Chuck & Robbie's - Ambergris Caye Diving & PADI Scuba Instruction

Imagine diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, where the beauty of the world's second-largest barrier reef unfolds right before your eyes. Ambergris Caye Diving and PADI certification at Chuck & Robbie's is more than just a tourist service; it's a passport to the incredible underwater world of San Pedro.

This leading diving center in Belize is a family-run business renowned for its personalized approach and homey atmosphere. The center specializes in organizing dives for divers of all levels—from those trying on a mask for the first time to professionals looking to explore deep-water caves and remote sections of the reef.

The primary value of this location lies in its access to legendary spots like the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the famous Shark Ray Alley. Here, safety is a top priority: small groups and modern equipment ensure your encounter with marine life is both comfortable and unforgettable.

To clarify dive details, book courses, or arrange a private charter, you can contact the center's team directly. The dive center is conveniently located right on the coast, making it easy to find while strolling along the waterfront.

The main reason to visit this center is the chance to see marine life in its natural habitat. During excursions to Shark Ray Alley, you can swim surrounded by dozens of nurse sharks and graceful stingrays. It is a completely safe yet incredibly thrilling experience that leaves a lifelong impression.

For fans of classic diving, trips to the coral gardens of the Hol Chan reserve are available. Guided by experienced instructors like Felipe or Danny, you'll see giant sea turtles, moray eels, barracudas, and myriads of colorful tropical fish. If you're looking for something special, be sure to sign up for a night dive, when the reef transforms and amazing nocturnal creatures come out to hunt.

If you've never dived before, Chuck & Robbie's is the perfect place to start. You can complete a full PADI certification course or take a Discovery Scuba introductory dive. For those who prefer to stay on the surface, snorkeling tours are organized that are just as vibrant as the deep-sea excursions. A flexible schedule and a fun team of captains turn every boat trip into a true sea adventure.

The dive center is located at Boca del Rio Drive, on the scenic waterfront in the northern part of the city. If you are staying in the city center, a walk to the location won't take much time and will allow you to enjoy the sea breeze.

Most tourists arrive on Ambergris Caye via water taxi from Belize City (the journey takes about 1.5 hours) or on small domestic airline planes. From the airport or the pier, the easiest way to reach the dive center is by taxi or a rented golf cart—the most popular mode of transport on the island, with rental costs around 50 BZD per day.

For those who have already booked tours, the center often offers a nice bonus—free boat transfer directly from your hotel pier within the city limits. This eliminates the need to find transportation on your own on the day of the dive.

The history of this place began in 2002, when Chuck & Robbie's opened as a very small dive gear shop. Over decades of operation, it has grown from a modest venture into one of the most respected and recognizable dive centers in the region.

The center's main feature has always been its family-run status. The founders, Chuck and Robbie, initially aimed to create not just a business but a close-knit community of ocean lovers. Thanks to this approach, many tourists who visit once return year after year, becoming part of the large "diving family."

The center has played a key role in promoting responsible tourism on the island. The instructors not only teach diving techniques but also actively educate guests about the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef ecosystem, helping to preserve the unique flora and fauna of this part of the Caribbean Sea.

Time planning depends on your goals. If you want to go on a classic dive tour or snorkeling trip to the nearby reefs, budget about 4–6 hours. This includes a detailed briefing, gear preparation, and the boat ride to the marine reserves.

For those dreaming of earning an international PADI Open Water certificate, significantly more time will be required—usually, the training takes 3 to 4 days. Each day involves both theoretical classes and practical dives (from 4 to 8 hours daily).

If you are planning a series of dives, it's optimal to set aside 2–3 days of your vacation to visit the center. This will allow you to see as many underwater wonders as possible while leaving time for decompression and relaxed rest on the shore.

The dive center follows a standard schedule oriented towards daylight hours to maximize time for morning and afternoon sea outings. Typically, the center's doors are open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

On Fridays, operations are often extended until 18:00. However, since diving trips are highly dependent on weather conditions and group schedules, we recommend checking the current opening hours in advance and booking tours through the official website or by phone.

After an exciting dive or a full day of dive training, the surroundings of San Pedro offer plenty of options for relaxation and gastronomic discoveries. The center's waterfront location means you can find yourself at popular seaside spots within just a few minutes.

A walk along Boca del Rio is a great way to soak up the island's atmosphere, pop into local cafes, or take a commemorative photo at the city's main landmarks. Here are some interesting places within walking distance: