Page 227 - Central America

In Belize, we find a continuous reef structure running the length of Ambergris Caye The largest and most popular of the Belize offshore cayes Cayo Bacalor Chico Lighthouse Reef The most distant atoll in Belize is also the site of Gorgonian Forest Maxing out at 15m (50'), Sandbore Caye Lighthouse
the country parallel to the coast. From the mainland, the reef cannot Chelem Ises Bowl this is a beautiful coral garden full of fish Sandbore Caye
be seen; it lies 10 to 20 miles offshore. Traveling east from the main- boasts 40 kilometers of the Belize Barrier Reef less than 1 kilometer offshore. The calm waters are the Great Blue Hole, one of the best known dive sites in the world. The famous Great Blue
land, the reef first becomes visible as a line of white surf crashing over dense with coral gardens, colorful sponges, a multitude of tropical Caribbean reef fish, and water MEBXEICLOIZE Hole is an awesome and endlessly interesting 310-meter diameter, 124-meter-deep circular in a pristine environment. Gorgonians cover Northern Caye
the reef crest, with blue sea to the outside marking the deeper habitat visibility that exceeds 50 meters. Diving the barrier reef off Ambergris Caye is full of variety with sinkhole right in the middle of this huge turquoise lagoon. First shown to the world by
of the fore reef. Approaching closer, we first enter the reef ’s lagoon - a classic spur-and-groove reefs with deep canyons, swim-throughs, undercuts, coral gardens and Capt. Jacques Yves Cousteau in a 1971 Calypso expedition, descending into the deep crystal the area. Sandbore Marine Reserve
shallow area of turquoise waters, brilliant white sand flats and wav- sand flats. Permanent mooring buoys and natural resource management initiatives such as Hol waters of the Great Blue Hole is high on the list of must-do dive sites for every experienced Marine Protected Area - No
ing beds of turtle grass and corals. Cuts or breaks in the outside reef Chan Marine Reserve protect the reefs from anchor damage. Divers enjoy macro photography of Herring Gull diver in the world. Lighthouse Reef also offers the best visibility in Belize, with stupendous removal of anything, no fishing.
are common - where wave action carves out channels into the lagoon vase and tube sponges, and coral pinnacles with countless little reef creatures. Observant divers walls and extensive reefs beginning at only 35 ft (11m) depth, mostly concentrated on the
which serve as navigation routes to and from the open sea. Shield- search ledges and gullies, or ceilings of overhangs, to find invertebrates including red-banded south end of the island. Divers also find time between dives for a little land exploration or 23 4
ing the coast of Belize from the full force of the sea, the barrier reef coral shrimp, brittle stars, nudibranchs, tube worms, and tunicates of every imaginable color. shallow snorkeling on this atoll, which is so remote that you can't even see the Belize
is a unique example of a living community of coral animals that has Outside the reef, spur-and-groove coral formations drop into the depths. Many diving spots are mainland 70 kilometers away to the west.
profoundly altered their geography. Sheltered behind this living reef, shallow and excellent for snorkelers as well.
small cayes (islands) of coral-sand form and in the sheltered lagoons 01
mangroves thrive. The mangrove’s submerged roots trap sediments, Chetumal Bay
which create important habitat for juvenile fish, countless marine Miles (A t o l l)
invertebrates and a rich array of seabirds. Belize offers some of the 01 234
best and most varied diving-sites in the world and has the added ben-
efits of excellent weather conditions and clear, warm water. Inside the Sandy Slope This is the most northern dive site in Belize. It is West Point I & West Point II On the northern side of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll Kilometers
185 miles (300km) long barrier reef, witch the second longest in the also the only perfect wall on the 183 miles of the Belize Barrier is West Points I and II. Both reefs are narrow at a wall that drops to 27m (90'). SCALE
world and the largest in the western hemisphere you can see hun- Colorful sponges and corals cover the wall. Below the wall is a narrow sandy area
