Page 239 - Central America
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Here pelagics abound. Although they are pre- into three zones. Each one is clearly marked low waters inside the reef and swarm in the
dominantly solitary creatures, as many as five by buoys. The entire reserve focuses on a cut thousands on the lee side of the Cayes. This
whale sharks, all 25-30 feet (8-9 m) long have through the reef which is little more than 25 is the mating season, and the best place for
been seen together here. They were most yards (23 m) wide and 30 feet (9 m) deep. the diver to witness this marvel is to watch
likely feeding on the plankton which was be- This is a steep channel through the reef, with as the fish come up over the top of the reef
ing blown offshore by the prevailing wind at morays and all kinds of marine life. at the beginning of their short migration
the time they were sighted. Along Ambergris French, gray and queen angelfish are very southwest. Immediately inside the reef are
Caye, nurse sharks are probably more com- common. Sergeant major and yellowtail shallow patch corals which are superb for
mon than elsewhere in Belize. Most often damselfish dart in and out of the star, brain snorkeling. The most common corals here
they are found sitting on the seabed amongst and staghorn corals. Foureye, spotfin and are staghorn, elkhorn and brain. A rainbow
the gullies and grottoes. Occasionally one can banded butterflyfish- always in pairs-swim variety of smaller fishes abound. The terrain
be seen swimming along the reef, but it will steadily amongst the sea fans and gorgoni- on the seaward side of the reef varies con-
quickly disappear when it sees a diver. It is a ans. Deeper, schools of grunts can be found siderably. To begin with, there are the shal-
harmless shark provided it is left unmolested. along with medium-sized coney, graysby low corals at or near the surface. Along this
But be forewarned: the nurse shark is a stub- and snapper. Looking seaward from the reef, area there are large patches of sand where the
born creature and if it bites, it has a reputa- divers will likely see pelagics such as jacks, diver may see large stingrays digging in to lie
tion for not letting go! The reef immediately tarpon and snook. Manta rays are often spot- in wait for unsuspecting prey. These patches
east of San Pedro, the main town on Amber- ted cruising by. There are always barracuda, are interspersed with coral outcrops, topped
gris Caye, is well known for its great variety which in spite of their fearsome appearance, with gorgonians and sea fans. Manta ray are
of coral. Tuffy Cut is a prime example of this. are essentially benign and merely curious of also occasionally seen here, and there are lob-
Staghorn, elkhorn, brain and lettuce coral are divers. Beyond a depth of about 100 feet (30 ster. The size and varieties of individual coral
all here in abundance, as are gorgonian sea m) is big grouper country. Large tiger, red configurations are truly memorable. Gigantic
fans of pale green, deep purple and red that and Nassau grouper occupy almost every and well-formed, they remain virtually the
add to the riot of colors and shapes. crevice that can accommodate them. Jewfish same as we move farther south along the reef
Off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye is of massive proportions lurk here, and prime and off the beaten path.
the Hol Chan Marine Reserve . Hol Chan is specimens of hind, coney and snapper stare
Mayan for ‘little channel.” This sanctuary was back at you as if to question your right to ven-
officially established in 1987, and since then ture into their territory.
the return of all species of fish has been quite During the months of October and Novem-
dramatic. The reserve covers approximately ber, the grouper move towards the shal-
three square miles (7.8 sq km) and is divided
