~Lighthouse Reef Atoll Diving~
In 1928 Half Moon Caye was designated as a Crown Reserve, making it the first protected area in Belize.
Hawksbill sea turtles are commonly sighted in the Blue Hole and at Half Moon Caye and Long Caye Wall.
WHAT TO BRING
The trip to Lighthouse is about 10 hours so everyone should bring what they need during this time period and should consider the following items:
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What's so Special?Divers overnighting in country can experience one of the most beautiful dive trips available in Belize. Lighthouse Reef Atoll is a 2 hour boat ride from Belize City. The dive sites are the closest to pristine reefs you'll find, and the coral isles some of the most picturesque. The Blue Hole Natural Monument and Half Moon Caye Natural Monument are part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site and managed by the Belize Audubon Society. Divers will have the opportunity to explore 3 sites: Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye Wall and Long Caye Wall. Midday a stop is made at Half Moon Caye for lunch and to explore the island and visit the red footed booby bird colony that nests in the littoral forest on the southwestern end of Half Moon Caye.
The DivesDIVE 1 - Blue Hole
The first dive of the day is at the Blue Hole where divers descend to 130 ft and swim through stalactites that were deposited more than 10,000 years ago when sea level was 500 feet lower. The bottom time at 130 ft is a short 8 minutes but plenty of time to get narced so divers must monitor their gauges and ascend to shallower depths if feeling under the influence! Frequently sharks are sighted in the Blue Hole, as are large black grouper, midnight parrotfish, and even hawksbill sea turtles. DIVE 2 - Half Moon Caye Wall Half Moon Caye Wall is your second dive where you can cruise along the coral rim that has large swim throughs that lead to a very steep drop off. The boat moors over a sandy bottom with sea grass that supports a thriving queen conch population, garden eels, and attracts resident green sea turtles. Off the wall in the abyss you may see passing sharks and manta or eagle rays. DIVE 3 - Long Caye Wall The third dive is done at Long Caye Wall. The drop off begins at about 20 ft and the wall plunges vertically into the abyss. Off the wall we often see leaping pods of dolphins, and rays leaping out of the water. As you enter the water at sites along Long Caye divers are greeted by Bermuda chub and sergeant majors. Small hawksbills are often observed foraging in the shallow fore reef zone and eagle rays glide along the drop off. Schedule
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If you would like to make a reservation please submit the form and we will send additional details. Please note we can take divers and snorkelers to meet minimum requirements of 12 persons.
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