DIVING OFFSHORE ATOLLS
There are only four atolls in the Western Hemisphere, and three of them are right here in Belize. Which makes diving here pretty special. hey sit atop two parallel submerged mountain ridges separated by a deep water channel. On one mountain ridge sits the Turneffe Atoll & the Glover's Reef Atoll. On the other mountain ridge sits the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, which lies farther east. These Atoll rise amidst deep offshore water, which makes possible ,some of the most spectacular wall dive sites in this region which promise excellent visibility.
Belize has (3) of the (4) Atolls in the Western Hemisphere
LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
This Atoll is some 40 miles east of Belize City (at its closest point). Lighthouse Reef Atoll is the most seaward of the three atolls. Although the legendary Blue Hole may be the headline attraction for Belize and this region in general, there are many dive sites here to choose from which are just as spectacular. This offshore location means generally excellent visibility and frequent encounters with large marine denizens. If taking one of our day trips to the Blue Hole, you will also visit Half Moon Caye in this nature reserve. Try to snorkeling around the old wooden pier just east of the new quay. Here you will find a wide variety of rays and nurse sharks who often rest here, and they'll come within reach if you're patient and move slowly. |
TURNEFFE ISLAND ATOLL
Turneffe Atoll is a loose band of tropical Cayes covered in verdant palms, shrubs and mangroves. The Turneffe Islands are the largest offshore atolls (some 30 miles long and 10 miles wide). Turneffe is about 19 miles from the Belize mainland, the atoll is easily accessible via day trip boats from Beilze City, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Most dive operators will group around the south end and west side of the Atoll, which is sheltered from the steady northeast trade winds. There are a few exposed sites, which offer some of the most thrilling dives. |
GLOVER'S REEF ATOLL
Glover's Reef Atoll is about 25 miles southeast of Dangriga. It is Belize's Southernmost Atoll, grouped into a collection of six small islands, that boast white-sand beaches backed, and swaying palm trees. In the 18th century, the Atoll was named after the English buccaneer John Glover, who used the Caye as a base for attacking Spanish merchant ships. Glover Reef Atoll is only accessible by boat, this Atoll boasts of spectacular hard-coral formations, that make a dive trip here worth the extra effort. Day trips to Glover's Reef are available from Dangriga, Hopkins, Sittee River, Tobacco Caye and South Water Caye. |
LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL
LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLLThe most easterly of Belize's three atolls, Lighthouse Reef lies 50 miles southeast of Belize City. The 30-mile long, 8 mile wide lagoon is the location of the Blue Hole, a dive spot that was made famous by Jacques Cousteau and that is a favorite destination of dive boats from Belize City, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker. The best dive spots, however, are along the walls of Half Moon Caye and Long Caye, where the diving rivals that of any in the world.
Think of the atoll as a large spatula with a short handle and a long blade. At the northern tip of the spatula blade, Sandbore Caye is home to a rusty lighthouse and a few fishing shacks. It is also the favorite anchorage of several of the dive boats that do overnight stops. Big Norther Caye, across a narrow strait, is the location of Lighthouse Reef Resort. A landing strip just behind the resort is a convenient means of entry for resort guests and divers who wish to make only a day trip without the long-water crossing going and coming, which eats up most of the day. Here are long stretches of beach to walk, beautiful vistas, and large areas of mangroves and lagoons, home to snowy egrets and crocodiles. Halfway down the spatula-shaped atoll, about where the blade meets the handle, lies the magnificent Blue Hole, a formation best appreciated from the air, but also impressive from the bridge of a boat. At the elbow of the handle is Half Moon Caye, a historical natural monument and protected area with its lighthouse, bird sanctuary, shipwrecks, and incredible diving offshore. Finally, on the handle, we come upon Long Caye, a lonely outpost with a small dock, large palms, and glassy water. |
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TURNEFFE ATOLL
TURNEFFE ISLAND ATOLL
This is a renowned diving and fishing destination about 30 miles east of Belize City. Most of the Turneffe Islands are small dots of sand mangrove clusters, and swamp, home only to seabirds and wading birds, ospreys, manatees, and crocodiles; a few support small colonies of fishermen and shellfish divers. Only Blackbird Caye and Douglas Caye are of habitable size.
