Underwater Wonders & Luxury: Turneffe Island Resort, Belize

It was another fantastic SCUBA trip with our friends from Ykiki, our local St. Louis dive shop, and once again we found ourselves in a top-tier destination: the remote and luxurious Turneffe Island Resort. If you're looking for a top-notch scuba diving destination, look no further than Turneffe Island Resort in Belize. Nestled in the Caribbean, this hidden gem is undoubtedly in our top three favorite dive resorts. From the moment we arrived, we felt the warm embrace of the friendly staff and could sense the excitement of the underwater adventures that awaited us.

A diver's paradise

The diving at Turneffe Island was phenomenal. The coral reefs were healthy and vibrant, teeming with marine life on every dive. Our excellent dive guide, Hilario, and experienced boat captain, Harry, showed us some of the best spots. We were thrilled to see a huge variety of marine creatures, including:

• Majestic Eagle Rays gliding by

• A large Moray Eel peeking out from a crevice

• Schools of Yellowtail Snapper and a Porcupine Pufferfish

• A Bearded Toadfish, a special treat to spot

• Graceful Southern Stingrays lying on the sandy bottom

• Barracuda and Permit fish patrolling the reef

• Turtles, and plenty of inquisitive reef sharks
  

The reef sharks were particularly bold, drawn to my GoPro camera—likely thinking it was a meal—and coming in for some up-close investigation.

A memorable excursion

As part of the week's dives, we took a trip to the famous "Big Blue Hole." Honestly, it wasn't the most impressive dive of the week. The dramatic drop-offs and crystal-clear waters were impressive, but it lacked the excitement we found in other spots. While it's a unique site, and we were glad to be able to check it off our bucket list, we found the marine life was far more abundant and interesting on the other local dives.

The excursion to Lighthouse Reef included a picnic lunch at Half Moon Caye, which was a real highlight. This is not just any picnic spot; it’s home to a unique wildlife experience with red-footed boobies nesting nearby. We got to walk around and see the Red-Footed Boobies in their nesting grounds. The scenic beauty and the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore were the perfect backdrop for a well-deserved break.

The resort experience

Even for the non-divers in our group, Turneffe Island Resort had plenty to offer. They could take out paddle boards, kayaks, and Hobie Cat sailboats to explore the calm, turquoise waters. The remote, private-island setting offers a truly secluded and luxurious experience.

The staff takes great care of every guest. A special touch was the fresh pot of coffee delivered to our covered porch every single morning. It was a perfect way to start the day, sipping coffee and watching the sunrise over the ocean before heading to breakfast.

A Night Dive to skip

One thing I would not recommend is the night dive. We usually do one at every resort, but this one was different. We were warned there would be a "few" blood worms, but what we got was an absolute onslaught. We spent most of the dive with our lights off to avoid attracting them, relying on a few divers with red lights to find our way.

In conclusion, our scuba diving trip to Turneffe Island Resort was nothing short of spectacular. The combination of friendly guides, stunning marine life, and idyllic picnic spots made for an unforgettable experience. If you're searching for an incredible diving adventure, consider making Turneffe Island Resort your next destination—you won't be disappointed!