Learn to Dive in Guatemala
Guatemala’s Highlights
Guatemala isn’t as famous as its neighbors when it comes to scuba diving. The most famous spot to dive is Lake Atitlán. It’s a high-altitude freshwater lake surrounded by 3 volcanoes. The famous flooded Mayan city named Samabaj is off-limits to divers and requires special permission and permits to be able to dive this site.
Other spots to go diving in Guatemala are located along the eastern coast Puerto Barrios and Cabo Tres Puntas. There are a few dive spots along the Caribbean coast but be sure to check with the dive center as some center’s take people to Cayes of Belize to dive.
When is the best time to go diving in Guatemala?
February and April are the hottest months for air temperature with the least amount of rain which makes this the prime time to dive in Guatemala.
Water Temperature: The water temperature of Lake Atitlán remains the same throughout the year at around 21°C.
Currents: None to mild
Visibility: Usually less than 5 meters in Lake Atitlan. Between 10 and 20 meters for the Caribbean coast dive sites.
Guatemala’s best dive sites
Casa Del Mundo, Lake Atitlán
Located in the middle of three volcanoes, diving at Lake Atitlán is a once in a lifetime experience. Dive through the hallways of the Casa Del Mundo hotel and experience a dive like no other. As you ascend, you will swim past a sunken dock before exploring more rooms of the hotel.
Mayan Village, Lake Atitlán
While this used to be a thing of legend, in 1997 this was proven to be a thing of fact. Now a protected site that requires special permission to dive there, the Mayan Village is a truly extraordinary site.
Agua Caliente, Lake Atitlán
Named Agua Caliente for a reason. During this dive, feel the boiling water seeping up from below. In some places the water is hot enough to boil an egg over!
About the country
Guatemala is a beautiful and diverse country. Lake Atitlán is a magical place that will soothe your mind, body and soul. With plenty of villages to choose from around the lake, you will want to stay longer than you had planned. Guatemala features over 30 volcanoes of which three are active. It’s interesting to note that Guatemalans came up with chocolate making it a haven to try this delicious sweet.
Recreational Courses in Guatemala
Dive Centers in Guatemala
Getting to Guatemala
La Aurora International Airport is located in Guatemala City and has direct flights to South and North America. Buses operate from Guatemala to its neighbors. Once you arrive in Guatemala, getting around can be done by bus, taxi, train or private car.
Other important information
- Capital: Guatemala City
- Official Language: Spanish
- Demonym: Guatemalan
- Currency: Quetzal GTQ
- Calling code: +502
- Driving Side: right
- Population: Over 17,263,000
- Pressure: PSI
- First Stage: INT/Yoke
