THE OUTER REEFS, BELIZE

Year:2003

The undiscovered barrier reef

Season: Year-round diving

Visibility: 30-40 metres, sometimes up to 60 metres

Water temperature: 26-29°C

The small but stunningly beautiful country of Belize borders Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to the north. To the west and south lie the jungles of Guatemala, and beyond that the plains, mountains and islands of Honduras. The inland portion of Belize has the Mayan Mountains and extensive tropical rainforests, while its seas contain a barrier reef 170 miles in length that is second only to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Beyond the barrier reef, Belize has three atolls, or circular coral reefs, the outsides of which are sheer drop-offs. The inside of the atolls are coral strewn lagoons containing patch and fringing reefs. Because of their structure, diving in and around atolls has the distinct advantage of always offering a leeward side, whatever direction the wind comes from!

Added to the wonderfully rich and diverse natural resources of the reef and of the land, Belize has reasonable economic prosperity with a low population and a stable government. Most Belizeans are aware of their country's natural wealth and work hard to preserve it. A holiday in Belize is the choice for those who crave the adventure of top quality diving in a unique wilderness.

LIGHTHOUSE REEF

Unchallenged as Belize's premier diving area, Lighthouse Reef has fascinated the most seasoned Caribbean divers, who have delighted in discovering its untouched reefs, walls and wrecks. Lighthouse Reef has little in the way of dry land but many walls and shallow reefs. Lighthouse Reef offers, without doubt, the very best diving in Belize. Here one can dive the Great Blue Hole ­ a dive that is certainly one of the most unusual diving experiences on earth. There are many listed dive sites around these reefs and islands. Gigantic basket sponges, forests of gorgonians, and 3-metre Purple Sea Fans are here to be discovered. Barracudas, giant groupers, spider crabs and angelfish are just a few of the inhabitants living undisturbed in this amazing nature reserve.

The Great Blue Hole was made famous by Jacques Cousteau in 1972. This 300 metres wide hole is sunk into the bottom of a shallow lagoon. A slanting wall provides a gentle introduction to this weirdly wonderful dive, but apprehension may well take over as you descend over a vertical wall into the deep gloom below. Leaving the sunlight behind, at the depth of 40 metres, a strange landscape appears under the overhang. Glistening quartz and limestone stalactites, some over 12 metres long, form a maze through which to swim. Deeper into the cathedral-like cave, stalagmites rise from the floor like huge stone teeth. Although described as an architectural dive rather than one noted for its wildlife, the Great Blue Hole does have some aquatic life, including Jewfish, shrimps and possibly a visiting barracuda, shark or tuna. Naturally, at this depth, there is very little time to explore and it is most important to note that this dive, for safety reasons, is only for those divers with experience of deeper diving.

Two small tropical islands, Half Moon Caye and Long Caye, offer sheltered dive sites with consistently high visibility. Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, established in 1982, was the first reserve created to protect Belize's natural beauty. This wondrously beautiful island is home to many birds as well as Hawksbill and Loggerhead Turtles. Climb the two and a half metre 'central ridge' on the island to see the unbelievable view of 4,000 Red-footed Boobies (a gannet-like seabird) perched in the canopy of every tree. Magnificent Frigatebirds, Mangrove Warblers, Ospreys and White-crowned Pigeons also make their homes here. The main concern is to preserve the plant and animal life. Nothing must be removed from the island ­ not even sand! Visibility in this area is usually in the region of 70 metres and diving takes place just about anywhere round the island. Several shipwrecks litter the sea bed and provide habitats for many reef fish. There are wall dives with tunnels, enormous coral formations, and undercuts decorated with large and colourful displays of sponges and corals ­ all teeming with wildlife! Diving in the vicinity of sand-fringed, palm-crowded Long Caye, you may encounter magnificent Manta Rays and slumbering, docile Nurse Sharks. Wherever you dive here, the reefs are teeming with fish; butterflyfish, grunts of many varieties, Schoolmasters and other snappers, and jacks all occur in numbers. You should also find the colourful green, blue and yellow Queen Triggerfish performing its fascinating feeding behaviour ­ blowing water under sea urchins to upturn them and then attacking the vulnerable underside. Hat Cay Drop-off has some quite unique marine life. Some of the basket sponges on the rim of the drop-off are large enough to hide a diver. Deepwater gorgonians and giant yellow tube sponges will reward the diver who takes time to search for unusual invertebrates among the coral growth.

