Caye Caulker Sports & Outdoors Tips by grandmaR

Snorkeling the Cayes with Driftwood Dive Shop

One of the main activities for visitors to the cays is scuba, but there's a lot of snorkeling too. Because Belize has such an extensive reef system, that also means that the beaches are narrow. The reefs keep the surf from grinding up rocks into sand and building wide beaches. So snorkeling is most often done from small boats.

Equipment: You can rent all your equipment, but it is best to bring your own mask and snorkel so that you can be sure it fits. You should also take sun protection and water. Driftwood will fill your container for a small charge (almost everyone drinks bottled water). In addition check and be sure if you will have lunch provided - if not, bring lunch. Driftwood employs several women as facilitators - to sell and book dive trips. They work on commission and are extremely helpful. Driftwood does its own snorkel trips and contracts out the diving.

I can't find Driftwood on the Caye Caulker website anymore, so I've listed the Star Tours website under the address.

Address: http://www.startoursbelize.com/tour.html

Directions: Northwest end of island

Phone: 226-0011/225-0328

Theme: Scuba Diving

Belize Diving

Belize Diving is the name of one of Caye Caulker's best dive shops. Established in 1978, Belize Diving Services is one of the longest operating dive shops in Belize. The shop is owned and staffed by Master Instructor Kathy Dalton and Master Scuba Diver Trainer Dawn Williams. I did two dives with Kathy and Dawn. At that time they had an old WWII boat, but it worked. According to their website, they now have a new boat.

Equipment: I had my dive computer, mask, and snorkel, and rented everything else. They supplied oranges and water, and we anchored for lunch (Bob brought me a sandwich while I checked in)

Directions: North east end of island below the split

Phone: 501-226-0143

Theme: Scuba Diving

Website: http://www.belizedivingservices.com/