Scuba Diving at its best on Turneffe Atoll, Belize

Scuba Diving in Belize: Turneffe Atoll, Lighthouse Reef

Belize consistently ranks among the top Caribbean dive destinations and Turneffe Flats is ideally located to take advantage of some of the best scuba diving in Belize. Over 60 dive sites around the Turneffe Atoll where divers are within easy reach to dive the Lighthouse Atoll, the famous Blue Hole; both dive sites are only an hour's boat ride away.

As the largest coral atoll in the Caribbean, Turneffe offers varied underwater dive terrain of spur and groove formations, sandy ledges and sheer walls providing spectacular dive sites to suit every level of diver.

The Eastern, windward side of Turneffe is protected by 35 miles of reef. It shelves gradually to about 60 ft. where spur and groove formations meet the wall.  Nutrients produced in the mangroves are dispersed on the reef by the tides and gentle currents causing huge concentrations of feeding fish on this side of the wall.

 

 

For Reservations or Information email us at diving@tflats.com

 

 
 

On the West side of the Atoll, the mangroves of Turneffe provide shelter from the swells and large waves. A gently sloping bottom lies at 30-50ft and large reef formations cover the white sand bottom. The reduced wave action allows sponges and soft corals to grow magnificently and sea feathers of 5ft tall are common.

In the North, the reef is buffeted by the Caribbean swells and trade winds but on the calmest of days we can explore these almost untouched areas. Schools of Mutton Snapper, Atlantic Spadefish and Permit hover 80ft above the sea floor and Blue and Rainbow Runners make close passes, apparently attracted by the bubbles of the strange 'neoprene-clad creatures'.

Turneffe's most southern point is dotted with a variety of popular dive sites that are featured in many of the Belize dive guides. The Elbow is probably the most famous dive site here and the ocean current over deep reef attracts big schools of pelagic fish. The other dive sites vary enormously as you move up the South West or South East side with everything from patch reef nurseries, dramatic coral formations to steep drop-offs.

Throughout the Turneffe Atoll, while diving you will see a variety of hard and soft corals as well as all of the Caribbean tropicals, eagle rays, sharks, turtles, dolphins, moray eels, and occasionally whale sharks in addition to large schools of permit, horse eye jacks and dog snapper.

At Turneffe Flats we emphasize personalized dive service, flexibility and uncrowded diving; small dive  groups of 4 - 8 divers are the norm.  Upon arrival at Turneffe Flats our dive staff will assist you with setting up your dive gear, and you will not have to handle your tanks or personal gear during the remainder of your trip. Our excellent dive staff will make sure that your dive gear is rinsed and fully set up for the following day's diving.

A typical dive day at Turneffe Flats starts after breakfast with three dives planned for the day. Three dives per day including a weekly night dive are standard. Our dive package also includes a day trip to Lighthouse Reef to dive the famous Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall and Long Caye. 

 
 
 
 

Personalized Service

 

We specialize in providing personalized service for small dive groups and try to be as flexible as possible. New divers can gain experience with the individual attention they may require and experienced divers can  enjoy the freedom of spectacular wall diving, drift diving and underwater photography opportunities.

We provide towels, cold drinks and fresh fruit on the dive boat each day as well as a fresh water rinse tank for camera equipment. Unless you request otherwise, you do not have to handle your dive equipment during your stay. Our staff will change all tanks and rinse your dive gear each day before storing it.

 
 
 
 

Dive Boat

Most diving is done from our 48 foot Custom Dive Boat.  This is a large, comfortable, shaded boat allowing us easy access to the entire Turneffe Atoll as well as the Lighthouse Reef. Our limited number of guests means that there are seldom more than 6 divers sharing this spacious dive boat.

 
 
 
 

Weather & Visibility

 

Surface temperatures generally range from 75-95 degrees (average 84 degrees). Water temperatures average 79-80 degrees in the Winter and 83 degrees in the Summer. Dive visibility at Turneffe ranges from 50 - 100 feet depending upon conditions. Average dive visibility is around 75 - 80 feet.

 
 
 
 

Dive Instruction

Dive instruction is available at Turneffe Flats through our PADI Scuba Diver Instructors. Certifications include Open Water Referral (2 for 1 Open Water Referral Special being offered for travel June 28 - September 27, 2008 - First student $175, Second student FREE) and Advanced Open Water Certification (Underwater Navigation, Deep Diving and 3 elective dives) as well as a full range of Specialty Courses. 'Discover Scuba Courses' are also available for those who wish to experience SCUBA for the first time.  

 
 
 
 

Dive Safety

Your dive safety is of the utmost importance to Turneffe Flats.  For this reason, and to ensure that you see the best of the marine life, a qualified Divemaster or Instructor is in the water at all times. We use the buddy system, conduct safety stops on every dive and plan adequate surface intervals between dives. Our staff is First Aid & Oxygen First Aid trained and we are affiliated with Subaquatic Safety Services who operate the Hyperbaric Chamber in Belize.

 
 
 
 

Dive Staff

 

Alex Edwards, a PADI Instructor has certified more than 300 divers on all levels including that of Dive Master, now oversees all aspects of Turneffe Flats’ dive program. A PADI professional since 2000, he is additionally certified as an Advanced Marine Tour Guide in Belize. Alex offers Open Water Certification, Open Water Referrals, Advanced Open Water Certifications, Discover SCUBA courses, Enriched Air Certification and a variety of specialties offered. Whether you are new to diving or seeking to expand your level of certification, Edwards’ professional and calm approach will help you enjoy your diving education experience. Alex grew up in the Belize City area and particularly enjoys sharing his interest in the history of Belize.

 

Emric Cabril, a seasoned and well-respected Dive Master throughout Belize, joined the Turneffe Flats Dive Team in 2007. The reefs, flats and "secret" locations of Turneffe Atoll are home to Emric as he grew up on the atoll helping his father, who is still active as a commercial fisherman at Turneffe. Emric knows every inch of the atoll and will show you the wonders of the underwater world – particularly the small, hard-to-spot things that make the atoll unique. He takes great pride in making his dives both safe and fun. Emric’s brothers, Dubs and Dion, are both fishing guides at Turneffe Flats.

 
 
 
 

Dive Equipment

Tanks, weights and weight belts are provided by Turneffe Flats. To maximize your bottom time, we recommend that you use a dive computer. The very warm-blooded are comfortable with a lycra dive skin or a shorty wet suit, but a 3mm wetsuit is generally advisable for multiple dives.

 
 
 
 

Dive Equipment Rentals

We have limited rental equipment available at the lodge including BC's, regulators, and dive computers. We do not rent wet suits or dive skins. Cylumes are provided for your tanks during the night dive, but you will need to bring a dive light.

 
 
 
 

Don't Forget to Bring

 

Your certification card- VERY IMPORTANT
Mask, fins, snorkel
Wet suit*
A dive light for your night dive*
Sunscreen
Polarized sunglasses
Insect repellent
Hat for sun protection on the boat
Raincoat
Camera, batteries, and plenty of film
Binoculars
First-aid medications
Prescription medications

*not available for rent at the lodge.

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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