Belize Aggressor III
Once you board the liveaboard dive boat Belize Aggressor III in Belize City, you can expect a superb Belize vacation adventure exploring numerous dive spots expertly selected by the boat’s Captain. This isn’t your typical vacation in Belize though, and you’ll soon see why a trip like this could be just what you’re looking for.
Situated on the eastern coastline of Central America, Belize is bordered on the north by Mexico, the west and south by Guatemala, and the east by the Caribbean Sea. With its approximately 180 miles (290 km) of coastline, Belize is home to the world’s second largest barrier reef and three of the only four true atolls found in the Western Hemisphere. Belize is also comprised of more than 200 cayes, or islands, that are located inside the Belize Reef.
Highlights of your liveaboard vacation include scuba diving in the Turneffe Islands and at Lighthouse Reef, where you will explore sheer walls such as Half Moon Caye, Quebrada, and Painted Wall. A visit to the famed Blue Hole may also be part of the itinerary, weather conditions permitting. Belize offers dive opportunities for all skill levels of diving, from beginner to advanced. In addition to unmatched scuba diving, guests aboard the Belize Aggressor III will enjoy excellent accommodations and delicious meals as part of their vacation package.
You will board the Belize Aggressor III on Saturday afternoon, and spend time getting to know the yacht, the crew, and fellow passengers. Scuba diving and snorkeling begins on Sunday morning. You can make up to five dives each day, including night dives. Diving ends the following Friday morning, as the Belize Aggressor III makes its return trip to Belize City at 1:00p.m. Guests can spend the afternoon on any one of the exciting tours available in and around Belize City, such as visiting the ancient Mayan Ruins, the Belize Zoo, or doing cave tubing.
The winter months in Belize are the coolest, with air temperatures averaging 80°F (26.6°C) during the day and 71°F (21.6°C) at night. During the summer months the daytime temperatures in Belize average 87°F (30.5°C) and nighttime temperatures average 79°F (26°C). The high levels of humidity year round can be offset by the trade winds on the coast. In calm wind conditions, divers can expect visibility to depths of 100-150 feet (30-46m). Most scuba divers wear 1.5mm to 3mm wetsuits. Before making your first dive, all scuba divers must provide proof of certification to the boat’s divemaster.
The largest of Belize’s three offshore atoll reefs is the Turneffe Islands, stretching 30 miles (48 km) long and 10 miles (16 km) wide. The Belize Aggressor III will stop at the Elbow, a famed dive site located at the southern tip of the Turneffe atoll. This dive site can be swept by strong currents, making scuba diving appropriate for more advanced, experienced divers. You will enjoy seeing large pelagics such as various types of Sharks, Marlins, Mantas, and Eagle Rays. Other marine life in this area includes Snappers, Green Moray Eels, Mackerel, Jacks, and several varieties of Sea Turtles, including Green, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead.
Lighthouse Reef is the easternmost of Belize’s three atolls. It is approximately 25 (40 km) miles long and 4.5 miles (7 km) wide. Dive sites along this reef include Quebrada, Long Caye Ridge, Painted Wall, Cathedral, and the famed Blue Hole.
Quebrada, meaning broken in Spanish, is a dive site named for its break in the reef. This sheer wall projects out into the current, resulting in extra flow that attracts plankton which, in turn, supports a diverse marine life that feeds on them. Divers will enjoy spotting Green Moray Eels, Lobster, Crabs, Spotted Drum and, during nighttime dives, Tarpon.
Long Caye Ridge is the dominant landmass within Lighthouse Reef, bordering the Reef’s southwestern side. Coral formations along the bottom lead to a wall that has a significant drop. This is an excellent dive site for beginning divers, with depths of 40 feet (12m) and visibility of at least 80 feet (24m). Colorful Vase and Tube Sponges and delicate Gorgonians along the wall set the scene for beautiful underwater photos. Also visible are Finger and Yellow Pencil Corals. Lobsters and Arrow Blennies are tucked away among the coral niche.
The Painted Wall dive site is characterized by numerous clusters of colorful, Painted Tunicates that cover the dive wall. Dive depths range from 40-70 feet (12-21m). In addition to the Tunicates, scuba divers will see other marine life in the shallows such as Parrotfish, Black Durgeon, and Queen Triggerfish.
The glistening sand channels of Cathedral Reef feature sculptured, colorful coral spires and formations resembling cathedral steeples and inspiring this dive site’s name. Cathedral Reef is home to numerous Black Groupers and Jacks, Scorpion Fish, three species of Angel Fish, various varieties of Eels and Silver Sides. On night dives, scuba divers will frequently see Spanish Dancers.
The great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef, a collapsed freshwater cave system, is the feature attraction for scuba diving in Belize. Made famous by Jacques Cousteau in the 1970s, Blue Hole is approximately 60 miles (97 km) from Belize City. Blue Hole is a nearly perfect, round hole measuring one quarter of a mile (.4 km) across. Its 480-feet (146 m) deep waters give the deep blue color. Blue Hole’s shallows are perfect for both scuba diving and snorkeling. The first shelf of this underground cavern begins at a depth of 110 feet (34 m). Here, scuba divers will see stalactites descending from the ceiling. The reef around the edge of the Blue Hole is healthy, and home to abundant juvenile marine life. Divers will see Squid, Flaming Scallops, schools of Parrotfish, and numerous varieties of Angelfish.
The Aggressor Fleet strives to provide scuba divers and vacationers with the highest quality and most innovative liveaboard experience possible. Their dive boats afford guests both safety and comfort as they travel to the best diving locations around the world.
