The Belize Blue Hole is a massive sinkhole in the Caribbean Sea. It is one of a kind physical feature that attracts local and international tourists who come to look at this breathtaking phenomenon.
Both researchers nor visitors have not even begun to comprehend what this giant, blue water-filled hole is all about, what lead to its formation, or why it’s still there. This deep blue hole imaginable is seemingly mysterious!
One thing for sure is that the Belize Blue Hole is a major tourist destination for its unearthly beauty. It is also a top spot for experienced divers who want to test their skills to the limit and people who explore the Great Blue Hole’s geological formations and marine life.
Let us give you an insight into this stunning natural formation and what to expect when you visit.
Quick Facts About the Belize Blue Hole
The Belize Blue Hole is one of a kind. It is located in the Caribbean Sea, about 62 miles from the mainland of Belize. The Great Blue Hole is a near-perfectly round hole near the center of the Lighthouse Reef atoll.
Great Blue Hole came from its clear blue waters and was publicized by a British diver, Ned Maddleton, famous for his book, Ten Years Underwater.
The Belize Blue Hole is a sea hole. That means it is a submerged cave filled with rising water levels. Like all other similar caves, the Belize Blue Hole was formed during the last ice age more than 10,000 years ago.
The Great Blue Hole is the world’s largest known sea hole. Its diameter is 984 feet, and is 419 feet deep. Even experienced divers have difficulty reaching the bottom, and at least two divers are known to have died attempting it.
In December 2018, two small submarines attempted to map the hole’s interior and bottom. They found at approximately 300 feet, the water was without any oxygen and completely pitch black. They also discovered the bodies of two divers at the very bottom.
The Belize Blue Hole is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is part of a vast barrier reef, the second-largest barrier reef after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The Great Blue Hole offers one of the best diving spots for seasoned divers.
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Detailed Information About the Great Blue Hole
We can say a lot about this Blue Hole in Belize. There are mysteries about its formation, marine life, geological structure, and people’s activities when they visit. Let’s get into the details.
Formation of the Belize Blue Hole
The present-day Belize Blue Hole was once dry land. It was formed at the end of the last ice age when the sea waters rose from 400 feet to 500 feet about 15,000 years ago.
It all started as a limestone cave system during the last glacial period. The end of the ice age caused a continuous rise in water levels that flooded the caves.
And as a result of the dissolving limestone, the roof collapsed. At the end of that long process, a nearly perfect circle with a pupil-like appearance formed. This is the present-day Belize Blue Hole in Belize.
The Belize Blue Hole is the world’s largest feature of its kind. It is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System and a World Heritage Site of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The Geological Formations of Belize Blue Hole
The now Belize Blue Hole was initially part of an on-shore cave system before the ocean rose after the last glacial period. The rising sea levels flooded the caves, creating underwater caverns that experienced divers can only explore.
The Great Blue Hole is one of the most famous diving spots for its geological formations. Its popular underwater structures include stalactites and stalagmites. These were formed during the last great ice age before the cave was flooded by water.
Some stalactites and stalagmites are up to 40 feet long. These are some of the unique scenes that divers can enjoy below the surface. More experienced divers can further discover bedrock ledges and underwater dunes. Deeper down the hole, divers find a limestone shelf.
No one has ever explored the entire depths of the Belize Blue Hole. That is because it gets darker as you go down. Many people believe it is full of silt that has accumulated over the years, but the truth is, no one knows what is exactly there for sure.
If you explore the deeper depths of the Belize Blue Hole for more geological formations, remember to carry a torch or two. That will help you navigate the extensive cave systems of one of the most amazing places on Earth.
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Marine Life in the Great Blue Hole
Discovering the true marine life in this deep Blue Hole beyond the coral growth is difficult. Only experienced divers and special submarines can explore the deep waters of this hole. Nevertheless, the Great Blue Hole is still a top wonder of nature.
Over 500 fish species and more than 106 coral species call it home. Many other unique creatures call the Great Blue Hole home. Elkhorn and Brain Corals are the most common in the shallower portions. But as you go deeper, you will uncover a new world of marine life.
The Great Blue Hole is also home to Pederson’s shrimp, neon gobies, angelfish, groupers, and purple sea fans. You will also meet different shark species, including bull sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, black tip sharks, hammerhead sharks, and nurse sharks.
Other animals in the hole include neon gobies, angelfish, giant groupers, and purple sea fans. The Great Blue Hole shows it is a rich habitat, given the different animal species that live in it.
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Diving Activities in the Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is a favorite spot for scuba diving because of its stunning blue waters and depth. But you can also visit it to marvel at the panoramic view of the site. Its aerial pupil-like shape and remarkable coral reefs are all worth your time.
This one of the world’s largest natural formations attracts divers from all over the world. You cannot talk about diving without thinking about the Great Blue Hole. It is a world-class destination for recreational scuba divers. However, it is only for skilled divers.
Scuba diving operators offer the best way to explore the Belize Blue Hole. You can easily judge that getting through from the surface is easy.
The extensive cave system submerged under the water is unknown to many novice divers. Navigating these geological features demands skills and experience that a newbie cannot showcase.
