Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Diving and snorkeling off Hopkins is very good to terrific, though expensive compared with the northern cayes. The Barrier Reef is closer here—about 10 miles (17 km) from shore—than it is farther south. Dive shops with fast boats can also take you all the way to the atolls—Turneffe, Glover's, and even Lighthouse. These atoll trips generally start early in the morning, at 6 or 7 am, and last all day. In late spring, when whale sharks typically show up, local dive shops offer dives to see the Belizean behemoths at Gladden Spit Marine Reserve. Keep in mind that there are marine park fees (sometimes included in dive trip charges) for South Water Caye, Glover's, and Gladden Spit marine reserves, as well as additional rental fees for regulators, BCD, wet suits, and other equipment.

Hamanasi. One of the best diving operations in Southern Belize is at Hamanasi. They have three large, well-equipped dive boats, including a 45-foot boat with three 200-horsepower outboard engines. Hopkins, Stann Creek. 533/7073; www.hamanasi.com.