dreds of brightly colored fish and coral species. Reef. This site is unspoiled and attracts huge pelagic fish species. Punta San Juan followed by another drop-off. Dives begin at 8m (25'). Reef fish include trunkfish,
Serious divers should consider staying at one of the remote lodges on angelfish, parrotfish, yellowtail snapper, queen triggerfish, white spotted filefish,
the outer atolls dedicated to divers and anglers. These lodges are in Long-tailed Bacalar Chico Untouched reefs and mangrove rivers make up for a great day trip to LagCuannatednea Franco hogfish, barracudas, tiger groupers, butterflyfish, creole wrasse, blennies, gobies,
close proximity to the best dive sites in the hemisphere. These lodges Tropicbird the northernmost part of Ambergris Caye. On one side of the creek you can see Belize, Canyon hamlets, spotted and green moray eels, and the unfortunate lionfish.
offer three, four and seven night packages which include three boat
dives per day. Divers who want a variety of activities and an assort- and on the other side is Mexico. Many birds and other rare species of land and sea The Great Blue Hole One of the greatest dive sites in
ment of restaurants, bars and people should base on the Ambergris, Belize was made famous by Jacques Cousteau by his
Caye Caulker, Belize City, Hopkins-Sittee River or Placencia. Some critters can be observed here. This is a seldom-visited remote spur-and-groove dive site. televised Calypso exploratory journey in 1971. During
areas offer night snorkeling and diving. The undersea world is stun- four previous ice ages the sea level has been as much
ning at night and the visibility is clear enough that at times, you can Rocky Point Canyons A half-hour to the north, this as 360 feet lower, making the Lighthouse Reef Atoll a I
see the stars above while diving eighty feet below. two-tank dive site at 21m-24m (70'-80') is pristine. It towering limestone plateau. Subterranean caverns
were created when rainwater flowed through the II
has a big tarpon hole in the low spur-and-groove porous limestone. Sometime during or after the ice
age this huge, round cavern collapsed to form the
canyons. Large fish and pelagic species abound. sinkhole now known as an amazing site for advanced
divers, called the Great Blue Hole. It is almost
Robles Canyons After a 30-minute cruise within the flat Robles Rocky Point perfectly round at 305m (1000') diameter, with a North Channel
waters inside the Belize Barrier Reef, you will reach a two- Point Tortuga Canyons maximum depth of 124m (407'). It is rimmed by living Entrance
tank divesite with great visibility on almost untouched spur- coral, but has passages on the east and north. Divers
and-groove reef canyons. Punta Caye enter either the north or south side to depths of 100 to West Side Cave Lighthouse Reef
Lemon 150 feet, where the closest caves may be seen. There Reef
Basil Jones Canyons At the last pass before the barrier is a south side cave with a stalactite ceiling oddly
reef runs into the north end of Ambergris Caye, you will find Santa Cruz tilting 5 degrees, showing a ground shift. Some Lagoon
this beautiful spur-and-groove reef. A perfect beach makes Lagoon stalactites are one meter wide by 6 meters long. The
a good between-dives stop for lunch. The back reef is only Deer Basil Jones Cut cave bottom has detached stalactites. Red algae, The Great Blue Hole East Channel Blue Hole Natural Monument
5m (16') deep. Dives on the the Caribbean Sea side drop to Caye Laguna stinging black hydroids, and gorgonians cover most of Entrance World Heritage Site, Marine
21m (70') depth. Nurse sharks rest in the canyons, big de Cayo the walls. You may also find mermaid's fan algae, South Grotto Depth: 9m Protected Area since 1996. No
stingrays sift the sand, and turtles, groupers, whitespotted Bracilete Frances elkhorm, club finger, and shallow-water starlet corals, Giant Stalactites, removal of anything, no fishing.
eagle rays, and even a few manta rays patrol the waters. giant green anemones, and urchins. The most diverse Dripstone, Sheets
and abundant marine life is found on the reefs that Great Blue Hole
Punta Azul Canyons This site is 20 minutes border the outside of the Blue Hole. Stalactites

