Page 261 - Central America

Majestic Point - Its coral buttresses rise ver-
tically about 55 feet from the steep drop-off
found all along the eastern reefs on Turneffe’s
southern end. On either side of this majestic
spur are other well-developed coral ridges
separated by sandy crevices. Lace corals form
huge fans more than 6 feet across. Giant tube
and rope sponges thrive because they have
good exposure to plankton that is swept
along the reef front by currents. The spur
and groove formations have created canyons,
tunnels and exciting swim-throughs. This
site includes a sheer cliff between the depths
of 70 and 150 feet.
Myrtle’s Turtles (Franko Maps South) – One
of the best dive sites in Belize. This is a deep which provide attractive cover for all kinds
dive at 18 meters, (60’) and beyond with
amazing visibility. A 100 year old green tur-
tle here is named Myrtle. She has been here
for over two decades and she likes divers.
Ridges and cuts shelter unbelievable num-
bers of Caribbean reef fishes, plus hide in-
vertebrates. All manner of colourful sponges
and corals live here.
Peter Paradise - The depth here is 60 feet (18
meters). Located along the same reef trend,
Permit Paradise reefs are similar to those
found a short distance north at Hollywood.
Peter’s Peaks - The bottom here slopes away
to a depth of about 35 feet (11 meters). At
this point the diver is confronted by an im-
posing wall of living coral. To get to the other are known as the “icebergs.”
side, you can either swim up to about 15 feet
(5 meters) and cross over the top of the wall,
or you can find one of the many tunnels in
the coral. Entering at 35 feet (11 meters), you
invariably come out the other side closer to
60 feet (18 m). This is very exciting diving.
Randolf ’s Rocks - At an average depth of
about 60 feet (18 meters) are a series of scat-
tered coral heads and boulders resting on a
flat surface. Giant brain corals are especial-
ly prevalent as are deep water gorgonians
of smaller reef fishes and crustaceans.
Rendezvous Cut - At 40 to 50 feet (12-15 me-
ters) the seabed consists of outcrops of the
most common corals. Generally rising only
a few feet (I meter) above the sand, there are
occasionally much larger coral heads, usu-
ally giant brain, although very large branches
of elkhorn are also seen.
Rendzvous Wall - The reef wall commences
at a depth of 35 feet (11 meters), below which
is a well-formed overhang. There is a tunnel
connects directly to the lagoon inside the
atoll and has become a fresh water outflow
from that lagoon. Both the freshwater and
the silt kill the coral that has caused the white
appearance of the surrounding corals, which
Sayonara Wreck (Franko Maps South) -
Sunk by Dave Bennett in 1985, the Sayonara
is a modern derelict. It is a former passen-
ger/cargo boat and makes an excellent dive
for inexperienced wreck divers. The wreck
rests on a bed of coral and sand at a depth
of 50 feet, The wooden frame is deteriorating
rapidly so entry of the cabin is not advisable
as the whole structure may break apart. The
Sayonara rests among some very luxurious
coral growth and away from the wreck you’ll
find plenty of marine life on the reef. Gi-
ant basket and stinking vase sponges dwarf
some of the coral formations. The wreck has
become the hangout for a number of fishes
which are used to being fed by divers.
Susie’s Shallows – A shallow dive ideal for a
third or fourth tank. The maximum depth is
only 15 feet (5 meters) and the coral heads
rise up to within a few feet of the surface.
Abundance and variety of reef fishes.