue Hole and other offshore atolls
- Purpose built dive boats equipped with radio, life jackets, comprehensive first-aid kit and oxygen
- Full range of high quality, well-maintained rental equipment, including dive computers and underwater cameras
Visit their website at www.belize-academy-of-diving.com for more information or to book up your diving in 2003.