from the dock. It has dramatic reef canyons

where you will dive through arches and see

Nassau groupers, horse-eye jacks, barracuda, Swab Caye
snappers, and a few lobsters and octopuses. (Cayo Tostado)

Palmeros This site features diving through arches carved 01 2 3 4 Southwest Cut Being next to a wide channel on this site is open to lagoon
out of the lime stone structures by the steady current, 4 water and sometimes ocean swells that go over the lagoon from the windward
which comes from the north and catches here in a point- Cayo Pajaros 0 Miles LIghthouse
like reef formation. Because of this current, the chances to (Cayo Iguano) 123 side. Dive depths range from 12m (40') and beyond, in fair viz, but often have
see larger fish like barracuda and cobia are high at this
site. This place is also a playground for eagle rays. Kilometers strong currents. This is the Lighthouse Reef site that is popular for night dives.
SCALE
Palmero Point Eagle Ray Wall Famous for eagle rays sightings at about 12m (40')
depth just off the wall where they glide by ever so gracefully. Snorkelers
Blackadore Palmero Canyon #2 enjoy the sightings here as well while looking over beautiful shallow
Caye coral ridges separated by sand gullies.
Cayo Frances Manta Wall
Nurse Shark Lodge From 12' (40') depth and beyond, this wall is
Palmero Canyon #1 known for large marine life, especially sharks. The Lodge part of its
name is from the shallow caves in the coral reefs where nurse
Angel's Flats Here canyons between the reef are filled to the brim Palmero Cut sharks sleep.
with sand, making a great sandy flat that looks turquoise from the Santa Rita Canyons

