Growths of mountainous star coral, large sponges of all varieties, and soft coral growth galore decorate this reef. Along the top edge of the reef the depth averages between 35 and 40 feet. On the inside of the reef it drops down as if chopped with a cleaver to white sand that is strewn with garden eels, red hermit crabs, peacock flounders, blue parrot fish, barracuda, and southern rays for a photographers delight. The outside edge of the wall plummets straight down to depths exceeding 3,000 feet. Finning through the cuts in the wall from inside to outside there will be chance encounters with tarpon, eagle rays, turtles, and occasionally a solitary manta ray.

Halfmoon Caye is a national park managed currently by the Belize Audubon Society, and has a bird sanctuary that is the home of the red-footed Booby. Between dives you can go ashore at Halfmoon Caye for lunch and a trip into the interior of the island to view the nesting site of the Booby and the Magnificent Frigate bird. Bring your telephoto lens with your camera for some excellent shots from the viewing platform located in the center of the sanctuary. During the months of March, April, and sometimes May, there are to be found down-covered baby Booby's in the nest. Large marine iguanas can be encountered on the trek back into the sanctuary. Halfmoon Caye is the only place where the Red-footed Boobies are found.