Vincent's - Lighthouse Reef

Vincent's, over on the north-west side of Turneffe, offers a classic Belizean wall dive. The wall starts shallow, around 12 meters, and then just drops away into the blue. We've often seen Nassau grouper hugging the wall, and if you keep an eye out into the deeper water, a passing eagle ray or a school of mackerel might cruise by. The shallower sections are pretty, with plenty of gorgonians and sea fans swaying gently. It’s a straightforward dive, good for anyone comfortable on a wall, and a solid choice if you’re looking for those larger pelagics.

Location
Lighthouse Reef, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
17.250000, -87.780000

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 Vincent's

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 Vincent's

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 dive depths at St. Vincent's dive sites?
Vincent's dive site features sheer walls that begin at 40 ft (12m) and extend well beyond recreational limits. For example, The Terrace is a deep dive with an overhanging wall leading to a sandy ledge at 100 ft (30m), and then another wall descending to 150 ft (45m). Divers should be prepared for significant depths at this Lighthouse Reef location.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see in St. Vincent?
At Vincent's, divers can expect to encounter impressive underwater features such as sheer walls, overhanging walls, and wide sandy ledges. The walls are excellent for spotting Nassau grouper, passing eagle rays, and mackerels. The shallower wall tops are adorned with beautiful gardens of gorgonians and sea fans.
How challenging are the dive sites in St. Vincent for different skill levels?
The dive sites at Vincent's are generally considered to be of intermediate difficulty. Divers should be comfortable with wall diving and potentially deeper profiles, as some areas drop well below recreational limits. This makes it a suitable destination for experienced recreational divers looking for exciting challenges.
When is the best time of year to go diving in St. Vincent for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Vincent's. For general information on when to dive in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are recommended or required for diving in St. Vincent?
The specific dive certifications recommended or required for diving at Vincent's are not detailed in the provided information. Given the intermediate difficulty and deep wall profiles, advanced certifications like Advanced Open Water Diver or Deep Diver specialties would likely be beneficial. Always check with your local dive operator for specific requirements before planning your trip to Belize.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at St. Vincent's dive sites?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at Vincent's dive sites. Divers should consult local dive operators in Lighthouse Reef for up-to-date information on these conditions.