boat. It is called Angel Flats for the angelfish that are common here. Ambergris Silver Caves Named for large schools of silversides that were The Aquarium Ranging from 9m (30') to 33m+ (110'+)
usually found inside the caves in the massive coral formations. this site is noted for varied invertebrate life. Coral ridges
Mexico Tunnels At 22m-27m (73'-90') divers enjoy deep canyons Mexico Canyons Mata Cut At a pass through the barrier reef lies the Depths range from 12m (40'). Nocturnal animals like brittle
and tunnel-diving with tons of marine life. Frequented by big, remnants of Changa's Wreck, an old barge in just 3m (10') starfish or octopuses might be seen by day in these cavities. The and sandy canyons flow northward out to the sea.
friendly groupers and the occasional turtle. Long, convoluted grown- of water. This site might offer good photography, but it is sides and ceilings have red and orange sponges, while the bottom
over canyons are suitable for the experienced, comfortable diver only. snorkeling-shallow, no more than 5m (16') deep. Near the has rare sclerosponges, which were once thought to be extinct.
Dive lights are supplied by your licensed dive guide. barge are sand, grass and coral flats, with southern
stingrays searching for crustaceans and mollusks. Cathedral Reef Starting at 9m (30') and sloping to the wall, sand Half Moon Caye Natural Monument
Cayo Rosario channels are separated by colorful coral spires, giving this site its Marine Protected Area- No removal of
name. Narrow passages and tunnels into the coral formations are Long anything, no fishing.
Mexico Cut Punta Arena Canyons (aka Small Cut) Advanced deep great for photos. Turtles also cruise the reefs here. Caye Half Moon Caye Lighthouse
Mexico Rocks 15 minutes from San Pedro. just off from a former
coconut plantation. snorkelers enjoy a cluster of shallow coral dive from 18m-30m+ (60-100'+) right offshore from the Quebrada At this grand dive site there is a fine ridge of Half Moon Caye
heads known as Mexico Rocks. The nooks and crannies are filled coral rimming a crescent-shaped overhanging wall. The
with colorful invertebrates. Abounding fish life includes angelfish, Catalan Rocks Belizean Hotel. You'll find many caverns and vertical walls. sandy bottom is dotted with coral patches right to the edge
butterflyfish, groupers, snappers, grunts, filefish, and many more. A A narrow tunnel through a huge triangular opening at the of the wall. Depths range 12m-24m (40'-80'). Colorful
cave here forms a fish nursery. corals and sponges make this a photogenic site. The fish
base of the coral ridge leads to two canyons. Caution: Don't here have been well fed by well-meaning boat dive groups, Half Moon Wall This dive starts at 10m (30') and has
M&M Caverns Divers agree that this is one of the best, so the wildlife will seem really friendly and will be easy to amazing crystal clear waters. The dive site includes the Half
must-do dive sites of Ambergris Caye, with mountainous scrape yourself on the abrasive cavern walls! photograph. Flats Wall Red-footed Moon Caye National Monument, home of the red-footed
star coral and many tunnels and caverns. Depths range Booby booby sanctuary on Half Moon Caye. The reefs are huge and
to 27m (90'). Pelagic species are commonly seen. Laguna Mata Rocks Pescador Tunnels In most dives you hang out and hover over the Long Caye Ridge Named for a ridge of reefs sticking out diverse, with stunning spurs and grooves. There are both
de Mato that form a small peninsula north of Tres Cocos, this site large and small marine organisms on the Half Moon Wall.
Coral Gardens Snorkelers and beginners enjoy reef, but in this one you hang out under the reef. At 27m-30m (90'- has spur-and-groove formations descending to the wall. You will see garden eels in the sand, conchs, rays, flounder,
shallows only 2.5m-5m (8'-15') deep on the inside With depths of 12m+ (40'+), great viz, and minimal star-eye hermit crabs, tilefish, manta rays, groupers,
reef with coral jutting out of the sand. The outside Punta Arena Canyons 100') you'll find fido-size spiny lobsters, spider crabs, and unusual currents, this is a great novice diver spot. There are large yellowtail snappers, razorfish, toadfish, spotted eagle rays,
reef is similar, but ranges to 17m (55') deep. cubero snappers who come up from the deep to hunt. and colorful sponges and delicate gorgonians at the drop- turtles, black groupers, and the dreaded lionfish.
off. Below the soft coral are, vase and tube sponges, and
Tuffy "Tuffy Rocks" is noted a for its great snorkeling. Punta Arena Buena Vista Canyons Diving between 18m and 24m (60' and 80') finger and yellow pencil corals. Hat Caye
At this shallow site you will see all kinds of fish, Hogfish Cut
including jacks, groupers, snappers, parrotfish, angel Pescador Canyons deep, you will explore narrow canyons. There are cleaning stations Tres Cocos Named for a trio of coconut palms on Long Caye,
where big guys like snappers and groupers wait in line to be cleaned this is a fabulous novice dive on a shallow coral reef with a wall
with big overhangs. It begins at 9m (30') and drops to infinity.
Buena Vista Pt by little guys like gobies, who go into their mouths and gills nipping off Coral shrimp, spotted moray eels, lion's paw sea cucumbers,
the parasites. Get close and take a good picture. urchins, arrow crabs, and sea feathers are found here. There are
also parrotfish, damselfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, and blue Hat Caye Drop-off This is an alluring beginner site with sloping sand separating two reefs. One
SLaangPuendarode Caoba Canyons Tres Cocos Canyons "Three Coconuts" is a five-minute boat ride to a spectacular tang nibbling on the white algae. To the north there are sand is very shallow, close to the island, and the other is a narrow line that is on top of a drop-off.
Tres Cocos Cut spur-and-groove reef at 15m-30m (50'-100') in minimal currents or surge. Straight, flats that replace the reef, and a wall with coral arches. Dive boats usually anchor above the sloping sand areas near the wall, which provides a dramatic
view. On the drop-off there are massive basket sponges. These sponges are home to many other
narrow canyons run out to sea and drop off at 33m (110'). You will see all kinds of marine animals. Look closely for coral shrimp with their white antennae. Giant yellow tube
sponges and deep-water lace coral, as well as many fish species, are also seen here.
fish, innumerable invertebrates, corals, and sponges. Photogenic.

fish, barracuda, moray eels, and nurse sharks. SAN PEDRO Paradise Canyons Finger canyons extend seaward at 18m-21m depth. The
Observant snorkelers might find spider crabs and formations are gorgeous, and this site boasts amazing concentrations of tropical
lobsters as well.
marine life.

