Lighthouse Reef Atoll
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Why dive in Lighthouse Reef Atoll?
BEST SEASON
Featured Animals 12
- Unlikely
- Likely
- Very likely
Nocturnal Frequent sightingsCaribbean Reef Shark
Carcharhinus perezi
The Caribbean Reef Shark is a robust, streamlined requiem shark commonly found in tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly around coral reefs. It is an apex predator, primarily feeding on bony fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Known for its unique ability to rest motionless on the seabed or inside caves, this species typically reaches lengths of 2-2.5 meters and can weigh up to 70 kg.
BEST SEASON
Nocturnal Frequent sightingsCaribbean Spiny Lobster
Panulirus argus
The Caribbean Spiny Lobster is characterized by its long, spiny antennae and lack of large claws. It has a strong presence in the coastal zones and coral reefs of the Caribbean and is known for its group aggregative behavior, especially during reproduction.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsGreat Barracuda
Sphyraena barracuda
The Great Barracuda is a large predatory fish known for its fearsome appearance and speed. It has an elongated body, pointed head, and large teeth, making it a proficient hunter in coastal and open waters.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsGreen Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas
The green sea turtle is a large marine reptile distinguished by its heart-shaped carapace and a single pair of prefrontal scales.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsHawksbill Sea Turtle
Eretmochelys imbricata
The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is a medium-sized marine turtle recognizable by its distinctive hawk-like beak and overlapping scutes, which create a serrated edge on its carapace. Primarily found in tropical coral reefs, it plays a crucial role in these ecosystems by feeding mainly on sponges, which are toxic to most other animals. This species is critically endangered due to historical exploitation for its beautiful shell and ongoing threats like habitat loss and bycatch.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Lemon Shark
Negaprion brevirostris
The Lemon Shark is known for its yellow-brown coloration and blunt snout, which helps it camouflage in sandy coastal waters. It is a diurnal predator that often forms small groups, primarily hunting fish and crustaceans in shallow reefs and lagoons.
BEST SEASON
Nocturnal Frequent sightingsNurse Shark
Ginglymostoma cirratum
The Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) is a slow-moving, bottom-dwelling shark typically found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters, including coral reefs and mangrove channels. It is a nocturnal carnivore, primarily feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish using a powerful suction-feeding mechanism. During the day, they are often observed resting in large aggregations, sometimes piled together in caves or under ledges.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsQueen Angelfish
Holacanthus ciliaris
The Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) is a striking marine fish known for its vibrant blue and yellow coloration, accentuated by a distinctive dark-ringed 'crown' spot on its forehead. Primarily found in coral reefs of the Western Atlantic, this species feeds on sponges, algae, and various marine invertebrates. Adults are often observed alone or in pairs, though they form harems during breeding periods.
BEST SEASON
Cathemeral Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
Sphyrna lewini
The Scalloped Hammerhead Shark is a large, migratory shark easily recognized by the central indentation on its hammer-shaped head. These sharks are found globally in warm temperate and tropical coastal and oceanic waters, often forming large schools around seamounts and islands. They are primarily nocturnal foragers, feeding on a diverse diet of bony fishes, cephalopods, crustaceans, and smaller sharks and rays.
BEST SEASON
Crepuscular Frequent sightingsSouthern Stingray
Hypanus americanus
The Southern Stingray is a graceful, diamond-shaped ray known for its broad, flat body and pointed pectoral fins. It can be found over sandy or muddy seabeds in warm, shallow waters of the western Atlantic Ocean.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsSpotted Eagle Ray
Aetobatus narinari
The Spotted Eagle Ray is known for its distinctive spots and elongated snout, which resembles a bird-like beak. It thrives in tropical waters, especially around coral reefs and coastal zones. The ray is a powerful swimmer and can often be seen leaping out of the water.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsStoplight Parrotfish
Sparisoma viride
The Stoplight Parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) is a vibrantly colored reef fish known for its strong, beak-like jaws used to scrape and excavate algae from coral, contributing significantly to sand production in reefs. This species exhibits dramatic color changes throughout its life phases and is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning it can change sex from female to male. They are diurnal, spending their days foraging on coral reefs in the tropical western Atlantic, and typically rest hidden on the seabed at night.
BEST SEASON
More marine life 24
BarracudaSphyraena spp.
Black DurgonMelichthys niger
Blacktip SharkCarcharhinus limbatus
Bull SharkCarcharhinus leucas
Caribbean Reef OctopusOctopus briareus
Common Bottlenose DolphinTursiops truncatus
Garden EelHeterocongrinae
Giant Oceanic Manta RayMobula birostris
GlasseyeHeteropriacanthus cruentatus
Greater AmberjackSeriola dumerili
Green Moray EelGymnothorax funebris
LionfishPterois spp.
Loggerhead Sea TurtleCaretta caretta
Midnight ParrotfishScarus coelestinus
Princess ParrotfishScarus taeniopterus
Queen ParrotfishScarus vetula
Rainbow RunnerElagatis bipinnulata
Sergeant MajorAbudefduf saxatilis
Smooth Butterfly RayGymnura micrura
Spiny Butterfly RayGymnura altavela
Spot-fin PorcupinefishDiodon hystrix
Tiger SharkGaleocerdo cuvier
Whale SharkRhincodon typus
Yellow StingrayUrobatis jamaicensis
Where is Lighthouse Reef Atoll
Caribbean Sea · Belize
Frequently asked questions about Lighthouse Reef Atoll
When is the best time to dive in Lighthouse Reef Atoll?
The best time to dive in Lighthouse Reef Atoll is from March to June. In those months the water is between 27°C and 29°C.
What marine life can you see diving in Lighthouse Reef Atoll?
Divers can encounter 36 species in Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Highlights include Caribbean Reef Shark, Caribbean Spiny Lobster, Great Barracuda, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, and Lemon Shark.
When can you see the Caribbean Reef Shark in Lighthouse Reef Atoll?
The Caribbean Reef Shark can be seen in Lighthouse Reef Atoll all year round.
When can you see the Caribbean Spiny Lobster in Lighthouse Reef Atoll?
The Caribbean Spiny Lobster can be seen in Lighthouse Reef Atoll all year round.
When can you see the Great Barracuda in Lighthouse Reef Atoll?
The Great Barracuda can be seen in Lighthouse Reef Atoll all year round.
What is the water temperature in Lighthouse Reef Atoll?
Water temperature in Lighthouse Reef Atoll ranges from 26°C in January to 30°C in August.
What wetsuit do I need to dive in Lighthouse Reef Atoll?
Most divers wear a 3 mm wetsuit in January, when the water drops to 26°C, and a rash guard or a 1–3 mm shorty in August, when it reaches 30°C.
What is the visibility like when diving in Lighthouse Reef Atoll?
Visibility in Lighthouse Reef Atoll ranges from 15 m to 40 m. The water is clearest from April to May and from January to February.
What are the currents like in Lighthouse Reef Atoll?
Divers in Lighthouse Reef Atoll can expect light, moderate, or strong currents, depending on the month and the dive site.
What can you see on a night dive in Lighthouse Reef Atoll?
After dark, Lighthouse Reef Atoll reveals nocturnal species such as Caribbean Reef Shark, Caribbean Spiny Lobster, Nurse Shark, Caribbean Reef Octopus, Glasseye, and Green Moray Eel.
Where is Lighthouse Reef Atoll located?
Lighthouse Reef Atoll is a dive destination in Belize, in the Caribbean Sea.
Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Spotted something that looks off?
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