Belize
Where to dive in Belize
Top species 16
- Unlikely
- Likely
- Very likely
Frequent sightingsBlacktip Shark
Carcharhinus limbatus
The Blacktip Shark is easily recognized by the dark tips on its fins. It is a fast and energetic predator, often seen leaping out of the water. Blacktip sharks can be found in warm coastal waters around the world.
Frequent sightingsCaribbean Reef Shark
Carcharhinus perezi
The Caribbean Reef Shark is a robust, streamlined requiem shark commonly found in tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly around coral reefs. It is an apex predator, primarily feeding on bony fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Known for its unique ability to rest motionless on the seabed or inside caves, this species typically reaches lengths of 2-2.5 meters and can weigh up to 70 kg.
Frequent sightingsCaribbean Spiny Lobster
Panulirus argus
The Caribbean Spiny Lobster is characterized by its long, spiny antennae and lack of large claws. It has a strong presence in the coastal zones and coral reefs of the Caribbean and is known for its group aggregative behavior, especially during reproduction.
Frequent sightingsGreat Barracuda
Sphyraena barracuda
The Great Barracuda is a large predatory fish known for its fearsome appearance and speed. It has an elongated body, pointed head, and large teeth, making it a proficient hunter in coastal and open waters.
Great Hammerhead Shark
Sphyrna mokarran
The great hammerhead is the largest hammerhead species, recognizable by its wide, flat head and tall, curved dorsal fin. As a migratory apex predator, it uses its unique head for enhanced sensing and pinning down prey.
Frequent sightingsGreen Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas
The green sea turtle is a large marine reptile distinguished by its heart-shaped carapace and a single pair of prefrontal scales.
Frequent sightingsHawksbill Sea Turtle
Eretmochelys imbricata
The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is a medium-sized marine turtle recognizable by its distinctive hawk-like beak and overlapping scutes, which create a serrated edge on its carapace. Primarily found in tropical coral reefs, it plays a crucial role in these ecosystems by feeding mainly on sponges, which are toxic to most other animals. This species is critically endangered due to historical exploitation for its beautiful shell and ongoing threats like habitat loss and bycatch.
Frequent sightingsLemon Shark
Negaprion brevirostris
The Lemon Shark is known for its yellow-brown coloration and blunt snout, which helps it camouflage in sandy coastal waters. It is a diurnal predator that often forms small groups, primarily hunting fish and crustaceans in shallow reefs and lagoons.
Frequent sightingsNurse Shark
Ginglymostoma cirratum
The Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) is a slow-moving, bottom-dwelling shark typically found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters, including coral reefs and mangrove channels. It is a nocturnal carnivore, primarily feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish using a powerful suction-feeding mechanism. During the day, they are often observed resting in large aggregations, sometimes piled together in caves or under ledges.
Frequent sightingsQueen Angelfish
Holacanthus ciliaris
The Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) is a striking marine fish known for its vibrant blue and yellow coloration, accentuated by a distinctive dark-ringed 'crown' spot on its forehead. Primarily found in coral reefs of the Western Atlantic, this species feeds on sponges, algae, and various marine invertebrates. Adults are often observed alone or in pairs, though they form harems during breeding periods.
Frequent sightingsScalloped Hammerhead Shark
Sphyrna lewini
The Scalloped Hammerhead Shark is a large, migratory shark easily recognized by the central indentation on its hammer-shaped head. These sharks are found globally in warm temperate and tropical coastal and oceanic waters, often forming large schools around seamounts and islands. They are primarily nocturnal foragers, feeding on a diverse diet of bony fishes, cephalopods, crustaceans, and smaller sharks and rays.
Frequent sightingsSouthern Stingray
Hypanus americanus
The Southern Stingray is a graceful, diamond-shaped ray known for its broad, flat body and pointed pectoral fins. It can be found over sandy or muddy seabeds in warm, shallow waters of the western Atlantic Ocean.
Frequent sightingsSpotted Eagle Ray
Aetobatus narinari
The Spotted Eagle Ray is known for its distinctive spots and elongated snout, which resembles a bird-like beak. It thrives in tropical waters, especially around coral reefs and coastal zones. The ray is a powerful swimmer and can often be seen leaping out of the water.
Frequent sightingsStoplight Parrotfish
Sparisoma viride
The Stoplight Parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) is a vibrantly colored reef fish known for its strong, beak-like jaws used to scrape and excavate algae from coral, contributing significantly to sand production in reefs. This species exhibits dramatic color changes throughout its life phases and is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning it can change sex from female to male. They are diurnal, spending their days foraging on coral reefs in the tropical western Atlantic, and typically rest hidden on the seabed at night.
West Indian Manatee
Trichechus manatus
The West Indian Manatee is a large, herbivorous marine mammal with a streamlined body, paddle-like flippers, and a rounded, flattened tail. They are typically gray to brown, often with algae or barnacles on their skin. Known for their gentle nature, they inhabit warm, shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers, feeding primarily on aquatic vegetation.
Frequent sightingsWhale Shark
Rhincodon typus
The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and a gentle filter feeder.