Tackle Box Canyons Ranging from 20m-30m (66'-100'), this site is noted for deep, South Point Lighthouse
Marine Protected Area- No removal of
vertical, narrow canyons and tunnels where you can take diver silhouette photos. Lobsters
anything, no fishing.
Toffee (Tuffy) Cut hide in the recesses, and big-eyed fish, including little glassy sweepers, congregate in the
Toffee (Tuffy) Canyons cave entrances. You will likely see turtles here as well.

Cayo Romero Entrada San Pedro Cut 310m South
Dardanellos Cut Sea Level 6,000 years ago -3 meters
Dos Cocos Canyons North Dive Boat Sea Level
Cypress
Osprey Point Victoria Tunnels Just seven minutes from town is this popular tunnel within the

Laguna de Cypress Tunnels spur-and-groove canyons at 22m (75') depth. The shoals here feature all varieties of Drop-off Living Coral Reef Sea Level 8,000 years ago -15 meters Living Coral Reef
Boca Ciega colorful reef creatures. A concrete crucifix statue sits at 20m (65') depth. at 15m-18m

Boca Chica Canyon Cypress Canyons The coral spurs at this easy dive site top out at 15m (50') depth, Porous Halemeda (coraline algae) growth Cave Stalactite to
while the canyon grooves cut to depths of 30m (100'). The corals form mushroom Limestone 6m+ size
Thermocline (temp drop) & visibility increase at 27m 30m
shapes for interesting undercuts. This is a photogenic spot for macros. Visibility is great
Hol Chan South Grotto
Marine too. You'll find an uncommon concentration of elkhorn corals with schools of snappers.
Reserve Stalagmites
Cangrejo Boca Pillar Coral At 12m-21m (40'-70'), this spur-and-groove system is Sea Level 10,000 years ago -45 meters Cave System (36-46m depth) 60m
Shoals Chica similar to Sandbar. About 200m south of the anchor site there are with drips stone, columns,
Ledge at 50 meters stalactites and stalcmites
castle-like coral pillars that reach upward above the spurs. This site

is under the protection of the Hol Chan Reserve.

Eagle Ray Canyon Canyons at 21m- Sandbar Dives range from 16m-23m (54'-77') depth here at the southern tip of Notch in limestone bedrock at 70 meters
27m (70'-90') attract white spotted eagle Ambergris Caye. Narrow channels lead to the reef edge, which is a drop-off. Coral
rays, as well as yellow-tail snappers. Shark-Ray Alley is lush and varied on the ridges, with boulder, brain and mustard hill corals. Flowstone at 73-85 meters Sea Level 14,000 years ago -80 meters
Marine Reserve There are thickets of uncommon staghorn coral too. A cluster of big barrel Top of dune at 82 meters
Cayo Cangejo sponges sits at 18m-23m (60'-77').
Sediment 90m
Shark-Ray Alley Only 2.5m-3m (8'-10'), this is Hol Chan Marine Reserve/Hol Chan Cut As soon as Dune
a petting zoo for snorkelers with harmless nurse you arrive on Ambergris Caye, jump in the water here and South Side H2S Layer
sharks and friendly southern stingrays, plus a start your Belizean dive experience. That goes for both
few groupers, yellow-tail snappers and green divers and snorkelers. It is shallow - only to 10m (33'), but Dune may sit on Sediment
morays. This is a great Caribbean dive! the visibility is great and the fish are innumerable. Hol bedrock ledge at Dune
Chan means Little Blue Channel. Ths is a marine sanctuary,
and Hol Chan is a fish nursery for the whole northward 98 meters Sediment
reef. Caution: Tide changes make for strong currents at
times. This is the favorite local night dive spot. Sea Level 18,000 years ago -120 meters 120m

Shark-Ray Alley Nurse Sharks Great Blue Hole Cross Section Fallen cave stalactites or stalagmites litter the bottom at
120 meters depth. These were discovered by Jacques Yves
Cousteau while exploring aboard a small submersible in
1971. They were donated to the government of Belize.

