Long Caye Ridge - Lighthouse Reef

Outside Edge isn't always top of mind when you think Aliwal, but we love it for its sheer wall and reliable big fish action. Dropping to 27 metres, this site means business. You’ll find yourself on a vertical limestone face, often with a decent current pushing you along, which brings in the pelagics. We’ve had excellent encounters with blackfin barracuda here, sometimes in swirling schools that block out the sun for a second. The wall itself is riddled with crevices and overhangs, perfect for spotting the shyer stuff. Look closely for Rama Rao's scorpionfish tucked into the rock and eroded cowries clinging to the underside of ledges. Bass and slinger seabream are common, often schooling together, creating a silver curtain. While Aliwal is known for sharks, Outside Edge gives you a different flavour; it’s more about the reef fish and predators that patrol the deeper reef. Dive it when the visibility is up, around 15 metres, and you’ll appreciate the drama of the drop-off. It's a solid Advanced Open Water dive and a strong contender for a second dive of the day if you want something with a bit more punch.

Location
Lighthouse Reef, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
17.194300, -87.619300
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 Ridge

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 Ridge

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