The Aquarium (Long Caye)
Depth is the range from the top of the site to its usual maximum; "recommended cert" is the mainstream-agency level operators usually ask for, not a legal rule. Currents and visibility change daily, so treat everything here as planning ranges.
The Aquarium earns its name honestly: the shallow reef top off Long Caye holds fish at densities that make counting pointless. Creole wrasse stream along the edge in purple rivers, yellowtail snappers mob divers out of pure habit, and the grooves hide lobster antennae and channel-clinging crabs. The mini-wall below adds sponges and the occasional passing eagle ray without demanding depth. After the Blue Hole's austere blue and Half Moon's grandeur, this is the palate-cleanser (bright, busy, easy), and it is many divers' fondest memory of the whole Lighthouse Reef day.
The moment you come for: Fish density on the reef top, streaming creole wrasse, easy profile after deeper dives.
Topography: A shallow spur-and-groove reef top rolling over into a sloping mini-wall.
Entry: Moored site off Long Caye on Lighthouse Reef; commonly the relaxed third tank of Blue Hole itineraries.
Know before you splash
Hazards: Little beyond sunburn and boat traffic; mind the shallow coral on the swim back.
Conservation: Within the Lighthouse Reef protected complex; yellowtails beg because of old feeding habits. Do not renew them.
Who you'll meet
Great Barracuda
Porcupinefish
Christmas Tree Worm
Green Sea Turtle
Atlantic Tarpon
Nurse Shark
Lionfish
Southern Stingray
Also recorded nearby
"Charted here" species were listed by our editors from the sources on this page. Counts are GBIF occurrence records: observations logged within about 5 km of the charted position since 1990, matched only against the species in our catalogue. They show what has been seen there, not a promise of what you will see.
For photographers
Wide angle: ★★★★☆ · Macro: ★★★☆☆ (editors' 1–5 rating of what this site gives each style of shooting)