Top Dive Sites

The Elbow

Description: The Elbow is arguably the most famous dive site in Turneffe Atoll. It features a dramatic drop-off that plunges into the abyss, creating a striking underwater landscape that appeals to advanced divers.

Marine Species: You’ll encounter schooling barracuda, horse-eye jacks, eagle rays, and occasionally large pelagic species like mahi-mahi and tuna.

Unique Encounters: The site is known for its shark sightings, particularly Caribbean reef sharks and the occasional hammerhead. The nutrient-rich currents that sweep through the area attract these apex predators.

Photography: The sheer walls and dramatic underwater topography offer excellent photo opportunities. Wide-angle shots will capture the vast schools of fish and occasional shark encounters. The visibility can reach up to 30 meters, adding to the clarity of your underwater photographs.

Suitability: This dive site is best suited for advanced divers due to the strong currents and depth, which can descend well beyond the recreational diving limits.

Black Coral Wall

Description: Black Coral Wall is a stunning site characterized by its vertical walls covered in black coral, creating a surreal underwater forest.

Marine Species: Here, you can find a variety of species such as butterflyfish, angelfish, trumpetfish, and occasionally, the elusive green moray eel.

Unique Encounters: The black coral itself is a rare and unique feature, providing a habitat for various small organisms. You may also catch glimpses of larger species like groupers and turtles that frequent the wall.

Photography: The contrast between the black coral and the vibrant marine life makes for spectacular macro photography opportunities. Additionally, the wall drops to great depths, so be prepared to capture some impressive wide-angle shots of the dramatic scenery.

Suitability: Suitable for intermediate to advanced divers, Black Coral Wall offers both shallow and deeper diving experiences. The wall’s upper sections can be enjoyed by less experienced divers, while more seasoned divers can explore the depths.

The Terrace

Description: The Terrace is known for its multi-level coral terraces that create a series of steps descending into the deep blue. This unique formation provides a layered habitat for a plethora of marine life.

Marine Species: The site is home to parrotfish, snapper, triggerfish, and various species of wrasse. Spotting a hawksbill turtle grazing on the coral is a common occurrence.

Unique Encounters: Unique to The Terrace are the extensive hard coral formations and occasional sightings of spotted eagle rays gliding over the terraces. The structure of the site provides plenty of nooks and crannies for exploration.

Photography: Each terrace level provides a different vista, allowing for diverse photographic compositions. The interplay of light and shadow on the coral formations can create stunning images. The site’s topography offers both macro and wide-angle photography opportunities.

Suitability: This site is beginner-friendly, with shallower terraces accessible to novice divers. Advanced divers can take advantage of the deeper sections to explore to their heart’s content.

Considerations for Each Dive Site

Water Temperature: The water temperature around Turneffe Atoll generally ranges between 78°F (26°C) in the winter months to a welcoming 84°F (29°C) during the summer. These warm temperatures make it comfortable for divers to explore the depths without the need for thick wetsuits, although a 3mm wetsuit is commonly recommended.

Visibility: Clarity is exceptional, particularly between April and June when water visibility can extend up to 100 feet (30 meters). During other months, visibility might decrease but usually remains within an impressive range of 60-80 feet (18-24 meters). Factors like plankton blooms can occasionally affect these conditions.

Currents and Tides: Tidal and current conditions vary significantly across dive sites. While some areas boast gentle currents, ideal for relaxing exploration, others involve moderate to strong currents, which are preferred by more experienced divers seeking drift dives. It’s crucial to know the timings of these currents to plan dives safely.

Safety Tips:

• Always dive with a buddy or within a guided group, especially in areas with strong currents.
• Be mindful of depth limits appropriate to your certification and experience level.
• Carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) for visibility to boat traffic.
• Frequently check your dive computer or depth gauge, as it’s easy to get distracted by the abundance of marine life.
• Stay hydrated and apply reef-safe sunscreen to protect both yourself and the marine environment.

Regulations: Divers are required to adhere to local regulations aimed at preserving the delicate ecosystem of Turneffe Atoll. This includes:

• Avoiding contact with coral and marine life to prevent damage.
• Ensuring all gear is secure to avoid accidental drops that could harm the reef.
• Following Lionfish management protocols — divers may be permitted to hunt invasive Lionfish, contributing to reef conservation efforts.
• Staying updated on local marine protected areas and restricted zones to avoid fines and unintentional harm to protected species.