If you are staying at Lighthouse Reef Resort, initial dives are usually made in the vicinity of Northern Caye where a series of walls and coral gardens make a good introduction. Large numbers of reef fish are found here, including many groupers, the huge Midnight Parrotfish, bizarre cowfish and the tuna-like Cero. Large barracudas hang almost motionless in hollows in the reef and huge lobsters or Green Morays can be found in the crevices, while Nurse Sharks rest on the sandy bottom in undisturbed channels. Here and there colonies of Garden Eels peep out of their burrows, only to slowly retreat out of sight as a diver approaches.

If you are staying at Turneffe Island Lodge, your diving package will include a full day excursion to Lighthouse Reef on one day of the week (usually tuesday). The first dive of the day will be The Blue Hole, followed by Half Moon Caye Wall. Following a picnic lunch on Half Moon Caye will be third dive on Long Caye Wall.

At night, if you are staying on Sun Dancer or Belize Aggressor, big quartz lights illuminate the reef under the boat and whether you stay near the boat or explore further away there are amazing and wonderful sights awaiting discovery. Sleeping Scrawled Filefish, large silver tarpon or perhaps formations of reef squid are among the sights that can be seen. With the large lights guiding you back to the boat, making your exit point quite clear, hot showers to welcome you on board and the promise of a night-cap to complete the evening, night dives are something to remember!

THE TURNEFFE ISLANDS

& GLOVER'S REEF

If you take a cruise on a liveaboard or if you stay at Turneffe Island Lodge, you will also visit dive sites around the Turneffe Islands. On the Turneffe Islands the splendid shallow 3.6 metre dive at Aquarium is a great spot for underwater photography and for the last dive of the day. A variety of small corals and a profusion of small fish make this a very beautiful dive. The Sayonara was the transport boat of the Turneffe Islands Lodge. She was taken out of service in 1985 and sunk to provide and additional dive site. Now her wreckage lies in 12-14 metres of water and although she is rapidly disintegrating she still provides a home for many reef fish, including some rather large barracudas. Sayonara rests on a sandy slope with patch reefs featuring many coral heads. The Elbow can be found off the southern end of Turneffe Atoll and is famous for its fish population. Large schools of snappers, Permits and Horse-eye Jacks are frequent visitors here.

Divers who take a liveaboard boat will also have the opportunity to explore the dive sites of Glover's Reef. Between Long Caye and Northeast Caye is one of the four navigable channels through Glover's Reef. Long Caye Cut is generally shallow with lots of sandy patches and some coral. Tame Midnight and Blue Parrotfish are abundant and for some reason grow larger here than in other locations in the Caribbean, sometimes up to 1.2 metres in length! An excellent spot for a night dive, Octopus Alley lies east of Southwest Caye. As the name implies octopus are common here as are trunkfish and many crustaceans such as lobsters, crabs and shrimps.

LIGHTHOUSE REEF RESORT

A 20 minute flight from Belize City will whisk you to Lighthouse Reef. Tiny silver-sanded islands topped with palms and mangroves lie on the outer fringe of this remote atoll and it is on one of these magical islands that you will make your home for the next week. Lighthouse Reef Resort nestles on Northern Caye, a small private island at the northern end of the Lighthouse Reef Reserve. Designed and built to be compatible with its environment, the owners of the resort have committed themselves to the philosophy of attracting only those who share their concern for the preservation of the rich and unspoiled reefs and their sealife. The mahogany built cabanas each have king-sized beds and modern bathrooms. The air-conditioned bedrooms are extremely comfortable and pleasingly decorated, each offering private views of the lagoon. The restaurant menu is reasonably varied, with the emphasis on local food such as lobster, fish and conch. Perhaps order a margarita from the well-stocked bar and sip it slowly while watching the spectacular red and gold sunset from the end of the pier.

For the non-diver, snorkeling in the shallow, warm waters of the lagoon, fishing (big-game fishing can be arranged) and swimming are all on offer here. For the photographer there are good opportunities for photographing some beautiful island scenery and the seabirds of Half Moon Caye.