Glover's Reef Named for English pirate John Glover, who was paid by the Shark Point Remote and exposed, this rarely-visited site is where to go to Magnificent Turneffe Reef The largest of Belize's three atolls at 48 km long by 16 km Mauger Caye Lighthouse
find hammerheads, and possibly even a tiger shark. Diving at 15m (50') to Frigatebird Mauger Caye
British to plunder the Spaniards in the 1600s. Pirate John based his operations here on this 27m (90'), you won't so much notice that above you on the surface are often wide, Turneffe is also the most easily accessible by boat from Belize City, at just 2+ hours out.
atoll. At 32 km long by 12 km wide, Glover's Reef is the smallest and most southern of three big very inhospitable conditions of wind and swells. On a good day, this will be Turneffe has spectacular diving all around, although about a dozen sites on its southern end Crawl Caye
Belize atolls. It is also the most distant from Belize City and Ambergris Caye, making it the least an unforgettable dive. are the most-often visited. The western reef north of the elbow is shallow and makes for great
frequently visited. The reef entirely surrounds the lagoon, and the Glover's Reef Lagoon itself novice diving. The eastern side between The Elbow and Deadman's Caye is extraordinary
has over 800 patch reefs within it, each with its own population of fishes, corals, sponges, and diving with all kinds of underwater terrain, wrecks, and abounding marine life. There are walls
invertebrates. Much of the reef here inside or outside the lagoon is virtually untouched, and currents to deal with over here, so it is a bit more challenging. Turneffe Atoll is not only
uncharted, and pristine. Dive trips take extra planning, but it is worth it. The reef is a well much larger than Glover's or Lighthouse, it also has many more acres of island and is
known protected spawning ground for the Nassau grouper. It is also a unique habitat and extensively covered by mangroves. Bold explorers might even find American Crocodiles in the
nursery for conchs, lobsters, and finfish. However, flyfishermen also venture to Glover's Reef for wilds of Turneffe Atoll.
catch-and-release of bonefish and tarpon around the entire atoll.

01 23 4 The Terrace This distant dive has a narrow spur-and-groove system, with an Lindsey's Back Porch Here you can
dive at about 13m (45') and cruise
abundance of soft corals, barrel sponges, and tube sponges. The top of the through a coral garden full of
gorgonians and sea plumes, with all
Miles wall averages about 10m (33') depth, and then takes a sheer drop. The wall is Rendesvous Pt kinds of butterflyfish, angelfish,
covered with huge sponges, black coral, and gorgonian fans. Look really close surgeonfish and parrotfish. The reef
01 234 Three Corner Caye divides into narrow spur-and-groove
and you might find a white-spotted toadfish. fingers running down to the wall. Here
Hole in the Wall you might find Belize's own unique
Kilometers white spotted toadfish.
SCALE

