Long Caye, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize

Tres Cocos

Tres Cocos is a series of three reef fingers and sand channels on the eastern flank of Lighthouse Reef, named after the three coconut palms once used as the surface marker. The spurs run from a top reef around 10 metres down to a sandy plateau between 20 and 25 metres, then a wall continues into deeper water. Massive star and brain corals, gorgonian sea fans, yellow tube sponges and elephant-ear sponges form a colourful matrix. Caribbean reef sharks patrol the outer wall and nurse sharks rest in the swim-through arches between the fingers. Spotted eagle rays often cruise the sand channels, alongside southern stingrays, large permit and cubera snappers. Divers also see green moray eels, queen triggerfish, several species of butterflyfish and the occasional hawksbill turtle. The site combines mild current with very good visibility, typically 25 to 30 metres. It is offered on most multi-tank day trips out of Belize City and on liveaboard itineraries to Lighthouse Reef. Open water certification with a deep specialty is recommended.