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Map of Esmeralda Canyons
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Boat entry

Esmeralda Canyons

Ambergris Caye, Belize
Open Water suggestedNarrow canyon swim-throughs12–24 m depthBoat entryRash guard or 2mm shorty typical

Boat dive — see Entry & access.

Esmeralda Canyons at a glance

Esmeralda Canyons is a boat dive site in Ambergris Caye, Belize with depths of 12–24 m (39–79 ft). Typically most favorable Sep · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Hawksbill turtle, Nurse shark, and Southern stingray. Recent reports put the water around 29°C (85°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 9h ago
0.9 mwaves — under a meter expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 29°C · seasonal avg 30°C

Site hazards: Narrow canyon swim-throughs · Mild current

All 2 hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Mon
Mon6:00–19:00
Tue6:00–19:00
Wed6:00–19:00
Thu6:00–19:00
Fri6:00–19:00
Sat6:00–19:00
Sun—

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:05 · Sunrise 5:28 · Sunset 18:27

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 8.5 km from site · graded 9h 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.

What Divers Say

Known for: Great barracuda, Queen angelfish, Yellowtail snapper
Best time: Year-round; calm mornings best for the canyons.

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.

  1. Jan78%27°C0.8 m
  2. Feb85%27°C0.7 m
  3. Mar85%28°C0.8 m
  4. Apr79%28°C0.8 m
  5. May88%29°C0.8 m
  6. Jun86%30°C0.8 m
  7. Jul86%30°C0.7 m
  8. Aug98%31°C0.5 m
  9. Sep99%31°C0.5 m
  10. Oct95%30°C0.5 m
  11. Nov86%28°C0.6 m
  12. Dec84%27°C0.7 m

September 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

  • Hawksbill turtleOccasionally seen
  • Nurse sharkOccasionally seen
  • Southern stingrayOccasionally seen
  • Great barracudaCommonly seen
  • Queen angelfishCommonly seen
  • Spotted moray eelOccasionally seen
  • Yellowtail snapperCommonly seen
  • Spotted eagle rayOccasionally seen

Fills & rentals nearby

Facts from OpenStreetMap, corrected by the community — listed by distance only. Details change; confirm with the shop.

Shop facts come from OpenStreetMap and community corrections, shown nearest first. PickADive lists facts and contacts only — no listing is sponsored or ranked.

Site details

Esmeralda is a series of tall, narrow sand-floored canyons cutting through the barrier reef off Ambergris Caye, beginning around 12m and dropping to roughly 23-30m. Divers wind between coral walls draped in sponges as turtles, rays, nurse sharks and barracuda pass through the gullies. One of the shallower, easier Ambergris sites, it suits all skill levels.

boatreef

Narrow canyon swim-throughs

Mild current

Reviews

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