Belize · Caye Chapel

Winter Wonderland

A hidden chamber of snow-white calcium and black stone, where nurse sharks drift through crystal water.

20′ Maximum Depth
Photograph · Mark Long © 2015

An Elusive Chamber off Caye Chapel

Nestled a safe distance from Caye Chapel is the elusive Winter Wonderland. Two small access points lead you to a small 20′ deep chamber where you will come face to face with some wonderful nurse sharks.

Be careful not to scare them!

Snow that never melts, falling over stone that never sees the sun.

A Snowfall of Calcium Dust

Without the impact of nearby islands, Winter Wonderland is mostly crystal clear waters that reveal a snowy calcium dust that covers black speleothems.

The contrast is what gives the cave its name — pale, drifting sediment settling like fresh powder across the dark formations below.

One Day Is Never Enough

This dive can be done in a single day — but most divers can’t help but come back for more.

20′
Feet Deep
A shallow, single chamber reached through two narrow access points.
2
Access Points
Small entrances tucked a safe distance from Caye Chapel.
1
Day Dive
Easily completed in a day — though few resist returning.