FAQ’s about Scuba at Thatch Caye
Q. What is the best time of year to dive in Belize?
A. The warm waters of tropical Belize are ideal for year round diving. Water temperature can vary from 24° to 29° Celsius (78° to 88°F) and visibility from 30-90 feet. The water is generally calmer in the summer months but the visibility is reduced with the rising temperatures.
Q. Where will I be diving?
A. We have over a dozen dive sites close by South Water Caye and on 3 spectacular outer reefs: Lighthouse, Turneffe and Glovers. These sites are rarely visited by other vessels, so divers and snorkelers get the exclusive opportunity to view magnificent corals and fish life without the crowds. We generally only ever do one dive at any given dive site.
Q. What depths will I be diving to?
A. Our dive sites have an average depth range of 30-80 feet. As coral relies on sunlight for growth, some of the best snorkeling and diving can be done in shallow areas along the reef wall. Some of our deeper dives are on sites that have specific things to see at depth, for example, The Black Hole or The Abyss where sea whips and black corals are found.
Q. How many dives can I do a day?
A. We normally dive twice a day, but can arrange for more diving in the afternoons or night dives whenever you want.
Q. Is learning to dive difficult?
A. No, it’s probably easier than you imagine, especially if you’re already comfortable in the water. Anyone who can swim 300 yards without struggling should have no problems completing the Open Water Course. PADI’s learning system is progressive meaning that you can learn at a rate that suits you, not everyone else. Every day is tailored to helping you to master the necessary skills and prepare for the next days diving.
Q. How long does it take to become a certified scuba diver?
A. This depends on the student. At Thatch Caye we take the time to make the course suit the individual, not the other way around. With the advent of PADI’s e-learning you can do all the studying before you get here and get into the water the day you arrive! You can also do all of the pool sessions at home and come to us to do the open water work in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean rather than a quarry 20 miles from home! The minimum, however, is 3 days for the basic course.
Q. How old do I have to be to become a certified diver?
A. To gain a full certification you must be at least 10 years old.
Q. Are there any special qualifications or considerations to participate in a scuba class?
A. No. If you think that you have a condition that may be an issue please let us know and we will advise you accordingly. A full dive medical will clear up many questions and should be seriously considered BEFORE you arrive in Belize as we do not have the facilities here to get one done for you. It is also advisable to get a medical done if you are on any long term medication. We can advise you of your nearest physician who carries out these medicals.
Q. What equipment do I need before I take scuba lessons?
A. At Thatch Caye we have a full range of equipment that you will need to complete your course – we have 3 compressors, over 60 tanks, wetsuits, BCD’s, fins and a choice of 4 different dive boats. If you choose you can bring down a mask, wetsuit or fins that you feel comfortable wearing please feel free.
Q. Can I wear contact lenses underwater?
A. Yes. Wearing soft contact lenses underwater is completely normal and you should have no problems. If you wear glasses then you can buy prescription masks, speak with your optometrist or local dive shop about purchasing these.
Q. Can I try scuba diving without signing up for a full course?
A. Of course! Our instructor team can take you out for a one day dive course consisting of a morning of theory and skills practice just off the caye followed by a dive in the open ocean that afternoon. If you find you enjoy it you can credit this dive towards a full course.
Q. What if I am traveling alone? Who will I dive with?
A. If there are no other divers on the Caye then it will be you with one of our experienced dive professionals. If there are other divers here then you will be buddied up with one of our other guests. No matter what you will always have a dive guide in the water with you and the group size will never exceed 6 people. If we have more than 6 people we simply dive in 2 groups with a guide each, keeping a distance between the groups to avoid that crowded feeling on the reef.
Q. If have lost my certification card, can I still dive?
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A. We can check all certifications online, all we need is your name and date of birth!
Q. My friend/partner is a non-diver…….
A. Not a problem. While you are out diving there will be the opportunity for them to enjoy the delights of the caye – go kayaking out to Man O’War Caye to see the frigate birds, snorkel on the barrier reef or enjoy some time in one of our hammocks. If you would like to do some activities together after you have finished diving for the day let us know and will arrange whatever you want.
Q. How many people will be on the boat?
A. We try to keep our dive groups small and intimate. If more people want to dive then we divide the groups.
Q. When can I fly next after diving?
A. PADI standards recommend you leave at least 18 hours after your last dive before flying if you have done multiple dives or 12 hours if you have done just a few. As soon as we know your schedule then we can arrange your diving around your travel plans.