Only scuba divers who have logged 24 dives or more can go in. And even the experienced ones do not go beyond 135 meters deep. That’s because it gets darker and darker as you go deeper. There is also a fear of Caribbean reef shark attacks and disturbing other sea life. Ensure you have proper scuba diving insurance by searching for policies on TravelInsurance.com or World Nomads adventure travel insurance plans.
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Freediving at the Belize Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole also attracts freedivers for its bottomless depth. Freediving entails descending or swimming in deep waters without a breathing apparatus, unlike scuba diving. It is an incredible experience for skilled divers visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Freediving offers therapeutic and enjoyable benefits. However, it requires training and experience to hold your breath underwater.
And as mentioned, the Great Blue Hole is not where you can perfect your skills. Try them out at shallow pools and reefs before discovering the undersea world at Belize Blue Hole.
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The Lighthouse Reef
According to the Discovery Channel, the Belize Hole is the most amazing place on earth. The Discovery Channel ranked it the first for the breathtaking features this place offers visitors. Well, it’s hard to argue with them!
Experienced scuba divers get to explore the Great Blue Hole better than novices, free divers, and snorkelers. They explore the geological formations and admire the marine life in the Great Blue Hole. However, you never fall short of panoramic views to wow you, regardless of your ability. You don’t have to get yourself wet to marvel at this natural wonder of the world.
The Belize Blue Hole is located on the Lighthouse Reef in the Caribbean Sea. Colorful coral reefs cover its entire circumference. The limestone-covered ridges provide ideal conditions that allow coral reefs to thrive.
As stated earlier, the sea level rose after the last ice age. It aided in the growth of coral that covered the outer waters and shallow depths inside the lagoon. That phenomenon created a unique coral reef appearance that attracted scientists and tourists globally.
Another reason to visit the Blue Hole is its deep blue waters and pupil-like shape. Using a drone camera or flying in a helicopter can allow you to capture the best aerial views of this hole that was once an enormous cavern. Skydivers also view the blue water and surrounding coral reef walls better.
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The Inland Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is not the only natural marvel in this area. Most visitors visit the “other Blue Hole” after their day trips to the Belize Blue Hole.
The Inland Blue Hole is located about 12 miles south of the City of Belmopan. It is an inland water hole on the Hummingbird Highways, making it more accessible than the Great Blue Hole.
This Inland Blue Hole is on the St. Herman’s Cave System under the national park administration. It is also one of the tourist’s favorite spots for its cool freshwater pools. A parking facility is also available on sight.
Once you reach the hole, you use stairs to descend 30 feet to the water. The Inland Blue Hole is a sinkhole formed after the underground river channel collapsed. The Cave’s Branch River replenishes the cool turquoise water. The pool of water remains clear and cold all year round, thanks to the dense forest around it.
Planning a Trip to the Belize Blue Hole
Proper planning for your trip is the best way to enjoy a visit to the world’s famous Blue Hole. Pick the right time and arrange your visit in advance.
Most tourists to this region take flights to Cancun and connect with another flight to Belize City. Once in Belize, you can take a bus to Ambergris Caye or another connecting flight. This island is often crowded with international tourists. So, you will have to make hotel reservations in advance.
You can plan to visit the Blue Belize Hole the following morning to have the best experience. Ask the hotel staff to help you reserve a speedboat to take you to the actual place. You may also need experts to guide you to minimize the chances of accidents.
The return journey is just the reverse of the previous steps. You should have your speedboat ready to pick you up and take you back to San Pedro Town.
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Accommodation Services Near the Great Blue Hole
Most tourists to Belize Blue Hole are accommodated at San Pedro, the only town on the palm-frocked island of Ambergris Caye. You can find hotels and resorts with comfortable rooms and excellent services where you can relax after a long trip to and from the sinkhole.
Search for the most comfortable and budget hotels online at Booking.com or Hotels.com to make your reservations. You have many options to choose from, but we recommend the following hotels:
- Blue Water Beach Villas
- Turtle Cove Boutique Resort
- Mangata Villas
- Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club
- Lina Point Belize Overwater Resort
- Costa Blu Beach Resort
FAQs
How long does it take to get to the Belize Blue Hole?
The trip to the Belize Blue Hole usually begins from Ambergris and takes 3 hours. You can also start your journey from Plascencia in Southern Belize, but you will take an hour more. Also, prepare for a rough boat ride to the site.
Is it worth it to snorkel the Blue Hole Belize?
Yes. Belize Blue Hole offers a large area for snorkeling. It may not give you the best fun, but it is ideal if you make it part of your day trip to other amazing places to visit in Belize.
Can you swim in the Great Blue Hole in Belize?
Yes. You can swim in the shallow waters of the Belize Blue Hole as you admire the coral reefs around its perimeter. However, diving is only reserved for skilled divers. Just stick to the shallow edges if you are inexperienced.
Are there sharks in the Blue Hole?
Yes. The Belize Blue Hole is home to different sea creatures, including sharks. These include the Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, and hammerheads. Many non-swimmers who visit the hole go there to admire its biodiversity.
How deep do you dive into the Blue Hole?
Open water divers go up to 70 feet deep, and experienced divers with certificates can extend to 130 feet below the water surface. The Belize Blue Hole has complex geological formations that are difficult to navigate. It also gets darker as you dive deeper.
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