Long Caye Wall - Lighthouse Reef

Over Heat, a funny name for a site we really appreciate, sits on Roatán’s south side, a spot we often find ourselves drifting through. It’s a channel, really, less a dramatic wall and more a gentle slope of coral that keeps giving. We’re talking about a maximum depth around 20 metres, perfect for long bottom times and really soaking it all in. We love Over Heat for its consistent, relaxed vibe. It rarely throws anything too challenging our way, but don’t mistake "relaxed" for "boring." This place really comes alive when there’s a mild current pushing through. We like to drop in and just let the water do the work, watching for the resident turtles that often cruise by. The creole wrasse here are usually in thick schools, shimmering like a liquid curtain. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot Conklin's cardinalfish tucked into the nooks and crannies. Our favourite finds are often the smaller stuff though, the blennies and gobies. Keep an eye out for Banded Blennies bobbing their heads from empty worm tubes; they’re little characters. It’s a site that rewards a slow pace and an observant eye, great for photographers or anyone who just wants to unwind and take in the sheer volume of fish life.

Location: Lighthouse Reef, Belize, Central America
Coordinates: 17.137000, -87.629400
Type: reef

Marine Protected Area: South Point, Lighthouse Reef

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

Nearest Dive Centres to Long Caye Wall

Itza Resort - PADI

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

Redear Herring (Harengula humeralis) - Reef Fish
Mustard hill coral (Porites astreoides) - Hard Corals
Blue Doctor (Acanthurus coeruleus) - Reef Fish
Thin leaf lettuce coral (Agaricia tenuifolia) - Hard Corals
Gutong (Sparisoma aurofrenatum) - Reef Fish
Massive Starlet Coral (Siderastrea siderea) - Hard Corals
Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum) - Reef Fish
Dark Green Parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) - Reef Fish
Grunt (Haemulon plumierii) - Reef Fish
Gutong (Scarus iseri) - Reef Fish
Yellowtail Parrotfish (Sparisoma rubripinne) - Reef Fish
Fray (Jenkinsia lamprotaenia) - Reef Fish
Parrotfish (Thalassoma bifasciatum) - Reef Fish
Kwab (Sparisoma radians) - Reef Fish
Barber (Acanthurus bahianus) - Reef Fish
Sheephead (Microspathodon chrysurus) - Reef Fish
Schoolmaster (Lutjanus apodus) - Reef Fish
Cola (Ocyurus chrysurus) - Reef Fish
Butterfly (Chaetodon capistratus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Long Caye Wall

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