Dive Site: Dos Chichas

Dive site facts: Dos Chichas

Depth

6–30+ m

Typical dive

15–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Minimal

Visibility

24–30 m

Water temperature

26–29°C

Entry

Liveaboard / Backroll

Level

All levels

Dive type

Wall, reef, marine life

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Long Caye / Lighthouse Atoll

Coordinates

17.3814° N, 87.8025° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Dos Chichas are typically minimal, providing a relaxed diving environment suitable for extended exploration of the reef. The absence of strong currents allows divers to comfortably navigate along the wall and explore coral formations without significant effort. Water entry from liveaboards is usually directly off the dive platform, allowing for an immediate descent to the wall below. Visibility is consistently excellent, often ranging between 24 to 30 meters, and water temperatures remain warm, typically 26-29°C. These stable conditions mean divers can plan for longer bottom times and focus on marine life observation, with minimal concern for challenging environmental factors. While most Belize diving is not characterized by strong drift, divers should always monitor their air consumption and depth, especially when exploring deeper sections of the wall.

Marine life & sighting chances

Caribbean reef shark

common

Nurse shark

common

Octopus

common

Squid

common

Grouper

common

Blue chromis

common

Indigo hamlet

common

Goldentail moray eel

occasional

Green moray eel

occasional

Barrel sponge

common

Basket star

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Dos Chichas typically begins with a descent directly from the liveaboard’s dive platform onto the reef wall. The initial part of the dive explores the upper sections of the wall, where large barrel sponges and diverse corals thrive, at depths around 15-20 meters. Divers then follow the wall, often moving into a gentle current, observing the vibrant marine life such as groupers, blue chromis, and indigo hamlets. The dive progresses deeper along the wall, reaching depths of 25-30 meters to spot more elusive creatures like octopuses and moray eels. Turnaround is planned to allow for a return along the reef, often shallower, to explore coral heads and observe reef sharks. The safety stop is conducted at 5 meters, typically near the mooring line or shallower reef crest, providing an excellent opportunity for decompression and observing smaller reef inhabitants.

Underwater photography

Dos Chichas offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and marine life. For wide-angle shots, consider a fisheye or 16-35mm lens to capture the expansive barrel sponges and the general reefscape, especially when reef sharks are present. Early morning light can be particularly good for dramatic reef scenes. For macro subjects like goldentail moray eels, octopuses, or other small critters nestled in the coral, a 60mm or 105mm macro lens is ideal. Strobes are highly recommended for bringing out the true colors of the corals and fish, especially on deeper wall sections. Maintain excellent buoyancy to avoid disturbing delicate corals and sediment on the wall.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Zipline

  Zipline is a distinctive dive site within the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve in Belize, offering a glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of…

• Half Moon Caye Wall

  Half Moon Caye Wall, located within Belize's Lighthouse Reef Atoll, is celebrated as one of the Caribbean's premier dive sites and part of…

• Long Caye Ridge

  Long Caye Ridge is a highly-rated dive site situated within Belize's Lighthouse Reef Atoll, an area renowned for its pristine conditions…

• Cathedral

  The Cathedral, located in Fiji's Beqa Lagoon, is world-renowned for its thrilling shark encounters.

• Tarpon Cave

  Tarpon Cave is a notable dive site located in Belize's Lighthouse Reef Atoll, renowned for its dramatic wall formations and abundant marine…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Dos Chichas is primarily via liveaboard vessels, typically departing from Belize City. Guests usually fly into Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) and are then transferred to the marina. Liveaboard trips in Belize are commonly week-long itineraries, offering extensive diving at various sites around the atolls, including Lighthouse Reef where Dos Chichas is located. Marine park fees for protected areas like Lighthouse Reef are often included in liveaboard packages. Combining diving with topside activities such as exploring Mayan ruins or rainforests is a popular option before or after a liveaboard trip, though these are typically separate arrangements from the diving itinerary.

Safety & environment

While Belize offers generally safe diving conditions, divers should always carry appropriate insurance that covers dive accidents and medical evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is located in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, requiring boat transfer in case of an emergency. Due to the remote nature of some offshore atolls, evacuation can take several hours. Divers should be proficient in buoyancy control, especially on wall dives, to avoid contact with the fragile reef. Staying within no-decompression limits is crucial, and a dive computer is mandatory for all dives. Although currents are typically minimal, divers should be prepared for potential changes and always dive with a signaling device such as a surface marker buoy.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

FAQ

Dos Chichas FAQ

Liveaboards diving Dos Chichas

These liveaboards may visit Dos Chichas on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Belize Aggressor IV

Belize

20 guests42 m

Belize Aggressor III

Belize

18 guests34 m