Itza Resort

Located on Long Caye in the heart of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Itza Resort provides a rare opportunity to live directly on the reef. While most divers must travel from the mainland, staying here means you are only minutes away from the atoll's most iconic sites. This proximity allows for shorter boat rides, more flexible dive timings, and the luxury of returning to the island for your surface intervals.

The resort operates as a rustic ecolodge, designed for those who prefer the sounds of the ocean and the rhythm of the tides over polished luxury. It is a remote, offshore location that requires a two-hour boat transfer from Belize City, making it a true escape into the marine reserve. The atmosphere is defined by natural ventilation, beachfront rooms, and a deep connection to the surrounding environment.

This is a Belizean-owned operation that prioritises a low-density experience. The team focuses on small group diving, ensuring that trips are not combined with unrelated bookings to create large, impersonal crowds. This approach allows for a more attentive environment where the staff can focus on the specific needs of each diver.

The staff is known for being knowledgeable and friendly, catering to both those looking to complete their initial certifications and experienced divers seeking remote reef exploration. The resort also offers lionfish hunting excursions for certified divers, reflecting a commitment to local marine management.

The centre is affiliated with both PADI and SSI, offering a comprehensive range of training programmes. Beginners can start their journey with the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to expand their technical capabilities can progress through the Advanced Open Water Diver course.

Whether you are looking to gain your first certification or are an experienced diver working towards new specialties, the instruction is delivered through these recognised international frameworks.

The resort provides full equipment hire for those not travelling with their own kit, including masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits. For those who prefer to bring their own setup, there is a complete range of rental options available to supplement your gear.

As an ecolodge, the resort operates with a focus on sustainability, using solar energy and rainwater collection. The facilities are designed to be functional and clean, providing the essential base needed for a multi-dive day in a remote offshore setting.

The reef systems here are teeming with life, from large pelagics to intricate coral structures. You will regularly encounter reef sharks, eagle rays, and various turtle species, including loggerhead turtles and hawksbill turtles. Large schools of snapper, barracuda, and jacks move through the water, often accompanied by hunting groupers and jacks.

During the spring and early summer, the area sees increased activity, including larger fish aggregations, increased predator movement, and denser schooling of silverside bait balls. This is also a prime time for observing eagle rays and larger reef shark activity.

In the summer and autumn, the presence of plankton increases, which can lead to sightings of manta rays. This period also coincides with turtle nesting seasons.

For those interested in macro life, the reef hosts a variety of species including octopus, moray eels, stingrays, pufferfish, and lobsters. You can also find colourful reef fish such as angelfish, creole wrasse, parrotfish, and blue chromis amongst the corals and sponges.

The boat crossing to the atoll can be challenging, involving swells and waves that may be rough depending on the day. Navigating the gaps in the reef can sometimes involve more complex sea conditions, such as the 'Washing Machine' waves.

During the dry season, particularly from November to April, stronger currents are more common. While the Half Moon Caye Wall often provides calmer conditions for observation, other sites may require more experience to manage the movement of the water.