Scuba Diving
Diving Tours
The Belize Barrier Reef is only half a mile from our beach, and every dive starts at the Portofino dock.
Be awed
Clear, warm water. Unspoiled reef.
The clear blue warm waters of Belize are world-renowned for being a diver’s paradise. The Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, stretches 185 miles (298 km) along the coastline, and the environment is unspoiled and the experience intimate.
Short boat rides
All reef dives are approximately a 10 to 25 minute boat ride from the pier.
Tanks and weights
Dives include tanks, weights and water. Gear rentals are available, or bring your own.
Guided by a dive master
Small groups matched to your skills, led by a knowledgeable dive master.
Night dives
Single-tank or multiple-tank dives are available, and night dives can be arranged.
10 to 25 min boat ride · Night dives by arrangement
Reef Diving
Enjoy an up-close and personal experience with some of the sea’s most fascinating creatures. Gain an appreciation of not only the beauty but also the fragile nature of the undersea world, and what you must do to protect it. Divers explore some of the most pristine reef systems the Caribbean offers. Single-tank or multiple-tank dives are available.
Includes: round-trip transfers, guided tour by a knowledgeable dive master, tanks, weights and water.
About 30 ft (9 m) · Great for families
Hol Chan Combo Diving
The perfect place to start with a shallow dive, Hol Chan is a natural channel through the reef in a marine sanctuary of about 5 square miles. Tidal currents funnel food to gorgonians, sea fans, sponges, schools of grunts and mutton snappers, joined by Nassau and black groupers, Atlantic spadefish, cubera snappers and a huge congregation of schoolmasters. Afterward, head to Shark Ray Alley for one snorkeling stop with friendly stingrays and a nurse shark. The perfect trip for families with both divers and snorkelers.
Includes: round-trip transfers, guided tour by a knowledgeable divemaster, tanks, weights and water.
Right in front of the resort · Shallow and photogenic
Mexico Rocks Diving
Mexico Rocks, located right in front of Portofino Beach Resort Belize, is a cluster of coral heads. Truck-size colonies of boulder coral, 10 to 12 feet (3.5 meters) high, nearly reach the surface and provide refuge to flame scallops, anemones, sponges, tube worms, shrimp, moray eels, butterflyfish and wrasses. The shallow conditions and favorable light are perfect for underwater photography.
Includes: round-trip transfers, guided tour by a knowledgeable divemaster, tanks, weights and water.
1,000 ft wide · Over 400 ft deep
Great Blue Hole Diving
Located in the center of Lighthouse Reef, the Great Blue Hole is the world’s largest known underwater sinkhole, made famous by Jacques Cousteau in 1972. It is a popular spot among recreational scuba divers, who are lured by crystal-clear water and the chance to meet giant groupers, nurse sharks and several types of reef sharks, such as the Caribbean reef shark and the Blacktip shark.
Good to know
Questions about diving
Everything we are asked most about getting in the water.
Who can book dives and snorkeling tours?
Dives and snorkeling tours are for Portofino guests during their stay. Book your room first, then tell us what you would like to do, and we will confirm availability with our partners.
Where do the dives start?
All diving and snorkeling starts from the Portofino dock, where our dive shop is. Reef dives are approximately a 10 to 25 minute boat ride from the pier.
What is included?
Reef dives include round-trip transfers, a guided tour by a knowledgeable dive master, tanks, weights and water. Gear rentals are also available, or you are welcome to bring your own gear.
I am not certified yet. Can I still dive?
Join our PADI Dive Master for a free “try dive” in our pool to get acquainted with diving. If you love it, our Dive Master can get you certified as a PADI Open Water Diver.
Can I dive at night?
Yes, night dives can be arranged.
Is there an extra fee for the Great Blue Hole?
A US$40 park fee is additional, to be settled at the site, cash only.
Ready to get in the water?
Dives and snorkeling tours are for Portofino guests during their stay. Book your room first, then tell us what you would like to do, and we will confirm availability with our partners.