ORMLUND - Lighthouse Reef

Ormlund isn't one of Lighthouse Reef's headline acts, but for wreck lovers, it's a solid day out. We often find ourselves drawn back to this old carrier, sunk in '74 after a generator gave out. She’s fairly shallow, the top of the superstructure breaking the surface, which means you get fantastic light penetration, even on an overcast day. The ship itself, the ex-Stavnes, is 68 metres long and while she’s broken up quite a bit, there's still plenty of structure to explore. We particularly love swimming through the cargo holds, where the light shafts down through gaps in the decking, creating these incredible ethereal beams. Keep an eye out for the resident moray eels that have made the engine room their home. Schools of snapper often hold tight around the bow, and you’ll usually spot some curious barracuda just off the wreck, watching you from the blue. It's an easy dive, good for most experience levels, but the real joy comes from taking your time, really nosing into the nooks and crannies. A great second dive to unwind on after a drift or a wall.

Location
Lighthouse Reef, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
17.213333, -87.528890
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Halfmoon Caye

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 ORMLUND

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 ORMLUND

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 diving the Ormlund Wreck?
The Ormlund Wreck is noted to start at a depth of 0m, meaning portions of the wreck are visible right at the surface. This makes it an accessible site for divers to explore the remains of the 68.3m x 10.1m carrier vessel.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Ormlund dive site?
Divers exploring the Ormlund Wreck can expect to encounter the impressive features of a sunken carrier vessel, originally built in 1961. The wreck, which went down in 1974, measures 68.3m x 10.1m and is classified as showing portions of its hull or superstructure, providing a fascinating structure to explore. For general information on marine life in the region, please consult our database.
How challenging is diving the Ormlund Wreck, and what skill level is recommended?
Diving the Ormlund Wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience and comfort with wreck diving or similar conditions to fully enjoy and safely navigate the site.
What is the best time of year to dive the Ormlund Wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Ormlund Wreck. For general information on seasonal diving in Belize, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Ormlund Wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data, the Ormlund Wreck is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. Therefore, divers should possess at least an Open Water Diver certification, and an Advanced Open Water or Wreck Diver certification would be beneficial for exploring the structure of this carrier vessel.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Ormlund dive site?
The provided data for the Ormlund Wreck does not include specific details regarding typical current or visibility conditions. Divers planning a trip to Lighthouse Reef should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date site conditions.