If you're looking to hook a bonefish or permit, miles of crystal flats are alive with the hard-fighting fish. Tarpon are abundant late March-June within the protected creeks and channels throughout the islands. Those who seek larger trophies will find a grand choice of marlin, sailfish, wahoo, groupers, blackfin tuna, and many more. Most visitors to Turneffe are day-tripping divers based in Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker; a select few choose to book an island vacation package. There are a couple of upscale resorts and one research facility where ocean loving visitors can stay. |
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GLOVER'S REEF ATOLL
DIVING GLOVER REEF ATOLL
It’s okay to channel your inner child when compiling your Belize itinerary, but pirate hats and swords won’t be necessary—nor must you put a parrot on your shoulder—to fully experience Glover’s Reef Atoll, a coral wonderland frequented by marauding pirates back in the 1750s. John Glover (and his conspiratorial brother Roger) regularly put in at this coral reef and the folklore surrounding these two swashbucklers will add some romance and delight to your visit. What treasures will you find if you spend time here? A world of aquatic splendor that has been declared a World Heritage Site and protected marine reserve, but you can also enjoy the privacy and solitude you so richly deserve as you collect 21st Century booty in the form of rest and relaxation. Originally settled by Mayans who sailed here from mainland Belize, Glover’s Atoll is a fragile marine reserve that’s been lovingly preserved for posterity. At just 80 square miles in circumference, you’ll be bowled over by the stunning coral that shapes a snug wall around what travel magazine writers love to call a “rainbow colored lagoon” that features more than 700 shallow coral patches. Since the atoll is only 18 miles long and 6 miles at its widest point, you can see every inch, and if you are interested in the deepest ocean drop in the world, don’t skip the Caiman Trench which plunges 15,000 feet to the bottom of the ocean. Glover's Reef wraps around an 80-square mile lagoon that’s as idyllic as any South Seas movie you’ve viewed. As the southernmost of three Belize atolls, the reef atoll serves several purposes: host to a lodge situated amid coconut palm trees and sandy beaches that promises refuge from the world, a research site and a place you can indulge in every aquatic sport that suits your fancy—diving, snorkeling, swimming or sailing. Multiple dive sites bearing enticing names like Octopus Alley, Turtle Tavern and Dolphin Dance give you access to spotted stingrays, barracuda, French angelfish, butterfly fish and sharks. Love to paddle board? This is your destination! |
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ATOLL - DIVING SITES
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GLOVER'S ATOLL
DIVE SITES WESTERN SIDE
DIVES SITES EASTERN SIDE
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BEST ATOLL DIVE SITES
Phenomenal dives are abundant up and down the entire length of the Belize Barrier Reef, which begins off the northern tip of Ambergris Caye and extends southward to the Sapodilla Cayes in Belize's southernmost reaches. Except for a few overused or storm-damaged spots, the barrier reef's coral is in excellent condition, due to much of it being set aside as National Parks by the Government of Belize.
Beyond the reef are Belize's three amazing atolls, or rings of coral and islands which rise up from deep water:
GLOVER'S REEF
The southernmost of Belize's atolls, Glover's Reef is a ring of beautiful coral reef that spans nearly 80 square miles.
TURNEFF ISLANDS
Not far from Belize City, the Turneffe Islands are a diver's dream. Here you will find some of Belize's not-to-be missed dive sites, such as The Elbow, and Gales Point.
LIGHTHOUSE REEF
Accessible from Belize CIty, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, the Lighthouse Reef atoll is a favorite diving destination - not to mention that it is home to the famous Blue Hole, as well as the Half Moon Caye Wall, where the diving is second to none.
While these dives sites might top the list, know that your options include literally hundreds of other opportunities that will keep you busy for a lifetime. Of particular note is the diving in southern Belize, where you'll find some of Belize's most exclusive and remote dive opportunities.
