Lighthouse Reef, Belize
The Mesoamerican Reef is the world’s second largest barrier reef – stretching 450 miles along the coast of Belize and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This reef was built entirely by the biological activity of millions of tiny coral polyps, over the course of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years. Dozens of species of corals, sponges and coralline algae form the structure that supports hundreds of species of fish and marine invertebrates. Outside this barrier reef are four of the five atolls found in the Caribbean. We spent today at one of those atolls – Lighthouse Reef. Measuring approximately 25 miles long and 5 miles wide, this oblong ring of coral reef is entirely submerged, with only three small cayes breaking the sea’s surface. At the extreme southeast end of the atoll is the 45-acre Half Moon Caye National Monument. This small, palm and ziricote covered island is home to 4,000 nesting red-footed boobies as well as hundreds of magnificent frigatebirds.
This morning we all ferried ashore by Zodiac, despite a lively breeze and a few wave splashes. We set out in small groups to traverse the island and discover its treasures. There were giant hermit crabs, enormous termite nests, half a dozen varieties of drift seeds, a lighthouse – and the birds. Climbing a ladder to an elevated platform in groups of eight, we found ourselves eye to eye with nesting boobies and displaying frigatebirds. Watching through the ship’s spotting scope, we could see the adult boobies’ gorgeous pastel faces and the gawky white puffiness of the chicks. Also the huge red balloons inflated under the male frigatebirds’ chins as they displayed for potential mates.
In the afternoon, a few folks headed back to shore, some for more birdwatching and a few to try the snorkeling. Although the current was strong and the visibility wasn’t perfect, we saw some great fish! Schools of blue tangs, like those pictured, grazed on the algal turf. We also saw ocean surgeonfish, seargeant majors, goatfish, snappers, feisty little damselfish, wrasses and an enormous midnight parrotfish. The lovely purple sea fans and feathery sea rods swayed in the current, while tiny gobies and hawkfish flitted over the scrawled surface of the brain corals. Just at the end, we came face to face with the pursed lips of a spotted trunkfish.
All told, it’s been a delightful, quiet day at Half Moon Caye.
The Mesoamerican Reef is the world’s second largest barrier reef – stretching 450 miles along the coast of Belize and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This reef was built entirely by the biological activity of millions of tiny coral polyps, over the course of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years. Dozens of species of corals, sponges and coralline algae form the structure that supports hundreds of species of fish and marine invertebrates. Outside this barrier reef are four of the five atolls found in the Caribbean. We spent today at one of those atolls – Lighthouse Reef. Measuring approximately 25 miles long and 5 miles wide, this oblong ring of coral reef is entirely submerged, with only three small cayes breaking the sea’s surface. At the extreme southeast end of the atoll is the 45-acre Half Moon Caye National Monument. This small, palm and ziricote covered island is home to 4,000 nesting red-footed boobies as well as hundreds of magnificent frigatebirds.
This morning we all ferried ashore by Zodiac, despite a lively breeze and a few wave splashes. We set out in small groups to traverse the island and discover its treasures. There were giant hermit crabs, enormous termite nests, half a dozen varieties of drift seeds, a lighthouse – and the birds. Climbing a ladder to an elevated platform in groups of eight, we found ourselves eye to eye with nesting boobies and displaying frigatebirds. Watching through the ship’s spotting scope, we could see the adult boobies’ gorgeous pastel faces and the gawky white puffiness of the chicks. Also the huge red balloons inflated under the male frigatebirds’ chins as they displayed for potential mates.
In the afternoon, a few folks headed back to shore, some for more birdwatching and a few to try the snorkeling. Although the current was strong and the visibility wasn’t perfect, we saw some great fish! Schools of blue tangs, like those pictured, grazed on the algal turf. We also saw ocean surgeonfish, seargeant majors, goatfish, snappers, feisty little damselfish, wrasses and an enormous midnight parrotfish. The lovely purple sea fans and feathery sea rods swayed in the current, while tiny gobies and hawkfish flitted over the scrawled surface of the brain corals. Just at the end, we came face to face with the pursed lips of a spotted trunkfish.
All told, it’s been a delightful, quiet day at Half Moon Caye.
