Sunk by Dave Bennett in 1985, the Sayonara is a modern derelict. It is a former passenger/cargo boat and makes an excellent dive for inexperienced wreck divers. The wreck rests on a bed of coral and sand at a depth of 50 ft, listing slightly to starboard. It has about 15 ft of relief and is intact from fore to aft. Her wooden frame is deteriorating rapidly so entry of the cabin is not advisable as the whole structure may break apart. Besides, she was stripped of everything except the shaft and prop prior to sinking. Exterior exploration of the wreck can provide some interesting invertebrate life that is easy to photograph. Around the folded back doors and loose metal sheets you can locate a variety of organisms inactive during the day. Basket starfish cling to the roof of these artificial caverns. Typically, they appear as pale tan disks because their arms are folded around the central body. Coral shrimp, file clams and other residents seeking shelter can also be found in these protected alcoves. Much sediment and rotting wood can be seen and exploration inside the wreck is not encouraged as bubbles not only reduce visibility by disturbing the accumulated mud, and also may cause the superstructure to collapse. The Sayonara rests among some very luxurious coral growth and away from the wreck you'll find plenty of marine life on the reef. Coral growth is typically distributed in discontinuous formations 10-20 ft across and about equally as high. Most impressive here is the size and variability of emergent sponges. Giant basket and stinking vase sponges dwarf some of the coral formations. Basket sponges 4-5 ft high are common, together with yellow tube and bright red finger sponges. Red encrusting sponges are everywhere. Modest fish populations may also be seen. There are always stoplight parrotfish, French, gray and queen angels. A host of barracudas frequent the area. Small schools of French grunts circulate among the reefs and occasionally peacock flounders rest camouflaged out on the sand flats. Scores of nearby basket and vase sponges. Sandy slope with patch reefs features lots of coral heads, some 30 feet tall. The Sayonara was the transport boat for the Turneffe Island Lodge. It was taken out of service and sunk as a dive site in 1985. The wreckage is rapidly deteriorating. The wreck has become the hangout for a number of fishes which are used to being fed by divers. The site is buoyed.