Long Caye - Lighthouse Reef

Long Caye, out in the southern reaches of Lighthouse Reef, offers a relaxed kind of wall diving we really enjoy. Along the west coast, you’ll find expansive coral gardens topping a wall that just keeps going down. It’s a comfortable depth, around 10 meters, so you can take your time scanning for nurse sharks tucked under ledges or graceful eagle rays gliding past in the blue. This is a site that suits divers who appreciate a slow drift along a healthy reef, where the macro life often reveals itself after a few minutes of quiet observation.

Location
Lighthouse Reef, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
17.183332, -87.583336

Marine Protected Area: Zone 2

Best Time to Dive in Lighthouse Reef

The warmest water temperatures in Lighthouse Reef occur in September, averaging 30.0°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.2°C
  • February: 27.1°C
  • March: 27.2°C
  • April: 27.8°C
  • May: 28.6°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 29.3°C
  • August: 29.7°C
  • September: 30.0°C
  • October: 29.9°C
  • November: 28.9°C
  • December: 28.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Lighthouse Reef

Nearest Dive Centres to Long Caye

Marine Life in Lighthouse Reef

Home to 216 recorded species including 175 reef fish, 20 hard corals, 9 other, 6 sharks & rays, 2 jellyfish, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Long Caye

Based on average water temperature of 28.6°C, currents 22 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for scuba diving at Long Caye dive sites?
The incredible coral gardens at Long Caye offer an average depth of 33ft (10m) on the west coast and 50ft (15m) on the east. These vibrant gardens sit atop a dramatic wall that plunges several hundred meters to the sea floor, providing opportunities for deeper exploration for appropriately certified divers.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see when diving around Long Caye?
The data specifically highlights "incredible coral gardens" at Long Caye, indicating a rich and diverse coral ecosystem. While specific marine life species are not detailed in the provided context, divers can anticipate a vibrant underwater environment. For more information on marine life in the region, you can explore our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving at Long Caye, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Long Caye is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the stunning coral gardens are accessible, the presence of a wall dropping hundreds of meters suggests conditions that might be more challenging than typical beginner sites. Therefore, it is generally more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive at Long Caye for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for diving at Long Caye or for optimal conditions and marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Long Caye?
The provided data does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required for Long Caye. Given its intermediate difficulty and wall diving opportunities, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent would likely enhance your experience and allow for greater exploration. Always check with local dive operators for specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Long Caye dive sites?
The provided data does not include specific information on typical current conditions or visibility at Long Caye dive sites. However, as part of the Lighthouse Reef system, conditions are generally favorable. We recommend consulting with local dive operators in Belize for the most up-to-date information on currents and visibility.