Dive Shop, Diving, and Snorkeling Tips
We'll be diving with our hosts,
Belize Dive Haven Resort (open from 8 am -5 pm)
Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve is charging a fee for all visitors aged 12 and older to Turneffe Island who either dive, snorkel, or fish. This fee, which we have verified, is payable either at the property or can be purchased in advance through Turneffe Island’s website: Book Entry Tickets | Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve
The required standard fee is either $10 daily or $25 weekly, which allows divers to dive all dive sites in the Marine Reserve except the Wit wreck. The Calabash snorkel trail and nature trail are also excluded. There are also voluntary, not required, contribution options of $50 daily or $100 weekly to allow access to the Wit Wreck, Calabash snorkel, and nature trail.
Since the fee can be paid directly at the resort, we recommend that ScubaBoard members look over the choices on the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve website, but pay when you are at the property. They recommend cash, but fees can be paid by credit card. If you want to pre-book, that option is available through the link above.
If you are diving the Blue Hole, the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve fee is separate from the Marine Park fee. The Bluehole fee is a standard US$40 CASH ONLY per person, which has to be paid at the Half-moon Caye Ranger's station.
Diving/Snorkeling Waiver -
Maduro Dive has sent the Dive Shop waiver out with your Resort vouchers. Let them know if you didn't receive the email.
Please bring your dive waiver and gear to the dive shop once you've checked into your room.
If you haven't paid your Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve Fee online, bring payment with you as well. The Dive Shop is open til 5:00 PM
Here are a few links you might be interested in.
Turneffe Atoll Dive Sites Map
Best Dive Sites
Turneffe Atoll Maps
Learn more about Turneffe Atoll
Fish and Wildlife Guide
The Great Blue Hole Video
ScubaBoard Dive Teams and Boat Rotations -
Dive Teams and Boat Rotations
Dive Shop - Open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Boat Dive Times
Dive times are at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:30 PM.
In the event of a 2-tank dive, the boat leaves at 8:00 AM and returns for lunch. This is determined by weather and dive site location distance.
Gear Care - The Belize Dive Haven Dive Staff will be responsible for taking care of your gear after diving. How nice is that!
Night Boat Dive - One is included in your package!
Additional Dives - $50 per dive
Tanks, weights, and weight belts are included.
Don't forget, Shearwater will be attending and bringing Computers for Crew Members to Demo throughout the week.
Bring your own container (a water bottle or cup) for the boats. A water cooler,
towels, and cookies will be available on the boats.
Gloves - are not permitted.
Camera care - A lightweight cooler bag is a great way to carry and protect those bigger underwater cameras and the smaller ones on the boats! They give the camera some protection and are easy to fold up for packing, lightweight, and rinse out easily. I have also found the little neoprene drawstring bags with clips are great for protecting your GoPros on the poles or trays.
Hair care - I use
Scuba Do Rags to keep my hair under control. If I don't keep my hair braided and covered like that, it would be shredded after multiple dives. I also like to put some biodegradable conditioner in it while dry before covering it. I use
Stream2Sea | EcoConscious & Biodegradable Sunscreen leave-in conditioner, it's the bomb! It's also great to use after diving as well. Some kind of covering is great for gals with shorter hair and guys to keep their heads from getting sunburned, too. Unless you're bald, it's hard to apply sunscreen on your scalp.
Skin or Wetsuits? Warm tropical weather is the norm.
Water temperatures in June are 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The visibility ranges from 50' to 200'. For me, a skin works well, but if you're one of those divers who are on the cold side or planning on doing a lot of diving, you might want to bring a lava core or your 3- 5 ml. wetsuit as you.
TIPPING GUIDELINES - Tipping is personal, but please take care of those who take care of you.
Cash only.
Other Diving Tips
This is a good time to get your gear serviced! If it's new or has been serviced, you might want to get in a pool session/dive in and make sure it works. This also allows for plenty of time if the gear needs to be repaired.
It's good to include a
spare battery for your computer.
A
small waterproof bag for the boat and pool comes in handy for keeping things dry.
To
protect your feet from getting blisters and take a beating while diving for multiple days, wear thin socks. They also help your feet slip into your skin or wetsuit!
To help keep areas that get easily chaffed or irritated protected. There are many body friction products available to help with any areas that take a beating after being waterlogged for the day. Powder can be helpful as well.
Bring a thumb drive to share photos with friends.
Stream2Sea has donated a bottle of their fabulous
mask defog and a sunscreen tin for each Crew member!
I found this article and thought it might have some helpful tips for your ears and diving.
Ear Clearing 101
Dehydration can kick you in the butt and take you down.
I want to remind everyone of the importance of getting Hydrated before
and staying Hydrated during the Invasion.
(Beer and cocktails don't count)
It will be very hot and humid in Belize, especially for the northern folks.
Drinking small amounts continually during the day works well
to help your body retain the liquids better.
And remember, if you're planning on drinking alcohol after diving,
drink some water in between drinks to help with the adverse effects of drinking and dehydration.
Have fun, but play it smart and safe.