Beyond the reef are Belize's three amazing atolls, or rings of coral and islands which rise up from deep water:
GLOVER'S REEF
The southernmost of Belize's atolls, Glover's Reef is a ring of beautiful coral reef that spans nearly 80 square miles.
TURNEFF ISLANDS
Not far from Belize City, the Turneffe Islands are a diver's dream. Here you will find some of Belize's not-to-be missed dive sites, such as The Elbow, and Gales Point.
LIGHTHOUSE REEF
Accessible from Belize CIty, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, the Lighthouse Reef atoll is a favorite diving destination - not to mention that it is home to the famous Blue Hole, as well as the Half Moon Caye Wall, where the diving is second to none.
While these dives sites might top the list, know that your options include literally hundreds of other opportunities that will keep you busy for a lifetime. Of particular note is the diving in southern Belize, where you'll find some of Belize's most exclusive and remote dive opportunities.
Buried Treasure in Belize????
16th & 17th Century Shipwrecks Off Belize
Sir Robert Marx, a noted marine historian, has compiled lists of known shipwrecks in his book “Shipwrecks of the Western Hemisphere”. The following list, specific to Belize and Yucatan (Chinchorro Atoll), is excerpted from his publication.
YEAR 1751 (Ship lost at Glover's Reef Atoll) 1751 A hurricane of Sept. 18:at least 20 English merchantmen were totally lost on coast and off cayes and reefs. English merchantman, the “Monmouth”, Capt. Wydham, on his way to London, wrecked on Glovers Key: crew was saved.
YEAR 1751 (Ship lost at Turneffe Atoll) 1751 Two Rhode Island sloops and a Jamaican snow lost on the north keys (Lighthouse Reef 1764 English merchantman, “Mary Oxford”, coming from Jamaica lost on Turneffe Island.
YEAR 1774 (Ship lost at Glover's Reef Atoll) 1774 Two ships wrecked on Glover’s Reef: English merchantman, “Argyle”, Capt. Fisher, about 5 leagues (a league is about 3 nautical miles) from the southwestern end of the reef: the American ship “Polly”, Capt Waid, going to New York, on the Northeastern end of the reef, crews and part of cargo saved.
YEAR 1780 (Ship lost near Belize) 1780 The English ship “Live Oak”, sailing to Jamaica, wrecked on the coast at Black River (Sittee River), crew was saved. 1786 English merchantman, “Assistance”, Capt Galt, coming from Jamaica, lost crossing the bar at Black River
YEAR 1786 (Ship lost at Glover's Reef Atoll) 1786 Unidentified Scottish ship, Capt Carr, wrecked on Glovers reef, the crew saved.
YEAR 1787 (Ship lost at St. George's Caye) 1787 On Sept. 2, (a hurricane), 30 plus English merchantmen were on coast and off-lying areas; 15 were lost in the port of Belize. The only ship identified by name was the “HMS Triumvirate” lost at St. George’s Caye which was carrying a large amount of silver specie. The large ballast pile off St George’s Caye may be from this ship.
YEAR 1793 (Ship lost at Turneffe Atoll) 1793 English gunship, “HMS Advice”, with 4 cannon, Capt Edward Tyrell, lost to leeward of Rey Bokell (southern tip of the Turneffe Atoll), her crew saved.
YEAR 1793 (Ship lost on Glover's Reef Atoll) 1793 English merchantman “Chance”, Capt. Reed, coming from Jamaica, wrecked on Glover’s Reef. 1803 English merchantman “Fishburn”, Capt Leake, sailing to London lost on a reef near Belize, Feb. 19.
YEAR 1804 (Ship lost at Glover's Reef Atoll) 1804 A ship of unknown registry, “Mentor”, Capt. Simpson, coming from Jamaica, lost on “the main reef” near Belize, part of cargo saved.
YEAR 1807 (Ship lost at Glover's Reef Atoll) English ship “General Don”, Capt Messeroy, coming from France lost on Glovers Reef. 1808 English merchantmen, “Perseverance”, Capt. M’Nutt, coming from Jamaica, lost near Belize on Dec. 20, but the crew was saved.
