Page 269 - Central America

sloping sand flats behind the reefs along the wall off the western end
of Half Moon Caye. The real excitement is generated by the pelag-
ics. This is the only sheltered dive site on the eastern side of any of
the three atoll reefs and divers can expect some really amazing en-
counters. Oceanic whitetip sharks, lemon, blacktip and bull sharks
are regularly encountered. At the very limit of safe diving are very
large jewfish- some so large they might stalk the diver, although they
pose no danger. The wall continues down well beyond the safe reach
of scuba divers.
Hat Caye Drop-off - A short distance west from a tiny island called
Hat Caye is a reef drop-off that bears its name. Situated along the
main wall in the western limb of Lighthouse Reef, it has an interest-
ing shallow reef. Along the drop-off there are massive basket spong-
es. These sponges are home to many other 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. Along the rim of Hat Caye Drop-off are some huge
basket sponges, the largest quite capable of completely hiding a diver.
Basket sponges are home to many other animals and their rough ex-
terior surface should be checked over carefully. Brittle starfish by the
hundreds are quite common.
Long Caye Ridge - Named for a ridge of reefs sticking out that form
a small peninsula north of Tres Cocos, this site has spur-and-groove
formations descending to the wall. Outstanding colors, dense schools
and shoals. You can finish dive by going through shallow caves hid-
ing giant Grouper, Jew Fish, etc. Most “three tank” dive excursions
end with this shallow dive.