The Lighthouse Reef and the Great Blue Hole are just a tiny part of the Belize Barrier Reef System, which is one of the most pristine marine ecosystems in the world. This vicinity consists of border reefs, barrier reefs, and atolls, boasting a rich diversity of species. Within the atolls, there are several herbal landmarks, together with Half Moon Caye, which the Belizean authorities have specified as a marine reserve to defend rare hen species.
The Great Blue Hole is placed close to the center of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) off the coast of mainland Belize. The unique water transparency of the Caribbean atoll highlights the deeper (darker) hollow amidst the shallower (more transparent) coral reef waters.
Map of Lighthouse Reef
| Name | Lighthouse Reef |
| Country | Belize |
| District | Belize |
| Coordinates | 17°18′N 87°33′W |
| Area | 120 square kilometres (46 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 |
| Population | 0 |
| Airport | Lighthouse Reef Airstrip |
How to Get to Lighthouse Reef
To attain Lighthouse Reef, there are principal options: via boat or by air.
If you select to tour by boat, you can join a guided tour or take a personal ship. Many excursion operators provide trips to Lighthouse Reef, allowing you to discover the lovely marine ecosystem and experience the beautiful seashores. Make sure to check the itinerary to ensure that Lighthouse Reef is included as one of the stops.
For the ones looking for a more adventurous path, you could additionally reach Lighthouse Reef by kayak or paddleboard. This allows you to have a more intimate and immersive experience with the surrounding nature.
Alternatively, if you pick a faster and more handy alternative, you can take a home flight from Belize City to Lighthouse Reef. There is a small airstrip on the nearby island of Caye Caulker, where local airways function every day on flights to Lighthouse Reef. This option is ideal if you have confined time or prefer to avoid lengthy boat trips.
Regardless of the method you pick out, a visit to Lighthouse Reef guarantees a panoramic and unforgettable experience amidst the pristine splendor of the coral reef.
Things to Do Around Lighthouse Reef
Lighthouse Reef is a vibrant and diverse coral garden adorned with an array of colors. The terrain here is incredibly varied, featuring caves, sandy patches, walls, and pinnacles. The scene is further enhanced by the presence of barrel sponges and sea fans, which add splashes of purple, yellow, or orange to the underwater landscape.
Attractions Around Half Moon Caye
This small island is placed to the south of Lighthouse Reef and the east of Long Caye. The area is exactly like a national park. Surrounding the island are three ought-to-go diving websites: Half Moon Caye Wall, Tarpon Caves, and Half Moon Caye itself, which boasts beautiful underwater systems, sandy shoals, and large cliffs. Diving lovers can begin their underwater exploration by encountering a multitude of lawn eels, sea turtles, and eagle rays.
The wall is wholly included in coral, sponges, and remarkable colorful sea enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled, as batfish and sharks are usually spotted in this location. Diving continues over the vibrant sandy shoals, where one can come upon rays, groupers, parrotfish, snappers, jacks, and angelfish. Further alongside, there are tunnels and slopes, supplying stunning topography. With visibility frequently attaining a high-quality 60 meters, photographers will take pleasure in capturing the essence of this area. A high-quality characteristic of this site is the presence of giant batfish and nurse sharks, which are typically located in the region.
Tarpon Caves is a long vertical tunnel embellished with yellow sponges, barrel sponges, and black corals. Several cracks and caves may be found on the partitions. The sizeable sandy vicinity serves as a habitat for lawn eels. Barracudas and parrotfish roam the surroundings, while groupers and tarpons hide within the caves and tunnels.
Attractions Around Long Caye
Long Caye is the largest island inside Lighthouse Reef, and it offers a simply specific diving experience inside its compact expanse. The underwater panorama is characterized by way of lovely coral gardens perched upon captivating cliffs. It is a veritable jungle of colors in which colorings compete for attention. The currents breathe life into this wooded area, and the problematic structures of brain corals depart a long-lasting effect. Barrel sponges, vase sponges, and tube sponges contribute to the overall tapestry. Trumpetfish abound in outstanding numbers.
Silver Caves derive their call from the density of silverside fish that gracefully drift into the caverns, corresponding to a ballet overall performance. Snappers, barracudas, and groupers are commonly sighted here.
Eagle Ray Walls present a fantastic backdrop for eagle rays, sea turtles, faculties of rays, and grunts. At the bottom of the wall, expansive black corals may be observed. Macro photographers will be pleased to shoot angelfish and nudibranchs.
Aquarium lives as much as its name, with an abundance of small fish darting in each direction. However, encounters with groupers, sea turtles, and queen angelfish aren't uncommon. The presence of vibrant sponges and sea lovers provides the allure. Sharks and batfish can also be found in this vicinity.
Quebrada is a wide canyon nestled amidst the coral reefs, adorned with coral formations. On the descent, one may be fortunate enough to witness dolphins, who've made this their permanent house. Please work out with caution, as they can be quite spirited! Within the coral reef, blennies and shrimp conceal while snappers strike various poses.
Tres Coco, formerly called such because of the presence of 3 coconut trees at the seashore, has earned the affectionate nickname "No Coco" among divers, as the timber fell victim to hurricanes. It features a beautifully adorned wall adorned with sponges and black corals. Keep an eye out for blue tangs, groupers, and sharks, as they may be typically sighted right here. Your dive will culminate in a vibrant cleaning station teeming with diverse marine life.
Diving in the Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole, or Trou Bleu, is a renowned attraction in Belize and is one of the most popular sites. It was founded with the aid of Commander Cousteau in 1970. This massive sinkhole spans over 300 meters in diameter and plunges to an intensity of 126 meters. It is a historic limestone cave that collapsed, resulting in the submersion of the cavern.
Located on the coronary heart of Lighthouse Reef, it is an insignificant 25-minute boat ride away.
This diving site actually ranks many of the most cherished in Belize, where the crystalline waters monitor a plethora of nurse sharks, reef sharks, bull sharks, and barracudas. Seasoned divers may have the privilege of witnessing the awe-inspiring stalactites.
The front of the volcanic crater harbors an array of charming marine existence, adding to the pleasure of snorkelers. Along the partitions, you'll be able to find extensive sponges that function as hiding places for turtles, eels, and octopuses. The diving experience at the Blue Hole is definitely remarkable, making it one of the most breathtaking websites in the Caribbean location.
Where to Stay Around Lighthouse Reef
Blackbird Caye Resort
Blackbird Caye Resort is nestled amidst the exquisite tropical vegetation, situated beneath the shade of palm trees. It is located on Blackbird Caye, which forms part of the outer rim of the Turneffe Atoll. The resort faces the vast ocean and the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. The protected coral reefs are in close proximity, offering sheer delight to both snorkeling enthusiasts and those seeking leisurely pursuits.
Turneffe Island Resort
Turneffe Island Resort is situated on a serene private island, akin to a postcard come to life upon the world's second-largest barrier reef. Nestled in the southern region of the Turneffe Atoll, it boasts an abundance of diving and snorkeling sites, close to the renowned Blue Hole. Originally inhabited by indigenous Maya people, the Turneffe Atoll has been home to the charming isle of Little Caye Bokel, now known as Turneffe Island Resort, since its transformation into Belize's first offshore fishing lodge in 1962.
