It may be one of the smallest nations in Central America, but Belize offers a wealth of diving adventures.

The world’s second-largest barrier reef, running 600 miles along the coast of Belize as well as southern Mexico, is everything you’d expect it to be. Coral atolls rising from an endless horizon of flat turquoise. Sheer walls covered in corals and sponges. Schools of jacks so big you get lost inside. Plus, this Caribbean locale, with warm, clear water, is easily accessible to divers of every skill level.

Belize has long been touted by divers, and the best of it lies offshore. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef averages 20 miles from the Belize coast, making liveaboard diving the smartest option for exploring these spread-out atolls and wall dives.

Most of the sites on weekly itineraries of Belize Aggressor III and Belize Aggressor IV are walls, including Half Moon Caye Wall and Long Caye Wall. Jump in, and what strikes you first is the cobalt color of the water, and the 100 feet or more of visibility. Look to the edge of the wall to watch passing eagle rays, tarpon and blacktip sharks.

Look down on the reefs to find a host of critters. These ecosystems rank high among the Caribbean for biodiversity due to the fact that much of Belize’s 200 mangrove islands remain untouched, acting as nurseries that serve to populate reefs with schools of black grouper, blue angelfish, creole wrasse, blue tangs, indigo hamlets, rainbow parrotfish and so many more.

One ecosystem that’s often overlooked is the sea grass beds, a hotbed for macro life, which you’ll see when diving with Aggressor guides. Here, they can point out rosy razorfish, yellowhead jawfish, a few species of nudibranchs and sea slugs, and more.

Night dives out on the atolls are as dramatic as the daytime dives. One popular nighttime dip at Uno Coco showcases a feeding frenzy as divers shine lights on the reef, aiding tarpon in their hunt of smaller fish. This site, as well as many other nighttime spots, is also rife with octopuses, lobster, whitespotted toadfish and a host of other nocturnal critters on the hunt like reef squid.

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Howler monkeys, peccaries, jaguar and 300 tropical bird species are just the start of the reasons to add on a trip to the Belize interior. Aggressor Travel can arrange your entire adventure to the jungle, including a stay at Chaa Creek, a 23-cottage luxury resort on the banks of the Macal River. This high-end oasis serves as the jumping-off point for daylong adventures to Mayan ruins such as Xunantunich, with a 130-foot-tall stone pyramid, or Caracol, home to the Sky Place temple rising 138 feet. Mainland Belize is also well renowned as an outdoor adventure hotspot, with a natural playground offering cave tubing and cave hiking, among other outings. On-site, the 400-acre resort offers horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking, with licensed naturalist guides available to take your experience to the next level. Après adventure, retire to the affinity pool while listening to the song of exotic birds, or book a session at the hilltop spa to rest and regroup for tomorrow’s adventure.

NEED TO KNOW

• Home Port: Belize City, Belize
• Dive Season: Year-round
• Dive Conditions: 78-82˚ F
• Travel Tip: Most Belize travelers add a stay in the jungle for extra adventure — caving is one popular activity. You’ll want a small to mid-sized daypack that can hold your gear and water. Look for a lightweight one that’s made from water-resistant materials

BOAT SPECS

• Length/Beam: BAIII: 110 feet/22 feet; BAIV: 138 feet/26 feet
• Passenger-crew-ratio: : BAIII: 18:6; BAIV: 20:7
• Number of staterooms/beds: BAIII: 9/17; BAIV: 10/18
• Bathrooms: Berths have private head and shower, individual climate control and hair dryer
• Sundeck: Yes
• Food and beverages included: Yes, including local beer and wine

Contact info: 800-348-2628; [email protected]; aggressor.com