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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How can I get to Belize?
Belize is serviced by several daily international flights. American Airlines flies via Miami and Dallas, Continental Airlines flies via Houston, and TACA flies via Los Angeles and Mexico City.
USAir has four weekly flights from Charlotte, NC, and Continental has a weekly flight from Newark.
Many people choose to fly into Cancun and take the bus to Corozal on the Belize-Mexico border, and fly directly to San Pedro from Corozal.
2. Where is Ambergris Caye and how do I get to San Pedro?
Ambergris Caye is an island located about 20 miles North East of Belize City. San Pedro is the only town on Ambergris Caye and is serviced by hourly flights from the mainland. You can fly directly from the International Airport to San Pedro. Or, you can fly from the Municipal Airport right in Belize City. Flights are about $95 US return per person, and flight time is about 20 minutes.
If you're arriving via Cancun and taking the bus to Corozal and flying direct to San Pedro, the return air fare is about $70 US per person, and flight time is about 20 minutes. There are 5 daily flights between Corozal and San Pedro.
Blue Hole Dive Center is a Tropic Air agent and we can make your flight reservations for you, at no extra charge, if you wish.
San Pedro is also serviced by water taxi from Belize City. The water taxi is a small open boat and the travel time is about 90 minutes. Cost is about $25 US return per person. The water taxi terminal is located in downtown Belize City.
3. Do I need a reservation?
The simple answer is probably. Definately make a reservation if you plan to visit between December 15 and May 15, and especially if you want to visit at Christmas, Thanksgiving or March Break. At other times you can usually find decent rates for walk-in accommodations. However, Belize is becoming popular and there are no mega-room resorts here, so if you want to be sure you should reserve.
It isn't necessary to reserve diving packages since we do daily reef dives, weather permitting. Offshore trips are only planned a day or two in advance based on demand and weather, so it's best to be a little flexible with your Blue Hole trip.
We do ask that you make a reservation for scuba instruction if you want to start on a specific date, so we can schedule our instructors accordingly. Otherwise you may have to wait a day or two to start your course.
We do recommend reservations if you're flying from the mainland. We're happy to make your local air reservations for you if you prefer. We recommend Tropic Air.
4. How can I pay?
There are no international ATM's on Ambergris Caye. You can get a cash advance on your credit card through the banks here, but you'll still pay the 4% US$ exchange rate. Belize Bank and Atlantic Bank are open from 8 AM to 1 PM Monday to Thursday, and until 4 PM on Fridays. Atlantic Bank is also open Saturday morning.
5. How far away are the dive sites?
The barrier reef is just about 1/2 mile offshore from San Pedro and most sites are within 3 miles. Surface intervals are frequently done on shore between dives.
Offshore sites like the Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef and the Turneffe Islands are about 50 miles from San Pedro. Travel time is about 2 hours each way. The trips go at 5:30 AM and return about 5 PM.
6. Can I dive the Blue Hole?
The Blue Hole is considered a deep dive since we go to 130 feet. It isn't a particularly difficult dive but you must be very conscious of your depth, air supply and bottom time. It isn't necessary to have an advanced certification (although we certainly do recommend it) to complete this dive. You must by comfortable in the water and we do insist on a logged dive within the past 6 months. Otherwise we'll ask you to do a day of local diving before heading offshore. Believe me, you'll be a lot more comfortable and relaxed when all those sharks start swimming by you.
7. When is the best time to come to Belize?
Conditions in Belize are generally good year round. We do get a rainy season from June to November but it's mostly short daily showers. Day long deluges are rare. After a heavy rain the visability on the local reef may be somewhat diminished until the tide changes. Offshore sites aren't really affected by rain.
Strong winds may cause the cancellation of diving trips. March is generally the windiest month, with occassional storms in October and November.
You will usually find better hotel prices between May and November. The cost of tours and diving is based on the price of fuel so don't expect large seasonal discounts.
8. What can I expect to see while diving?
Short answer; lots of critters and corals, and few other divers. Long answer; nurse sharks, eagle rays, stingrays, moray eels, sea turtles, grouper, barracuda, jacks, angel fish, parrot fish, yellow tails, snappers, and tangs are all common. Don't be surprised if you run into dolphins, whales, whale sharks, bull, lemon and grey reef sharks, hammerheads or a manta.
You'll also see lots of healthy corals and sponges. Some of the barrel sponges are larger than you.
9. Should I bring my own scuba equipment?
If you have your own scuba equipment you should bring it with you, especially mask, fins and wetsuit. Rental equipment is readily available but your own personal equipment will guarantee a perfect fit.
You should make sure your equipment is properly serviced before heading off on a diving vacation. Change the battery in your computer and bring an extra fin and mask strap. Full foot fins are the norm here and a fin strap can be hard to find. You won't find much equipment for sale here due to high import duties.
If you're diving with a DIN regulator or a non-standard hose fitting make
sure to bring your own adaptor.
12. What am I waiting for?
I don't know. We make it so easy and enjoyable for you that we can't think of a single reason not to come to Belize.
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