Night Diving in Belize

Night diving in Belize unlocks a completely different reef experience. Specifically, our favorite night dive site is Laughing Bird Caye Drop Off, located on the east side of Laughing Bird Caye National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, we can use other locations when weather conditions favor a different spot. Moreover, we arrange night dives on request at other sites along the Belize Barrier Reef.

Please note: we do not schedule night dives on a fixed calendar. Instead, we require a minimum of 8 divers or snorkelers to run the trip. As a result, guests often invite other travelers at the resort to join and make up the group.

Trip Plan

First, we leave Placencia at 4:00 pm and arrive at Laughing Bird Caye 30 to 40 minutes later. However, if we spot dolphins along the way, we arrive at this beautiful caye a little later. Then we spend about an hour on the caye to explore the beaches and enjoy the sunset. Next, as it gets dark, we review safety procedures and walk through how we’ll conduct the 45-minute dive. Finally, we return to Placencia between 8:00 pm and 8:30 pm.

Night Diving Sites in Belize

This night diving in Belize experience starts at 15–25 feet (5–8 meters) on the sandy bottom. Then the dive follows a coral wall that slopes gradually down to about 80 feet (24 meters). However, we usually stay above 40 feet (12 meters) so we can spend more time exploring.

At night, the reef transforms completely. For example, octopus, lobsters, squid, and nudibranchs emerge from hiding to hunt for prey. Additionally, coral polyps open up for feeding, which changes the look of the reef entirely. Meanwhile, some fish stay active just like during the day — though you’ll also find sleeping parrotfish tucked into their mucous cocoons. Please don’t wake them up!

Additionally, we can arrange two-tank night dives or a combination of day and night dives on request. This dive also counts as an adventure dive and earns you credit toward your PADI Advanced Open Water certification.

Night Dives