We’re headed to Turneffe Atoll: Belize’s Hidden Gem
We’re proud to be sponsoring the 2025 ScubaBoard Invasion in Belize. Our Shearwater team is looking forward to a great dive adventure and a chance to meet ScubaBoard members from around the world. The Invasion is headed to Belize Dive Haven on Turneffe Atoll. Here’s a snapshot of the diving we’re looking forward to.
Belize is home to some of the most breathtaking dive sites in the world, and among them, Turneffe Atoll stands out as a must-visit destination for divers of all levels. As the largest and most biologically diverse atoll in Belize, Turneffe offers an outstanding underwater experience with its vibrant coral reefs, dramatic wall dives, and abundant marine life.
Credit: https://belizedivehaven.com/
What Makes Turneffe Atoll Special?
Turneffe Atoll is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Unlike other diving locations in Belize, Turneffe is a remote and ecologically rich atoll, encompassing a network of lagoons, mangroves, and seagrass beds that support an impressive variety of marine life. Divers who visit Turneffe are treated to encounters with eagle rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and large schools of tropical fish. The atoll is also a crucial breeding ground for many species, making it a vital part of Belize’s marine ecosystem.
Credit: https://visitturneffe.org/
Just a few of the dive sites at Turneffe Atoll
1. The Elbow
One of the most popular dive sites, The Elbow is known as the place where two currents meet. The conditions support an abundance of marine life including beautiful eagle rays, nurse sharks, and large schools of jacks and snappers. The fast-moving water creates a thrilling experience for advanced divers.
Credit: https://belizedivehaven.com/
2. Sayonara Wreck
The Sayonara Wreck is a popular artificial reef created by the deliberate sinking of an old passenger ship. Now home to an array of marine life, the wreck is covered in soft corals, sponges, and offers a fantastic habitat for barracudas, moray eels, and even the occasional nurse shark. It’s an ideal site for both beginner and advanced divers looking for a mix of wreck and reef diving.
Credit: https://belizedivehaven.com/
3. Black Beauty
Black Beauty is a stunning dive site characterized by black coral formations and deep drop-offs. The site is well-known for its exceptional visibility, allowing divers to take in breathtaking views of the abyss. It’s a great spot for spotting larger marine creatures such as groupers, tarpon, and reef sharks.
Credit: https://belizedivehaven.com/
4. Triple Anchors
As the name suggests, this site is home to three historic anchors that have been left on the ocean floor. Surrounded by vibrant coral formations and teeming with marine life, Triple Anchors is a favorite among underwater photographers. Divers can expect to see lobsters, parrotfish, and angelfish in abundance.
Credit: Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association
5. Calabash Caye
Located on the eastern side of Turneffe, Calabash Caye offers gentle drift dives along sloping coral walls. The site is rich in marine biodiversity, with frequent sightings of hawksbill turtles, eagle rays, and various species of angelfish. Its relatively shallow depths make it accessible to divers of all experience levels.
Credit:Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association
6. The Wit
A 375-foot concrete tanker, is now one of Belize’s most exciting wreck dives. Sunk in December 2021 off Turneffe Atoll, this former World War II vessel rests at an accessible depth of 60 feet, making it perfect for open water and advanced skill levels. Divers have opportunities to explore inside the ship via access hatches and view the towering exterior encrusted with marine life. As marine species inhabit the wreck, divers can expect encounters with snappers, groupers, rays, and the occasional shark.
Credit: https://visitturneffe.org/
We can’t wait to visit Belize and be part of the 2025 ScubaBoard invasion. Now the big question…. which computers should we bring along for people to try out?
