CAYES OF BELIZE - LIGHTHOUSE REEF

LIGHTHOUSE REEF

Located 50 miles southeast of Belize City, Lighthouse Reef is a panorama of swaying palms, powdery white beaches, striking coral formations and turquoise waters. It is the only atoll with a private airstrip and the nearest atoll to the Blue Hole. Looking from the air like a dark blue cavity in a field of turquoise, this almost perfectly circular underwater cave is Lighthouse Reef’s most spectacular natural wonder. The cave measures 1,000 feet in diameter and 480 feet deep, and was made famous by Jacques Cousteau, who explored the fascinating site in 1972.

At the southeast corner of Lighthouse Reef is the 45-acre Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, the country’s first national park (1982). It is home to reptiles, turtles and a large diversity of birds, including thousands of red-footed boobies. The only other similar booby colony is on an island near Tobago.

Lighthouse Reef Resort is an upscale beachfront dive resort located on Northern Caye and includes 11 villas, suites, mini-suites and cabanas.