Caye Bokel, Turneffe Atoll, Belize

Permit Paradise

Permit Paradise is a wall and pinnacle complex on the south-eastern edge of Turneffe Atoll, named for the resident schools of permit fish that often greet divers near the corner. The site features a healthy reef ridge at 10 to 12 metres dropping to a wall that descends past 30 metres. Large barrel sponges, deep-water gorgonians, plate corals and a profusion of vase and rope sponges decorate the wall. Besides the namesake permits, the site reliably produces big horse-eye jacks, mutton snapper, big black grouper, occasional schools of Atlantic spadefish, southern stingrays and free-swimming spotted eagle rays. Caribbean reef sharks patrol the deeper sections. Currents pick up around the corner, and dives are usually run as gentle drifts along the wall, finishing on the shallow reef. Visibility is typically 20 to 30 metres. The site complements The Elbow as a slightly easier alternative on Turneffe liveaboard itineraries; suitable for intermediate divers and above.