Long Caye Aquarium - Lighthouse Reef

Outside always feels like a proper Komodo dive, the kind that wakes you up and reminds you where you are. We love the wall here, which blends into a steep slope, all carved from limestone. It’s a site for those who appreciate a bit of a thrill; the currents can be serious, often demanding a negative entry. But that’s precisely what pulls in the big stuff. We’ve seen white tips and black tips cruise by, unbothered, along with eagle rays making lazy passes. Dogtooth tuna and yellowfin tuna are common, always exciting to spot darting past in the blue. The schooling jacks and fusiliers are often so thick they can obscure your buddy for a moment, a fantastic, swirling curtain of silver. Keep an eye out for leatherback sea turtles, though they are shy, and we’ve occasionally spotted lobsters tucked into crevices. Visibility averages 13 metres, which is decent enough for the scale of marine life you’re watching. For divers who enjoy a dynamic drift and want to see pelagic action, Outside delivers.

Location
Lighthouse Reef, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
17.226400, -87.603800
Type
reef

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 Aquarium

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 Aquarium

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 are the typical diving depths at Long Caye Aquarium?
At Long Caye Aquarium, divers typically explore depths up to a maximum of 20 meters. This site is a captivating wall dive where the reef begins in just 20 feet of water, making it also suitable for snorkelers. While the wall drops off into hundreds of feet, the primary recreational diving experience is within the shallower reef and wall sections.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Long Caye Aquarium?
Divers at Long Caye Aquarium can expect to encounter typical Caribbean marine life, including nurse and reef sharks, and possibly eagle rays, turtles, and stingrays. The vibrant reef is also home to an abundance of fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. This site is a beautiful reef dive, offering a rich display of aquatic biodiversity.
Is Long Caye Aquarium considered a difficult dive site, and is it suitable for all skill levels?
Long Caye Aquarium is considered an intermediate difficulty dive site. While the wall drops deep, the reef starts in just 20 feet of water, making it also good for snorkelers. Divers should have appropriate training for intermediate conditions, but the site offers a rewarding experience for those with some experience.
When is the best time of year to dive at Long Caye Aquarium for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Long Caye Aquarium for optimal conditions. For general guidance on diving seasons in the region, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Long Caye Aquarium?
Given that Long Caye Aquarium is an intermediate dive site with a maximum depth of 20 meters, an Open Water Diver certification would generally be sufficient. However, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification is often recommended for intermediate sites to enhance skills and comfort at these depths. Always consult with your local dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at Long Caye Aquarium?
Divers at Long Caye Aquarium can expect excellent visibility, with an average of 22 meters. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this dive site. It's always advisable to check with local dive operators for real-time current information before your dive.