Lighthouse Reef Resort operates week-long packages, departing from Belize City Airport every Saturday throughout the year. On your first day at Lighthouse Reef Resort the dive guide will accompany you on a dive close to the resort for an initial check-out dive before two further boat dives. On subsequent days three boat dives are scheduled daily, with the first two taken in the morning and the third after lunch. The first couple of days will be spent exploring the dive sites at the northern end of Lighthouse Reef. During the course of the week the boat will venture further afield and on two days the whole day will be spent at more distant dive locations at the south end of Lighthouse Reef. (Indeed, when you visit Half Moon Caye, even the resort cook joins you for the day and goes ashore to prepare lunch whilst you enjoy the diving. A night dive is scheduled during the week. On the last full day there are just two boat dives. Lighthouse Reef Resort has two boats, one fully equipped for deep-sea fishing and a larger boat which is usually used for diving. Divers enter the water with a giant stride and return to one of the two ladders at the end of the dive where there are always willing hands to assist you on board.

Cabana: £956 (non-divers: £808) from 15 June-9 November

Cabana: £1085 (non-divers: £847) at all other times

Junior Suite: £1066 (non-divers: £920) from 15 June-9 November

Junior Suite: £1196 (non-divers: £958) at all other times

Suite: £1179 (non-divers: £1028) from 15 June-9 November

Suite: £1309 (non-divers: £1060) at all other times

Includes:

· Tropic Air flight from Belize City to Lighthouse Reef and return.

· 7 nights full-board accommodation, including soft drinks, on a twin/share basis at Lighthouse Reef Resort.

· 6 days diving (usually 3 boat dives a day, but only 2 on last day; includes a night dive), dive guide, cylinders and weights.

Please note: The Belize tourism tax of approximately US $30 in local currency is payable on departure from Lighthouse Reef.

Single Occupancy Supplement: £304

Deposit: £300

TURNEFFE ISLAND LODGE

Turneffe Island Lodge has its home on a 12-acre island on the eastern side of the 40 kilometre long Turneffe Atoll and is reached by a one hour boat ride from Belize City. Fringed by waving palm trees and silver white sandy beaches the island welcomes both divers and non-divers to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, warm water and excellent food in this remote Caribbean destination. Twelve well-appointed beachfront rooms are each just a few steps from the clear blue water and situated to catch the cool ocean tradewinds. Built in the 1960s the cottages were up-graded in the mid-1990s. Each cottage has ceiling fans, air conditioning, private bathrooms and a screened verandah with a view overlooking the Caribbean. Seven spacious and very comfortable detached cabanas are also available (some with two beds, others with one bed and a sitting area). Between dives you can relax in a hammock, and when the diving is over for the day make your way to the bar for a tropical cooler in the balmy warmth of the evening. Meals are a highlight of the day and feature local seafood and shellfish.

Turneffe Island Lodge is particularly suitable for snorkelers, for the warm, clear waters surrounding the island are just over a metre deep in many places and are rich in marine life. For the non-diver, sailing, kayaking and swimming are also on offer here, but for divers and non-divers alike the remote location and peaceful atmosphere is the main attraction of a visit to Turneffe Island Lodge. The staff of this privately-owned resort pride themselves on the level of service they offer.

Each day, all you have to do is turn up at the dive dock and step aboard the boat as the lodge staff prepare and load your gear for you. Three boat dives are offered each day, with the first dive departing just after breakfast and returning at the end of the dive. As dive sites are usually no more than 10 minutes ride from the resort, the second dive is scheduled for mid-morning and the third dive goes out around 1500, leaving plenty of time for a delicious and leisurely lunch. One day a week (usually tuesday) the boat departs for a full days excursion to Lighthouse Reef, so that divers get the opportunity to dive the Blue Hole (for details, please see the diving description above) A full service dive operation offers rental equipment, gear repair, and instruction courses. Because the lodge is positioned close to many dive sites on the eastern, southern and western sides of the atoll, there is always a section of the atoll that is protected from the wind, ensuring that diving can take place which ever direction the wind comes from.

