Plongée au Blackbird Caye Resort

Blackbird Caye Resort is situated on the Turneffe Atoll, one of the four major atolls in the Western Hemisphere. The centre is positioned within the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a secluded environment far from the mainland.

Access to the resort is strictly via boat or private aircraft. For those arriving by sea, boat transfers are organised from Belize City on Saturdays, departing at 15:00. Private helicopter transfers and chartered flights are also available for those looking to reach the atoll in a shorter time.

As a PADI 5 Star dive centre, the resort maintains high standards of instruction and service. The team operates in English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for international divers.

All training and certifications must be completed with the on-site instructors. While the centre allows for the completion of reference certifications with prior notice, no outside instruction is permitted on the premises. The staff is deeply committed to sustainable tourism and the conservation of the local marine reserve.

The centre offers a full range of PADI courses for all experience levels. You can begin your journey with the Open Water Diver course or progress through the Advanced Open Water Diver certification. The instructors are available to guide you through various other PADI training programmes on-site.

The centre provides a variety of rental equipment, including wetsuits, dive computers, and full diving kits. Nitrox is available for use, which is a significant benefit for those looking to extend their no-decompression limits during multi-dive days.

For safety, dive computers are mandatory for all divers. The resort also provides kayaks and paddleboards for use on the water between dives.

The marine life around the atoll is exceptionally diverse. You will find large pelagics such as hammerhead sharks, reef sharks (Carcharhinus), and Caribbean reef sharks cruising the deeper waters. Schools of Jack (Carangidae), barracudas, and various snapper species are common sights along the walls and reefs.

On the reef flats and shallower sections, look for rainbow parrotfish (Calotomus), blue parrotfish (Calotomus), and hogfish. You will also encounter angelfish (Pomacanthidae), creole wrasses, and sergeant majors amongst the sponges (Porifera) and sea fans (Gorgoniidae).

Macro life and smaller inhabitants include moray eels (Muraenidae), rays (Batoidea), and various species of turtles. In the crevices and reef structures, you can spot sea pens, basket stars, and banded coral shrimps.

Seasonal sightings include lobster (Palinuridae) from June to February, and conchs during the October harvest season.

Diving conditions are best between April and June when winds are calm and visibility is at its peak, often reaching between 24 and 30 metres. December also offers excellent diving conditions with plenty of sunshine.

It is important to note that currents can be significant around the atoll, particularly at sites like The Elbow. These drift dives require experience and should always be conducted with a guide. The rainy season from June to November can impact local conditions.