Long Caye Ridge
Protected Area
Zone 2
Why dive here
With 213+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, dolphins, eagle rays, nurse sharks and sea turtles - Long Caye Ridge offers some of Lighthouse Reef's richest reef diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.
Long Caye Ridge is one of those spots in Lighthouse Reef where we always feel like we’re seeing something new, even after a dozen dives. It’s a shallow drift, usually, with a current that nudges you gently along a sloping wall, topping out around 19 metres. Our favourite way to dive it is to drop in just south of the main ridge and let the water carry us north. You'll float over brain corals the size of small cars, their convoluted surfaces a mosaic of colour. Look closely in the nooks and crannies – we’ve often spotted Roughhead Triplefins perched on the coral heads, tiny but with so much character. Schools of Schoolmasters hang in the blue, sometimes so thick they form shimmering tunnels. We love finding the Mottled Jawfish here, poking their heads out of sandy patches, often with a clutch of eggs in their mouths. Keep an eye out for turtles munching on the turtlegrass beds near the shallower parts of the ridge. The whole dive has a peaceful, unhurried feel. It’s ideal for photographers or anyone who likes to take their time and really observe the smaller stuff.
Nearest Dive Centres to Long Caye Ridge
Dive shops near Long Caye Ridge
View all dive centres in Lighthouse ReefReviews for Long Caye Ridge
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Long Caye Ridge
Long Caye Ridge Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Long Caye Ridge, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (17.22, -87.61) (6km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
30°C
86°F · Range: 29.1–31.7°C
Current Speed
11.66 cm/s
Direction: NW (301°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.074 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
35.96 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
Plan & book
Ways to dive Lighthouse Reef, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Lighthouse ReefPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Lighthouse Reef.
Search stays in Lighthouse ReefDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near Long Caye Ridge
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