Turneffe Island Lodge operates week-long packages, departing from Belize City Airport every Saturday throughout the year (except September-October).

Standard Room

£1030 (non-divers: £988) from 1 June-31 August.

£1232 (non-divers: £1050) from 1 November-31 December.

£1313 (non-divers: £1050) from 1 January-31 May.

Cabana

£1218 (non-divers: £1176) from 1 June-31 August.

£1420 (non-divers: £1238) from 1 November-31 December.

£1501 (non-divers: £1238) from 1 January-31 May.

Includes:

· Land and boat transfer from Belize City to Turneffe Island Lodge and return.

· 7 nights full-board accommodation, including breakfast, lunch diner and afternoon snack, on a twin/share basis at Turneffe Island Lodge.

· 5 full days of diving (usually 3 boat dives a day and including a one day dive trip to the Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall and Long Caye Wall with picnic lunch, weather permitting) plus one or two dives on the last day, dive guide, cylinders and weights.

· Gratuities

· Sailing boat use, kayaking, volleyball and snorkeling.

Single Occupancy Supplement: £352 (Cabana: £728)

Deposit: £350

SUN DANCER

The stunningly elegant Sun Dancer II started operation with the Peter Hughes' Dancer fleet in 1997. Decked out in the now famous blue and white Dancer livery, she carries a maximum of 20 passengers in 10 staterooms each with private head and shower. The two Master Staterooms on the Main Deck have a queen-sized bed, private head and shower, TV/VCR and picture window views. Seven Deluxe Staterooms on the Main Deck each have either 2 twin beds or 1 king-sized bed, private head and shower and picture window views. The Owner's Suite on the Dolphin Deck has 2 twin beds or 1 king-sized bed, private head and shower, TV/VCR and porthole views at either side of the cabin. Each cabin provides a quiet and elegant space for relaxing, reading or sleeping. Towelling robes are provided for your stay on the boat. Clean towels are provided daily and clean sheets are provided mid-week. Complimentary toiletries are placed at the wash basin and each cabin has a built-in hairdryer. Ten crew offer superb service at all times, from morning coffee in your room to taking your tank at the dive platform on your return to the boat or providing hot towels at the end of a night dive.

The dive deck features a water fountain, mask defogging station, weight belt area, two showers, and a supply of fresh towels. Special rinse tanks for cameras are situated on the dive deck. Dive information is displayed on a large board which shows depth and marine life information. For safety and convenience a special hanging bar is raised and lowered from the dive platform and is maintained at a constant 5 metres below the boat during dives. Of special interest to underwater photographers is the spacious multi-tiered, carpeted photo-table complete with photo supplies and small towels. E-6 processing is available daily. Light tables are always available for slide viewing. A full camera and video rental service is available at daily or weekly rates. The boat has a photo pro on board who will assist you with your photography and also, if you wish, take a customized video of your diving holiday. Sun Dancer offers Nitrox facilities at an extra charge and a range of courses including PADI Advanced Open Water, IANTD, TDI and PADI Nitrox certification, Rebreather certification and Paul Humann Fish and Creature Identification. A full range of diving equipment is available for rental.

After diving most people head for the sundeck where they can relax (either in or out of the sun) and help themselves to iced drinks and delicious snacks. Freshly baked breads and biscuits show up in the morning and appetizers are served in the afternoon. Beverages and snacks are available at all times in the salon (along with a well-stocked bar). Meals are one of the highlights of the day. Hot breakfasts are cooked to order. Lunch is usually a buffet-style spread and dinner is waiter served. Wine is served with dinner and after dinner drinks are always offered.

Sun Dancer operates out of the harbour at the Radisson Fort George Hotel, Belize City for 7 nights cruises, departing every Saturday throughout the year.

A Peter Hughes' Dancer Fleet brochure is available from our office on request.

£1377 for an Owner's Suite.

£1448 for a Deluxe Stateroom.

£1518 for a Master Stateroom.

Includes:

· Airport transfers at Belize City, if arriving/departing on Saturdays.

· 7 nights cruise on Sun Dancer on a twin/share basis with full board, including soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits.

· 5 full days of diving (up to 4 or 5 dives per day, including night dives) plus one or two dives on the last day, cylinders and weights.

· Port tax.

