SOUTH WATER CAYE

Rosella’s Garden
Location: 0.2 nautical miles east of South Water Caye
Depth: 40-60 feet
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Novice

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Named after a longstanding resident of South Water Caye, this dive site is conveniently located just a minute away from the island, making it an ideal choice for a second dive. Exploring between the two reef structures, divers can delve into the depths ranging from 45-60 feet/14-18 meters. Beneath the surface, you may encounter the graceful presence of southern stingrays and nurse sharks gliding over the sandy seafloor. Additionally, sightings might include the elegant spotted eagle rays, tranquil turtles, schools of tarpons, and a vibrant array of smaller tropical reef fish flourishing amidst thriving coral formations.

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Trick Ridge
Location: 0.2 nautical miles East of Carrie Bow Caye
Depth: 40-100 feet/12-30mt
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Intermediate

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This dive site features a distinctive coral formation that transitions from deep to shallow depths, emphasizing the importance of closely monitoring your depth gauge and adhering to your dive master's guidance. Along the ridge, you'll encounter substantial barrel sponges hosting cleaning stations, where enormous barracudas and groupers seek the services of resident cleaner shrimps. The site is also adorned with vibrant tube and vase sponges, which serve as magnets for numerous juvenile spotted drums, enhancing the colorful underwater tableau.

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Long Reef
Location: two nautical miles south of Southwater Caye
Depth: 45-100 feet/14-30mt
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Intermediate

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The underwater wall at this site commences at a depth of 45 feet/12 meters, gradually descending to a little over 100 feet/30 meters before extending eastward and eventually plunging into the deep blue. Most divers explore this area within the depth range of 60 feet/18 meters, where intricate crevices line the wall, serving as ideal hiding spots for spiny lobsters, enormous spider crabs, and elusive spotted eels. Frequent encounters with majestic eagle rays and graceful turtles are a common occurrence here, earning this site high praise from our resort divers and photographers who consistently rank it among their favorites.

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The Abyss/ Fourth Cut
Location: 2.8 nautical miles southeast of SouthWater Caye
Depth: 40-130 feet/12-40mt
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Intermediate 

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Undoubtedly, one of the most breathtaking walls in southern Belize unveils itself here. Beginning at around 40 feet/12 meters, a sheer vertical drop takes you into the captivating blue abyss. Along this dramatic underwater terrain, numerous overhangs are adorned with exquisite black corals and a variety of gorgonians, creating a mesmerizing underwater tapestry. The exceptional visibility at these reef walls often surpasses 100 feet/30 meters, offering a crystal-clear view of the underwater world. It's essential to vigilantly monitor your depth gauge, as some areas feature deeper dips than they may initially appear. As you explore, keep an eye out for a diverse array of critters, including the graceful presence of eagle rays, tranquil turtles, elusive lobsters, serene nurse sharks, and schools of vibrant blue wrasse gracefully navigating the mid-water region.

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Shark Hole
Location: Four nautical miles northwest of Tobacco Caye, thirty-two nautical miles from Placencia
Depth: 30-110 feet/10-33mt
Access: Boat
Expertise Rating: Advance

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Situated just inside the primary barrier reef north of the Tobacco Range of islands, The Shark Hole is a remarkable sinkhole nestled in waters of approximately 30 feet/10 meters in depth. This hidden gem was initially discovered by fishermen on their quests for permits and tarpon, popular sport fishing targets. The intriguing presence of these two species, often gathered in large schools near the hole's entrance, seems to attract the attention of various shark species. Among the sharks observed in and around The Shark Hole are bull sharks, lemon sharks, reef sharks, and nurse sharks. The site also offers sightings of schools of horse-eye jacks, snappers, and cobia. Upon entering the hole at 30 feet/10 meters, a dive light becomes essential as the upper reaches of the cave darken, requiring vigilant depth and air gauge monitoring. While navigating the area, increased visibility enhances the likelihood of spotting sharks gracefully swimming about or resting within crevices. A beam of light consistently pierces through the opening of the cave, illuminating a sandy mound below, providing a captivating spectacle. For those seeking adventure, this dive offers an excellent opportunity to embark on the cavern diver adventure. Given the distance to this dive site, it is typically included as part of a three-tank dive, resulting in an exhilarating and memorable scuba dive day trip.