YEAR 1814 (Ship lost mear Belize) 1814 Ship of unknown registry, “Pompey”, Capt Cowlan wrecked on “the main reef”, March 31, cargo of wine saved.
YEAR 1815 (Ship lost at Lighthouse Reef Atoll) 1815 Scottish merchantman, “Lord Blandtyre”, Capt M’Lea, coming from Jamaica, wrecked in August on the “Southern Four Keys” (Lighthouse Reef).
YEAR 1818 (Ship lost near Belize) 1818 American ship, “Enterprise”, Capt Wayne, sailing from the Bahamas to New Orleans, lost on March 9, near Belize, the crew saved. 1818 English merchantman, “John Winslow”, Capt Hodges, coming from Liverpool, lost July 26 on the “main reef”, cargo and crew saved.
YEAR 1819 (Ship lost at Caye Caulker) 1819 English merchantman, “Vestol”, Capt Hutchinson sailing to London wrecked on Corker Key (Caye Caulker), in August, crew and part of cargo saved. One of the two wrecks described off Caye Caulker-Caye Chapel may be from this vessel.
YEAR 1821 (Ship lost at Lighthouse Reef Atoll) 1821 English merchantman, “Barrrosa”, Capt. Anderson, coming from London totally lost on Nov. 8 on the “Southern Fourth Reef” (Lighthouse Reef), crew and most of cargo saved.
YEAR 1822 (Ship lost near Belize) 1822 American ship “Phoebe Ann” sailing to New York wrecked near Belize about April 11.
Sir Robert Marx, a noted marine historian, has compiled lists of known shipwrecks in his book “Shipwrecks of the Western Hemisphere”. The following list, specific to Belize and Yucatan (Chinchorro Atoll), is excerpted from his publication.
YEAR 1751 (Ship lost at Glover's Reef Atoll) 1751 A hurricane of Sept. 18:at least 20 English merchantmen were totally lost on coast and off cayes and reefs. English merchantman, the “Monmouth”, Capt. Wydham, on his way to London, wrecked on Glovers Key: crew was saved.
YEAR 1751 (Ship lost at Turneffe Atoll) 1751 Two Rhode Island sloops and a Jamaican snow lost on the north keys (Lighthouse Reef 1764 English merchantman, “Mary Oxford”, coming from Jamaica lost on Turneffe Island.
YEAR 1774 (Ship lost at Glover's Reef Atoll) 1774 Two ships wrecked on Glover’s Reef: English merchantman, “Argyle”, Capt. Fisher, about 5 leagues (a league is about 3 nautical miles) from the southwestern end of the reef: the American ship “Polly”, Capt Waid, going to New York, on the Northeastern end of the reef, crews and part of cargo saved.
YEAR 1780 (Ship lost near Belize) 1780 The English ship “Live Oak”, sailing to Jamaica, wrecked on the coast at Black River (Sittee River), crew was saved. 1786 English merchantman, “Assistance”, Capt Galt, coming from Jamaica, lost crossing the bar at Black River
YEAR 1786 (Ship lost at Glover's Reef Atoll) 1786 Unidentified Scottish ship, Capt Carr, wrecked on Glovers reef, the crew saved.
YEAR 1787 (Ship lost at St. George's Caye) 1787 On Sept. 2, (a hurricane), 30 plus English merchantmen were on coast and off-lying areas; 15 were lost in the port of Belize. The only ship identified by name was the “HMS Triumvirate” lost at St. George’s Caye which was carrying a large amount of silver specie. The large ballast pile off St George’s Caye may be from this ship.
YEAR 1793 (Ship lost at Turneffe Atoll) 1793 English gunship, “HMS Advice”, with 4 cannon, Capt Edward Tyrell, lost to leeward of Rey Bokell (southern tip of the Turneffe Atoll), her crew saved.
