The Atolls of Belize have some of the best and most pristine diving/snorkeling sites in the country. Their remoteness from the mainland has them pretty much untouched by humans and various spots remain undiscovered. One of these aquatic gems is The Aquarium dive site located just off the western shores of Long Caye in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll.
It’s a very popular dive/snorkel destination in Belize, named for its impressive marine life activity, the Aquarium is a sheer drop-off with a surplus of fish on the reef’s top. The reef at the Aquarium is referred to as the table-top formation. At the shallower part of the dive site, near the mooring line, it is essentially a flat expanse covered with clusters of brain coral, purple fans, and groves of sea plumes. But the coral reef is mostly located in deeper waters, hence the site being more popular for divers.
But just jumping into the deep and staring at the amazing coral formation from the surface is very impressing. On the surface you are surrounded by curious tropical fish that are not afraid of human interaction; they are as curious as you are. The Aquarium at Long Caye is an enjoyable site full of colors and underwater serenity giving photographers and experience-seekers a chance for some unforgettable moments.
Don’t be discouraged when you are told that The Aquarium is better for diving, as opposed to snorkeling. I don’t dive (YET) and had an amazing snorkeling experience; this fantastic hot spot is very impressive due to its remarkable high visibility, colorful reef and active marine life.
One of the highlights of this trip with Amigos del Mar is when your guide joins the party in the water and starts feeding all the fish the leftover rice and beans from lunch. The fish love it and it gives you the best opportunity for pictures and video while the fish go on a feeding frenzy around you.
The Aquarium is the perfect dive/snorkel to finish a wonderful day at Lighthouse Reef. So stop searching and visit Belize for the best underwater experience ever. It’s a diver’s paradise. Book your Blue Hole trip and most definitely add the Aquarium to the itinerary because it’s a guaranteed unBelizeable experience.