Emerald Forest Right in the middle of 40 km (25 mi) of untouched Fishing and collecting conchs & lobsters Northeast Channel 0 1 23 4 Elkin's Bay
reef, Emerald Forest is representative of what could be dozens by permit only within the lagoon Tunnels & Barrels
of dive sites. Northward there are spur-and-groove reefs for over 10 km Miles
(6 mi), and southward to Baking Swash Reef the terrain slopes to a 01234 Mandy's Dandy (A t o l l) Dog Flea Caye
drop-off. Here at Emerald Forest you will see that it is named for the Marine Protected Area
prominent elkhorn coral along the reef crest. Dives go from 5m-21m Kilometers
(15'-70') on the westward slope, but it drops off at 15m (50'). On the reef Grouper Flats Diving from 3m (10') to over 18m (60') in SCALE Chasbo's Corner Cockroach Lettuce Lane
the water is not even knee deep. The shallows are wonderful for snorkeling good visibility, this eastern Glover's Caye dive site is known
between dives. The coral gardens are delightfully photogenic for macro (A t o l l) for Nassau, tiger, black, marble, and spotted groupers. It is Vincent's Range Cockroaches Shallow
and wide photos. also known for its lush forest of soft corals and holes or (Northern)
crevices full of reef life. Cockroaches Banks
Split Reefs A sloping sandy flat with just a scattering of Lagoon
stony corals sticking out separates (splits) two reefs. The
first reef is shallow from knee deep at the reef crest to Grassy Caye Range
about 12m (40'), and the second begins at 21m (70')
and descends to 30m (100'), where the wall drops Glover Reef Lagoon 800+ patch reefs for Marine Mammals Crickozeen Cut This is a shallow dive where you Snake Point American Crocodile Bogue Barracuda Beach
off. The shallow reef is a garden of coral that the snorkeling, plus great sit-on-top kayaking of Glover's Reef will see trumpetfish color themselves to match the Snake Bite Northern
photogs will love. As for the deeper reef, it lacks sea fans and a myriad of damselfish and grazing Devil's Deep
the vast variety of the shallow reef, but what it Manatee parrotfish. Ledges make refuge for spiny lobsters. Front Porch
lacks for in variety it makes up in size. It has big This is a fish nursery for Creole wrasse who Turneffe Flats
pelagic species and supersized corals. aggregate by the thousands on summer full moon Secret Gardens
nights to spawn. Wishbone
Baking Swash Reef Although this is a Nelson's Turnover
beautiful site, and it is popular with snorkelers, South Snake Point Re e f
divers have to be careful here because of the
boat traffic. Baking Swash is a little cut Re e f Lobster Bay
through the reef that everybody uses to enter
and exit the lagoon, and boaters don't always Pine Ridge
see divers. Similar to Split Reefs, two coral
reef zones are separated by a sandy flat. Crickozeen Creek Cross Caye
The shallower one makes for great snorkeling.
Spotted Dolphin Common Egret
Pinnacles This site is remarkable because
at least three dozen big coral pinnacles Glover Reef
rise up from 30m (100') depth up-up-up
to just 3m (10') depth. The fish life and the Douglas Central Kayaking in Turneffe Atoll
overall site are astounding. Caye Lagoon Blackbird Caye

G l o v e r's Glover's Marine Reserve Spinner Dolphin Amber Head Turneffe
Bottlenose Dolphin Elgene's Inn
Long Caye Lagoon Crayfish Range
Turtles Northeast Caye Camel's Hump Long Bogue Soldier Caye
of Glover's Reef
West Wall Long Caye
Green Sea Turtle
Sponge Shop Amber Stingray Motel The Chutes of Calabash Caye Along the
Head drop-off it is 15m (50') depth and it is perfect
Long Caye Cut Harry Jones Point to cruise with your camera watching for
Grand Bogue Creek pelagic species to pass. A sand flat has puny