Non-divers: A 10% reduction applies.

Additional Week: A 10% discount applies.

Single Occupancy Supplement: If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a twin cabin with a fellow passenger of the same sex you can avoid paying any supplement. If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself a 50% supplement applies and the deposit requirement is doubled.

Deposit: £450

BELIZE AGGRESSOR

The Belize Aggressor is a very comfortable liveaboard that carries a maximum of 18 passengers in 9 twin-berth staterooms. Each air-conditioned stateroom has a private head and shower with individual climate controls. Eight Deluxe Staterooms on the lower deck have a lower double bed and an upper single bed. The Master Suite on the upper deck has one double bed. All the staterooms have porthole views. Belize Aggressor has six crew members to make sure that your diving holiday runs smoothly. Between dives guests can relax on the sundeck (either in or out of the shade) or try the amazing hot tub! The salon has an excellent collection of books, videos and music to enjoy and light tables are available for slide viewing.

The dive deck covers the aft third of the main deck. Large gear lockers double as seats and line the rails and centre. Two tanks are mounted at the back of each locker, so it is easy to don your equipment at your seat or ask for the tank to be taken to the dive platform. A large three-tiered camera table has plenty of space for camera assembly or preparation and separate rinse tanks are kept for cameras and videos. The photography department provides rental cameras and accessories as well as the services of the photo pro if you require a model or expert advice. E-6 processing is provided daily. Light tables are always available for slide viewing. A range of PADI and NAUI speciality courses are offered on Bay Islands Aggressor including Nitrox training and facilities. A full range of diving equipment is available for rental by pre-arrangement.

For after the dive there is a freshwater shower and clean towels awaiting, as well as the chef's freshly prepared snacks to appease the after-dive hunger pangs! Delicious barbecues, American and local dishes are served; breads, biscuits and baked snacks come strait from the oven. Most meals are served buffet-style.

Belize Aggressor operates out of the harbour at The Radisson Fort George Hotel, Belize City for 7 nights cruises, departing every Saturday throughout the year.

A Belize Aggressor brochure is available from our office on request.

£1403 in a Deluxe Stateroom

£1475 in a Master Suite

Includes:

· Airport transfers at Belize City, if arriving/departing on Saturdays.

· 7 nights cruise on Belize Aggressor on a twin/share basis with full board (except dinner on the last night), including non-alcoholic and local alcoholic beverages.

· 5.5 days 'unlimited' diving (including night dives), dive guide, cylinders and weights.

Please note: A port tax/park fee/recompression chamber fee, currently US $45 per person, will be collected on board. Dinner on the last night is not included, but guests will be provided with guidance about good local restaurants.

Non-divers: A £141 reduction applies.

Additional Week: A £141 discount applies.

Single Occupancy Supplement: If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a twin cabin with a fellow passenger of the same sex you can avoid paying any supplement. If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself a 50% supplement applies.

Deposit: £500

FLIGHTS

Lighthouse Reef Resort, Turneffe Island Lodge, Sun Dancer and Belize Aggressor packages run from Saturday to Saturday, but as it is not possible to reach Belize the same day it is necessary to leave London on Friday morning and overnight in Houston en route.

The airfares shown are the least expensive fare category available at the time of going to press. We will quote you the airfare applicable, based on current fare levels and booking class availability, at the time of booking. The usual airfare deposit is £100.

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES

Depart on a Friday morning from London (Gatwick) to Belize City via Houston, with an overnight stop in Houston en route, arriving at Belize City on Saturday afternoon. Return from Belize City on Saturday afternoon via Houston, arriving at London (Gatwick) on Sunday morning.

£615 for departures 1 January-30 April (excluding Easter), 1 November-13 December, 25-31 December.

£690 for departures 1 May-30 June, 1-31 October.

£790 for departures at Easter, 1 July-30 September, 14-24 December.

Includes:

· Scheduled flights London (Gatwick)/Houston/Belize City/Houston/London (Gatwick) by Continental Airlines.

Overnights in Houston: £40 per night room-only at the Marriott Airport Hotel, a comfortable hotel situated within the Houston Intercontinental Airport terminal complex, on a twin/share basis. A single occupancy supplement of £40 per night applies.