South of Long Caye

South of Long Caye, on the southeastern edge of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, is one of Belize's most underrated wall dives — a dramatic vertical drop-off that plunges past 900 meters into the Caribbean abyss, frequented by large schools of Caribbean reef sharks, eagle rays, and the full cast of Belize's pelagic visitors. The site offers all the grandeur of the more famous Half Moon Wall with the added benefit of significantly smaller dive crowds and the distinct geography of Long Caye's offshore position. The reef top begins at 8-10 meters, with a lush coral garden that transitions abruptly into the vertical wall. Divers descend to 25-30 meters on the wall face, which is densely covered in massive orange elephant-ear sponges, enormous black coral trees, purple tube sponges, and gorgonian fans. The wall's overhangs and crevices shelter nurse sharks, green morays, and large groupers including the occasional enormous goliath grouper. At 40+ meters the wall's cleaning stations attract Caribbean reef sharks in impressive numbers. Marine life is exceptional. Hawksbill and green turtles cruise the wall, eagle rays appear in formations of 3-8 animals, barracuda schools patrol the blue, and the deeper sections host occasional hammerhead or bull shark sightings during the winter months. Macro photographers find excellent subjects on the coral heads — flamingo tongue cowries on sea fans, arrow crabs, banded coral shrimps, and a diverse range of blennies and gobies. The site is Advanced Open Water diving due to the wall profile and potential drift. Reached from Lighthouse Reef operators, typically from San Pedro or Caye Caulker liveaboards, or as a stop on full-day atoll itineraries (often combined with the Great Blue Hole or Half Moon Wall). Visibility 25-40 meters, water temperatures 26-29°C. Best conditions April through June. Strict marine park rules apply throughout Lighthouse Reef — moorings only, no anchoring, and catch-and-release-only fishing.