Half Moon Caye: Remote Scuba Diving Paradise

Half Moon Caye is an island and natural monument located at the southeast corner of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, one of Belize's three coral atolls. Apart from the Great Blue Hole, one of the greatest dives on earth, this small atoll is home to another diving gem; Half Moon Caye. This site is exactly what you’d expect from a wall dive: a diversity of marine life including corals and sponge formations teaming up with eagle rays, sea turtles or groupers can be seen in one dive. Surrounded by lush greenery, this tiny island in the Caribbean offers the best of both worlds, off and under the water.

13. 11. 2015

The Half Moon Caye Natural Monument was actually the first marine protected area in Central America. It's mainly famous for the Red Footed Boobie bird colony that likes to breed on islands and coasts in tropical oceans. Divers soon discovered that the island is also home to amazing dive spots and today the site is described as “6,000 feet of vertical abyss”. And that's exactly what you get; there is probably no better wall-diving on the planet, it's that good. Great visibility (even in greater depths) and some of the most spectacular sponge formations are the main lure of this remote underwater paradise and together with variety of underwater landscape this place should be definitely on anyone's bucket list.

Photo: © Stuart Seldon

Just a stone throw away from the Half Moon Caye Island sits another beautiful one; secluded and private Long Caye Island. You might want to remember this one as it is the only place near and far to stay overnight (Long Caye is the only permanently inhabited Caye, and is essentially a Preserve) and still be the closest to the main dives; the Lighthouse Reef Atoll is the furthest of all three atolls from the mainland. Apart from the Red- footed Boobies, there is nobody living on the Half Moon Caye Island.

Photo: © Stuart Seldon

The closest dive accommodation is with Huracan Diving Lodge. They are indeed located on the "Long Caye” hence within couple of minutes from the best scuba diving locations Belize has to offer. With some of the world's best diving spots located right of their dock, you will be swimming through caves and swim-throughs in no time (5 minutes to half moon and 12 to the blue hole). Apart from lodging Huracan Diving also run a fully equipped dive center and is the only dive operator in the Atoll.

Long Caye's secluded beach

Long Caye is another perfect site for some of the best diving in Belize on Long Caye Wall. Nutrients, washed westward by the prevailing winds, with an absence of brackish lagoons that could damage the reef provide the perfect environment for a plethora of coral, tunicates, fish and other amazing marine life just below the surface. All in all, this place is not to be missed! For more information, visit Huracan Diving's website.

Photos: Stuart Seldon © www.wetspotimages.com