YEAR 1793 (Ship lost on Glover's Reef Atoll) 1793 English merchantman “Chance”, Capt. Reed, coming from Jamaica, wrecked on Glover’s Reef. 1803 English merchantman “Fishburn”, Capt Leake, sailing to London lost on a reef near Belize, Feb. 19.
YEAR 1804 (Ship lost at Glover's Reef Atoll) 1804 A ship of unknown registry, “Mentor”, Capt. Simpson, coming from Jamaica, lost on “the main reef” near Belize, part of cargo saved.
YEAR 1807 (Ship lost at Glover's Reef Atoll) English ship “General Don”, Capt Messeroy, coming from France lost on Glovers Reef. 1808 English merchantmen, “Perseverance”, Capt. M’Nutt, coming from Jamaica, lost near Belize on Dec. 20, but the crew was saved.
YEAR 1814 (Ship lost mear Belize) 1814 Ship of unknown registry, “Pompey”, Capt Cowlan wrecked on “the main reef”, March 31, cargo of wine saved.
YEAR 1815 (Ship lost at Lighthouse Reef Atoll) 1815 Scottish merchantman, “Lord Blandtyre”, Capt M’Lea, coming from Jamaica, wrecked in August on the “Southern Four Keys” (Lighthouse Reef).
YEAR 1818 (Ship lost near Belize) 1818 American ship, “Enterprise”, Capt Wayne, sailing from the Bahamas to New Orleans, lost on March 9, near Belize, the crew saved. 1818 English merchantman, “John Winslow”, Capt Hodges, coming from Liverpool, lost July 26 on the “main reef”, cargo and crew saved.
YEAR 1819 (Ship lost at Caye Caulker) 1819 English merchantman, “Vestol”, Capt Hutchinson sailing to London wrecked on Corker Key (Caye Caulker), in August, crew and part of cargo saved. One of the two wrecks described off Caye Caulker-Caye Chapel may be from this vessel.
YEAR 1821 (Ship lost at Lighthouse Reef Atoll) 1821 English merchantman, “Barrrosa”, Capt. Anderson, coming from London totally lost on Nov. 8 on the “Southern Fourth Reef” (Lighthouse Reef), crew and most of cargo saved.
YEAR 1822 (Ship lost near Belize) 1822 American ship “Phoebe Ann” sailing to New York wrecked near Belize about April 11.
BURIED TREASURE?????
Buried treasure. Credible reports state that at northern Two Caye in the 50's, explorers excavated a large pit in the sand which was lined with conch shells. This pit contained several large (4 ft. high) amphora (clay vessels), which were filled with treasure and were recovered.
Halt Moon Caye-Long Caye Buried Treasure: In the 30's, several expeditions were launched from Belize City to attempt to recover a buried treasure. One of these was lead by a Joe Lewis (not the boxer), and apparently met with little success. The area they reportedly looked at on Halt Moon Caye is presently an "aguada" or low area, in the middle of the island, north of the Booby bird preserve.
Hard to believe, but in reality a fact, several of the finest and fastest sailboats (approximately 40+ ft long) in Belize were built at Halt Moon Caye by a Mr George "Gigi" Young, now deceased. One of these boats was called "The Poison Arrow".
Buried treasure. Credible reports state that at northern Two Caye in the 50's, explorers excavated a large pit in the sand which was lined with conch shells. This pit contained several large (4 ft. high) amphora (clay vessels), which were filled with treasure and were recovered.
Halt Moon Caye-Long Caye Buried Treasure: In the 30's, several expeditions were launched from Belize City to attempt to recover a buried treasure. One of these was lead by a Joe Lewis (not the boxer), and apparently met with little success. The area they reportedly looked at on Halt Moon Caye is presently an "aguada" or low area, in the middle of the island, north of the Booby bird preserve.
Hard to believe, but in reality a fact, several of the finest and fastest sailboats (approximately 40+ ft long) in Belize were built at Halt Moon Caye by a Mr George "Gigi" Young, now deceased. One of these boats was called "The Poison Arrow".
DIVING BELIZE ATOLL'S
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