Turneffe Atoll
Turneffe Atoll Belize is the largest and most biodiverse coral atoll in the Caribbean, located just 30 miles east of Belize City. While we do not schedule regular trips to Turneffe Atoll, as our guests prefer either Lighthouse Atoll or Glover’s Reef for more distant dive destinations, we do include Turneffe Atoll Belize on our overnight Lighthouse Atoll trips. Most divers who wish to dive Turneffe stay on the atoll or make day trips from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. However, when we do overnight trips to Lighthouse Atoll, we can include The Elbow at the south end of Turneffe on the way.
Turneffe Atoll Belize: The Elbow Dive Site
The Elbow at the south end of Turneffe Atoll Belize ranks among the very best dive sites in the country. Specifically, the wall top starts at 60–100 feet (18–30 meters). Furthermore, depending on the tide, strong currents flow from the north down both sides of the atoll, converging at The Elbow. As a result, this attracts large schools of jacks, snappers, sharks, and eagle rays. In addition, you may even encounter dolphins and larger pelagics rarely seen on other Belize reefs.
This is a drift dive. Therefore, strong currents mean you can get separated from your group. Always carry a marker tube and a whistle or air horn.
Moreover, Turneffe Atoll sits within the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve — one of Belize’s most protected marine areas. The atoll stretches over 30 miles long and contains over 500 species of fish and 65 species of coral. Consequently, it offers some of the richest diving in the entire Caribbean.
Interested in diving Turneffe Atoll Belize? Contact us to ask about adding it to your overnight Lighthouse Atoll trip. You can also learn more about the marine reserve at the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve website.
