Page 265 - Central America

Lighthouse Reef: An Amazing Marine Environment/Blue Hole

Of the three atoll reefs off the coast of skipper to see the darker-colored patches of water. Some of the most spectacular wall
Belize, Lighthouse Reef is the farthest coral. Lighthouse is the farthest atoll from dives exist on Lighthouse, including a se-
offshore. It is far from neglected, however, shore and offers some of the best under- ries of shallow drop-offs on the ocean side
since dive boats from San Pedro visit the water visibility in Belize. Exquisite reef for- of Half Moon Caye. The entire circumference
atoll regularly and the larger live-aboard mations and walls beginning as shallow as of Lighthouse Reef comprises coral which
vessels are always found in the vicinity. The 35 ft are draped with colorful sponges and breaks the surface, forming a natural barrier
seabed is sandy and this, at least, allows the corals that burst through the crystal clear against the sea.