Belize City is the gateway to the many fantactic diving places on offer in Belize. You will most likely fly into the country here then make your way to your destination as it's not really a place to stop and relax.
There are a couple of centres in town, who do day trips to the Blue Hole, Hol Chan Marine Park and surrounding sites, which are only about an hour away so if you're strapped for time then you can still enjoy the great diving here. If you do have time then Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye are amazing places to stay and dive.
If you're hopping on a liveaboard then you will leave from Belize City's main port area and the liveaboard offices are based in the city. This would be the only reason to stay overnight.
(By Kelly Luckman)