How deep is Emerald Forest Reef?

Emerald Forest Reef ranges from 5 to 21 metres deep (16–69 feet). It is a saltwater site rated as beginner difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is Emerald Forest Reef a shore dive or a boat dive?

Emerald Forest Reef is a boat dive — access is by boat rather than from shore. The entry is recorded as a giant-stride entry. The entry area is recorded as sheltered from surge. No facilities are recorded at the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

Can beginners dive Emerald Forest Reef?

Yes, Emerald Forest Reef is rated as beginner-friendly. Listed depths run from 5 to 21 metres (16–69 feet). Access is by boat, with the entry recorded as a giant-stride entry. Conditions can vary, so verify visibility, current, and entry details before diving.

When is the best time to dive Emerald Forest Reef?

Year-round; great for photography and shallow no-deco profiles. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Emerald Forest Reef?

Divers at Emerald Forest Reef in Belize commonly report sightings of Stoplight parrotfish, Elkhorn coral, Spotted moray eel, Sergeant major, and Hawksbill turtle. Stoplight parrotfish, Elkhorn coral, and Sergeant major are recorded as common sightings, while Spotted moray eel and Hawksbill turtle are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

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BeginnerBoat entry

Emerald Forest Reef

Stann Creek, Belize

Open Water suggestedShallow elkhorn coral - avoid contact5–21 m depthBoat entryRash guard or 2mm shorty typical

Boat dive — see Entry & access.

Emerald Forest Reef at a glance

Emerald Forest Reef is a beginner boat dive site in Stann Creek, Belize with depths of 5–21 m (16–69 ft). Typically most favorable Aug · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Stoplight parrotfish, Elkhorn coral, and Spotted moray eel. Recent reports put the water around 30°C (85°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 13h ago

0.7 mwaves — under a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 30°C · seasonal avg 31°C

Site hazards: Shallow elkhorn coral - avoid contact · Remote location

All 2 hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Fri

Fri6:00–18:00

Sat9:00–18:00

Sun6:00–16:00

Mon6:00–8:00

Tue6:00–18:00

Wed6:00–18:00

Thu—

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:17 · Sunrise 5:39 · Sunset 17:56

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 3.9 km from site · graded 13h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Stoplight parrotfish, Elkhorn coral, Sergeant major

Best time: Year-round; great for photography and shallow no-deco profiles.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan86%27°C0.9 m
Feb80%27°C1.0 m
Mar82%28°C1.0 m
Apr77%28°C1.0 m
May86%30°C0.9 m
Jun72%30°C1.0 m
Jul82%30°C1.0 m
Aug99%30°C0.7 m
Sep98%31°C0.6 m
Oct98%30°C0.6 m
Nov87%28°C0.8 m
Dec82%27°C0.9 m

August hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Data updated July 2026

Site details

On the west arm of Glover's Reef Atoll, Emerald Forest Reef is a shallow site famed for towering stands of healthy elkhorn coral that give it a forest-like appearance. The 5-21m depth and easy conditions make it ideal for beginners, photographers and long bottom times. Schools of reef fish, parrotfish and the occasional turtle populate the coral thickets.

boatreef

Shallow elkhorn coral - avoid contact

Remote location

Reviews

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