40-80km (25-50 miles) E of Belize City
Roughly due east, out beyond the barrier reef, lie two of Belize's three open-ocean atolls, Turneffe Island Atoll and Lighthouse Reef Atoll. The reef and island rings of tranquillity in the midst of the Caribbean Sea are stunning and pristine places. The outer island atolls are popular destinations for day trips out from Belize City, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker. However, if you really want to experience their unique charms, you should stay at one of the few small lodges located right on the edge of one of them, or on one of the live-aboard dive boats that ply these waters.