Long Caye Wall Near shore it is possible to snorkel from the beach, and divers Tarpon Bay Shag Calabash Caye yellowhead jawfish and lots of garden eels.
Caye Chinaman Wall Chutes lead to walls which are lush with
Blue Creek 6m-10m (20'-33') deep, purple sea whips, brain corals, and colorful
this is often an overnight stop for live Cross Caye Tubular Bells tube sponges.
aboard dive boats, who do a night Sheer Delight
Middl1e0C2ka,i0lyo0ewm0ietmhteeartsedrorsfod7pe--1op2ftfhminBdtaoerpttlhtehettreDeefep can swim to deeper dives from 9m (30') to 27m (90') deep. The shallows are full of dive here as well. Spider crabs,
elkhorn coral and (caution) fire coral. The wall is a little over 200m off Long Caye. lobsters, octopuses, and moray eels Little Joe's Hole Rusty's
The wall is simply spectacular with every kind of Caribbean coral and colorful can be seen at night. This is a novice Fat John's
sponge. Big animals including manta rays are seen along this wall.
Loggerhead dive, and during the day it is also a Joe's Hole Pelican Grand Bogue It's Place
Sea Turtle Bev’s Garden The top of the wall is at 10m (33') and it is adorned with a good snorkeling spot. Tarpon Creek Caye The Notch
beautiful field of lettuce leaf and staghorn corals everywhere. Beyond the drop-off Chrissea
Hawksbill Turtle Southwest there are canyons of coral making homes and hideouts for all manner of fishes, as Triple Anchors The scant remnants Corona
Cayes well as hawksbill turtles. White spotted eagle rays often grace the blue above, of an 18th Century wreck here Jo-Jo's Splits
and beyond the garden. April's Fools
include three anchors. They are so
Crack This is a vertical cave with an entry at 13m (45'), descending to two exits
The encrusted that you might not find Lee Ellen's Melons Front Porch This is a deep dive that begins at 15m (50') and
them. But the dive has plenty of nice Big Flats goes over the wall to unlimited depth. Just like this whole reef
at 21m (70') and 27m (90'). Bring your torch to illuminate the colorful sea life within attractions, including queen area, there are many protective recesses for proliferations of fish
angelfish. The depth is 12m-18m Monkey Man Cut and invertebrates. An observant diver might find a rare dark blue
The Crack. You will be able to recognize the turtle in here as a loggerhead by his thick (40'-60'). toadfish. He has white or very pale blue spots all over except

neck. There may be bull sharks on the wall. This dive is super photogenic. Blue Creek around the eyes. His eyes have a star pattern of short lines.
Anchor Creek
The Abyss This is one of the funnest dive sites, and hopefully one you will not miss. South Myrtle's Turtles One of the best dive sites in Belize! This is a deep
The name implies a sheer wall, which it is, but the overhanging coral- and sponge- Lagoon Deadman's Cayes dive at 18m (60') and beyond with amazing visibility. A 100 year-old
encrusted ledge to the wall is also spectacular. Here you will usually find lovely little
blacktip sharks playing on the easy current. Young spotted drums, thinner than a Sayonara Wreck This passenger and Open Creek Coco Tree South Deadman's Caye green turtle here is named Myrtle. She has been seen here for over two
pencil, wiggle along under coral heads. cargo boat sits upright on the sand at Caye decades and she likes divers. Ridges and cuts shelter unbelievable
15m (50'), having been
Middle Caye Wall The wall here drops off starting at just 12m (40') after a short decommissioned and intentionally West Point Wall Caye Bokel South Cut Wall numbers of Caribbean reef fishes, plus hide invertebrates. All manner
couple hundred meters of coral garden. While exploring the top of the wall and sunk in 1985. The wreck is interesting,
but the sea life around it is far more Black Beauty of colorful sponges and corals live here.
swimming through myriads of fishes, you are likely to come across a toothy green interesting. Corals hide banded coral
shrimp, spiny lobsters and brittle Caye Bokel Lighthouse T's Trail The Elbow This is an advanced drift dive located at Turneffe's most
moray eel, who co-habitates with a loggerhead turtle and nurse sharks. stars, while parrotfish chomp the Billy Bob's southern point along the reef, which crests at 24m (80'). The northward
encrusting corals and sponges. Ocean Big Caye Bokel current flows at 2 knots, so relax and enjoy the ride. Pelagics seen here
Southwest Caye Wall The southernmost part of Glover's Reef has a resort pier from which you triggerfish school along the wall. include dog snapper, horse-eye jacks, permits, Atlantic spadefish,
can reach this wonderful dive. The wall dramatically plunges from 15m (50') to 39m (130'). The Caye Bokel The Elbow sharks, and sometimes a pod of dophins. The canyons are filled with
(South Point Turneffe) huge gorgonian fans, with turtles, groupers, and balloonfish.
sponges here are luxuriant and colorful, and the coral can only be described as lush. Giant overhangs
Marine Reserve
near the top of the wall shelter gorgonians and wire corals, plus all kinds of invertebrates and fishes.