Plongée à Lake Izabal — Guatemala

Lake Izabal is Central America's largest lake, where rare freshwater manatees glide through murky green waters fed by jungle rivers. Diving here is pure exploration — low visibility, basic infrastructure, but the thrill of encountering manatees in freshwater caves is unforgettable. Best suited for adventurous divers willing to trade clarity for unique experiences.

Score
50.0
Visibilité
2–8m
Température
24–30°C
Meilleurs mois
January, February, March
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World Class
Beginner Friendly
Lake Izabal
GuatemalaCentral America
50.0

SCORE

15.4500°N

-89.1500°E

Lake Izabal is Central America's largest lake, where rare freshwater manatees glide through murky green waters fed by jungle rivers. Diving here is pure exploration — low visibility, basic infrastructure, but the thrill of encountering manatees in freshwater caves is unforgettable. Best suited for adventurous divers willing to trade clarity for unique experiences.

Guatemala's Freshwater Hidden Gem

Visibility2–8 m
Temperature24–30°C
Max Depth15 m
Currentmild
2-Tank Dive$50
Best MonthsJanuary, February, March, April
CertificationOpen WaterBeginner Friendly

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML42.0CH10.0VIS25.0SV35.0TMP82.0DA32.0OP42.0TS72.0GT55.0VAL88.0CRD95.0SP22.0

Marine Life

42.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
38
Megafauna Encounters
52
Reef Fish Abundance
30
Macro Life
40
Endemic Species
48
Marine Life Diversity
42.0
Coral & Reef Health
10.0
Visibility & Conditions
25.0
Dive Site Variety
35.0
Water Temperature
82.0
Depth & Access
32.0
Operator Quality
42.0
Topside Experience
72.0
Getting There
55.0
Value & Cost
88.0
Crowding
95.0
Social Proof
22.0

Dive Types

freshwatercaveexploration

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Great news for traveling couples and families — this is a budget-friendly destination with plenty of affordable topside activities to keep non-divers happy while you explore below the surface.

Activities for Non-Divers

Río Dulce boat tripCastillo de San FelipeLivingston Garífuna culturehot spring waterfalls

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Castillo de San Felipe
  • Quiriguá Maya ruins
  • Livingston Garífuna village

Non-Diver Score

7/10

Good topside options for non-diving companions.

Family FriendlyNot recommended
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber350 km — Guatemala City General Hospital Hyperbaric Unit
Nearest Hospital30 km

Nearest hospital in Puerto Barrios; hyperbaric chamber in Guatemala City (350 km) — very limited emergency infrastructure in the area

Skill LevelBeginner Friendly
Current Strengthmild

Top Operators

Río Dulce Adventures

PADI

4.3
25 reviews