Central America
Bounded to the north by Mexico and to the south by Colombia. Central America is the strip of land the joins north and South America and consists of 7 countries: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. It is a region full of natural beauty, diversity and anthropological history. Its 2 coasts run along the Pacific Ocean, with its attractive beaches, and Caribbean Sea.
Belize has the planet’s second largest barrier reef, several offshore atolls and the world famous Great Blue Hole. Honduras is world famous for its whale shark migrations. Costa Rica has some amazing national parks for encountering wildlife, plus some great surf, and scuba diving with whales and hammerhead sharks. Panama is a Mecca for backpacker tourism in the picturesque island getaway known as Bocas del Toro. Then there are countless ancient Mayan ruins to explore in this tropical wonderland.
Sub-destinations
BELIZE
COSTA RICA
Recent Central America Articles
Cocos Island National Park: Costa Rica’s Remote Kingdom of Sharks
Aerial view of Cocos Island, Costa Rica. Photo courtesy: Argo The Cocos Island National Park is located in the Pacific Ocean, 330 miles (535 km) southwest of Cabo Blanco in Costa Rica. It covers 9 miles² (24 km²) of land and 760 miles² (1,977 km²) of ocean. It has a...
Diving with Trevallies – Apex Predators of the Reef
Trevally are among the more common fish encountered by divers, in a variety of species. These powerful silvery predators patrol the reefs and are often seen preying on smaller fish, making exciting, sudden dashes around the reef and thrilling any on-looking scuba...
Diving with Turtles – Underwater Ninjas
Turtles are among the best loved of sea-dwelling creatures. This is due both to their cute appearance and personality, as well as their declining numbers and their need for human protection, turtles are among the best loved of sea-dwelling creatures. Everyone loves an...
Diving with scorpionfish: Motionless and Venomous
Scorpionfish are among the ocean’s most fascinating and enigmatic creatures, captivating divers with their extraordinary camouflage and formidable venomous spines. Belonging to the family Scorpaenidae, these ambush predators are found in tropical and temperate waters...
Diving with Moray Eels – a Foray into the World of Morays
You are finning along a reef with fish swimming all around you when suddenly something makes you stop on your tracks. You see a sight that at once captivates you and implores you to fix your gaze on a head protruding from a hole, seemingly glaring out and opening and...
Diving with Lionfish: a Devil Firefish or a Turkeyfish?
A lionfish at Lankayan Island, Malaysia One of the most photogenic fish you are likely to come across when scuba diving is the lionfish; a fish as beautiful as it is dangerous. Often found lurking in quiet areas of a reef or a wreck, the firefish has a very...
Diving with Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks
Mysterious Denizens of the Deep Diving with hammerheads at Darwin Island. Photo courtesy: Master Liveaboards Diving with sharks is a popular pursuit but not all shark dives are the same. One of the most awe-inspiring sights has to be diving with the hammerhead shark....
Diving with Dolphins – Man’s Best Ocean-Dwelling Friend
Thought to be among some of the most intelligent animals on the planet, dolphins' playful, inquisitive nature have made them popular with divers and a fascination for all humans for as long as we have known of their existence. In fact, many cultures consider the...
Diving with Nudibranchs – It’s Only a Slug, Right?
To those who have never dived, the idea of a small slug-like, bottom-dweller might seem like a boring prospect. However for divers, the picture is rather different. These little, riotously-coloured creatures bejewel the ocean floor, catching the eye like glinting...