Scuba Diving in Belgium
Belgium may not be the first place that comes to mind for scuba diving, but it offers unique diving opportunities in its coastal waters. Let's explore the best scuba diving spots for experienced divers and beginners, the marine life you can encounter, dive conditions, and cost.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Experienced Divers
- North Sea Wrecks: The North Sea is home to numerous shipwrecks, providing excellent opportunities for experienced divers. Popular wreck sites include the SS Leopoldville, SS Bananier, and SS Havre.
- Zeeland: Located in the Netherlands but easily accessible from Belgium, Zeeland offers fantastic dive sites such as the Grevelingenmeer and Oosterschelde. These sites feature wrecks, beautiful underwater landscapes, and diverse marine life.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Beginners
- Nemo 33: Located in Brussels, Nemo 33 is an indoor diving center with a maximum depth of 33 meters (108 feet). It offers a controlled environment for beginners to practice their diving skills and gain confidence.
- Barges in Ekeren: The barge sites in Ekeren, near Antwerp, provide calm and shallow waters ideal for beginner divers. These sites offer the opportunity to explore sunken barges and encounter local marine life.
Marine Life
While Belgium's coastal waters may not have the same biodiversity as tropical destinations, they still host various marine species. Divers can encounter common fish species such as wrasse, flatfish, and gobies. Additionally, the wrecks attract marine life, including lobsters, crabs, and sea anemones.
Dive Conditions
The dive conditions in Belgium can vary throughout the year. Visibility is generally better during the colder months, ranging from 5 to 15 meters (16 to 49 feet). Water temperatures range from 2 to 22°C (36 to 72°F), with the warmest temperatures during the summer months.
Cost
The cost of scuba diving in Belgium depends on several factors, including equipment rental, dive center fees, and guided dives if required. As a rough estimate, a single guided dive can range from 30 to 60 euros, including equipment rental. Prices may vary between dive centers and locations.
