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Scuba diving in Belgium

Dive operators Regions Dive seasons Best diving Cost of diving Marine life

Belgium may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about scuba diving destinations, but it offers unique opportunities for divers to explore its underwater treasures. Here are some reasons why you should consider going scuba diving in Belgium:

  1. Wreck Diving: Belgium is known for its rich maritime history, and its coastal waters are home to numerous shipwrecks. Diving in Belgium gives you the chance to explore these wrecks, which provide an intriguing glimpse into the past. The wrecks are often covered in marine life and offer a fascinating underwater adventure.
  2. Marine Biodiversity: Despite its relatively small size, Belgium's coastal waters are home to a surprising variety of marine species. Divers can encounter colorful fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, as well as unique marine flora and fauna. Exploring the marine biodiversity of Belgium can be a delightful experience.
  3. Underwater Photography: Belgium's diving sites offer fantastic opportunities for underwater photography. The wrecks, marine life, and vibrant colors of the underwater world provide stunning subjects for capturing memorable moments and creating captivating images.
  4. Accessibility: Belgium's diving sites are easily accessible, making it convenient for both local and international divers. The coastline is relatively compact, allowing divers to reach different dive spots quickly and easily. Many dive centers and facilities are available along the coast to cater to divers' needs.
  5. Dive Training and Infrastructure: Belgium boasts a well-developed dive training system and infrastructure. There are several dive centers and clubs that offer a range of courses for divers of all levels, including beginners and experienced divers. You can receive quality instruction and guidance from certified dive professionals.
  6. Dive Culture and Community: Belgium has a thriving dive culture and a welcoming dive community. Engaging with fellow divers and enthusiasts can enhance your diving experience, as you share stories, tips, and recommendations. Participating in local dive events and festivals can also provide opportunities for cultural immersion.

The best operators in: Belgium

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Abyss Plongée - Belgium

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Beldive

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DIVEadventures

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Cowa Diving

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Neree SPRL

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Neree Wavre

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Blue - ODC

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Aquatop sprl

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Globe Marine

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Scuba diving regions in: Belgium

NameOperators
Flanders7
Wallonia8
Brussels1

Best diving in Belgium

Belgium may not be widely known as a scuba diving destination, but it offers some interesting dive spots, especially for wreck diving enthusiasts. Here are a few of the best scuba diving spots in Belgium:

  1. North Sea Wrecks: The North Sea coast of Belgium is dotted with numerous shipwrecks, offering excellent opportunities for wreck diving. Some notable wrecks include the SS Trifels, SS Amiral Magon, and SS Leopoldville. These wrecks are now home to a variety of marine life, and exploring them provides a glimpse into Belgium's maritime history.
  2. Nemo 33: Located in Brussels, Nemo 33 is a unique indoor diving center that holds the title of being one of the deepest recreational diving pools in the world. Divers can explore the pool's artificial caves, tunnels, and underwater platforms, making it a popular spot for training, practicing skills, and even recreational diving.
  3. Zeeland: While not technically in Belgium, neighboring Zeeland in the Netherlands offers some excellent dive sites that are easily accessible from Belgium. The Grevelingenmeer and Oosterschelde areas are known for their diverse marine life, including anemones, lobsters, and seahorses.
  4. The Zwin: The Zwin is a nature reserve located on the Belgian coast near the Dutch border. Although not a traditional scuba diving spot, it offers unique diving opportunities in a brackish environment. Diving in the Zwin allows you to explore an ecosystem that is a mix of freshwater and saltwater, providing encounters with various fish and bird species.

Dive seasons in Belgium

The dive season for scuba diving in Belgium typically runs from late spring to early fall, with the best conditions occurring between May and September. Here is a breakdown of the dive seasons in Belgium:

  1. Spring (April to June): Spring marks the beginning of the dive season in Belgium. Water temperatures start to rise, ranging from around 10°C (50°F) in April to 16°C (61°F) in June. During this time, visibility tends to improve, and marine life becomes more active.
  2. Summer (July to August): Summer is considered the peak dive season in Belgium. Water temperatures range from around 16°C (61°F) to 20°C (68°F), making it more comfortable for divers. Visibility is generally good, and marine life is abundant. It's also the busiest time for diving, as many divers take advantage of the warmer weather.
  3. Fall (September to October): Fall marks the end of the dive season in Belgium. Water temperatures gradually start to drop from around 18°C (64°F) in September to 14°C (57°F) in October. Visibility remains relatively good during this period, and divers can still enjoy encounters with marine life before the colder months set in.

It's important to note that weather and water conditions can vary from year to year, so it's advisable to check local forecasts and dive conditions before planning your dives. Additionally, the North Sea can experience strong currents, so it's essential to dive within your comfort level and with experienced dive operators who are familiar with the local conditions.

Overall, the dive season in Belgium offers a range of temperatures and conditions suitable for diving, with the summer months being the most popular due to warmer waters and better visibility.

Cost of diving in Belgium

The costs of scuba diving in Belgium can vary depending on factors such as dive operator, location, and the type of dive. Here are some approximate costs to give you an idea:

  1. Single shore dive: A single shore dive in Belgium typically ranges from $25 to $40 USD per person. This generally includes the dive guide, tanks, and weights. Equipment rental may incur additional charges.
  2. Wreck diving: Belgium is renowned for its wreck diving opportunities. Dive trips to explore shipwrecks often cost between $40 and $70 USD per person, depending on the dive site and the duration of the excursion. Additional charges for equipment rental may apply.
  3. Boat dives: If you opt for boat dives, the cost can vary depending on the dive operator and the number of dives included in the package. Boat dive packages generally range from $50 to $100 USD per person. These packages typically include the boat transportation, dive guide, tanks, and weights.
  4. Equipment rental: If you don't have your own scuba diving equipment, rental fees can range from $20 to $40 USD per day, depending on the items you need, such as a wetsuit, regulator, BCD, and fins.

It's important to note that prices may vary between different dive operators and locations within Belgium. Some dive centers offer discounts for multiple dives or packages, so it's worth exploring different options to find the best deal. Additionally, additional costs such as transportation, meals, and accommodation should be considered when planning a scuba diving trip to Belgium.

Marine life in Belgium

Belgium's coastal waters may not boast the same diversity of marine life as tropical destinations, but they still offer interesting encounters for divers. Here are some of the marine species you may come across while scuba diving in Belgium:

  1. Crustaceans: Belgium's waters are home to various crustaceans, including lobsters, crabs, and shrimp. These creatures can often be found hiding among rocks or in the crevices of shipwrecks.
  2. Fish: While the fish population in Belgium may not be as abundant as in warmer waters, divers can still spot a variety of species. Common fish you may encounter include sea bass, cod, plaice, flounder, and various types of wrasse.
  3. Mollusks: Belgium's coastal waters are home to different types of mollusks, such as mussels, oysters, and clams. These bivalve mollusks are an important part of Belgium's culinary culture and can be seen attached to rocks or other surfaces.
  4. Anemones and Soft Corals: Divers exploring the wrecks and rocky formations may come across colorful anemones and soft corals. These delicate creatures create vibrant displays and provide habitat for small fish and other invertebrates.
  5. Seals: Along the Belgian coast, there are colonies of harbor seals and gray seals. While encounters with seals underwater are not guaranteed, there is a chance to spot them during dives, especially near their haul-out sites.

It's important to note that visibility and encounters with specific marine life may vary depending on factors such as water conditions and dive locations. While Belgium's marine life may not be as diverse as in tropical regions, diving in its coastal waters still offers unique and rewarding experiences for underwater enthusiasts.

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