Glover’s Reef: 3 Dives

Named from the English pirate John Glover, who used the atoll as a base to plunder Spanish ships in the 1600’s. It is Belize’s smallest and southernmost atoll, only 20 miles long and 7.5 miles wide. It is also Belize’s most completely formed coral atoll offering a wide abundance of coral and marine life, unmatched by any other dive location in Belize. Because it is located farthest from the busier diving hub of Ambergris Caye and Belize City, you will soon discover that it is also the least visited of all the atolls, which makes for real pristine diving. Home to about 700 patch reefs in the lagoon and surrounded by 50 miles of sheer drop-offs, which start from 25 feet and drop straight down to about 2,700 feet, you will find that most of the reefs are virtually uncharted and untouched. It might take you a bit longer to get there but the diving is defiantly worth the long ride. Once there, you will soon realize that there are a countless amount of dive sites to choose from. But, some of the most popular ones we visit are: Long Caye Wall: Located just about a 200 meters from Long Caye, this wall is simply spectacular. You will find every kind of Caribbean coral and colorful sponges on this dive. Mantas are often seen along the wall as well. The Aquarium: The name of this dive site says it all, diving here can sometimes feel like you’re actually in an aquarium. It offers crystal clear waters and huge colorful schools of creole wrasse and yellowtail snappers hanging out at cleaning stations. You might also run into the occasional dolphins and turtles, as well as huge numbers of horse-eye jack and black durgons as you venture off the wall. Most of the activity here are often found early in the morning or late in the day, so we normally make this site our first dive or last before we embark on our journey home. Manta Wall: Named from the nearby Manta Resort, it is known for its swim throughs created by massive star, boulder star, and mound corals. Here you will find nurse sharks lurking, and huge groupers almost as big as yourself. The Pinnacles: One of the more unique dives you can find at Glover’s Reef Atoll, it features about three dozen or so giant coral pinnacles that raise up from about 100 feet all the way to about 10 feet. The fish life and overall site is comparable to any Glover’s Reef Dive.