Belize is not normally a country most people think of when visiting the Caribbean, but it has some of the most stunning tropical Caribbean coastlines. One of the most notable attractions in the country is the Great Blue Hole near the center of the Lighthouse Reef.
The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole. There are a number of stunning blue marine sinkholes around the world, and they are visually stunning as they are popular for divers. Belize's most famous sinkhole - the Great Blue Hole really does live up to expectations - not to mention the massive shipwreck one can see en route.
What To Know Of Belize's Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is worth seeing, although it's quite a trip out to see it. The giant marine sinkhole is 43 miles off the mainland and from the capital of Belize City. It is around 1,040 feet in diameter and 407 feet fee deep. It was formed during episodes of glaciation when sea levels were much lower than they are today.
- Diameter: 318 Meters or 1,040 Feet
- Depth: 124 meters or 407 Feet
- Formed: 153,000, 66,000, 60,000, and 15,000 years ago
Research indicates that was formed in stages 153,000, 66,000, 60,000, and 15,000 years ago. As the glaciers melted, the sea levels rose once again leaving the cave flooded.
Today the Great Blue Hole is part of the large Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System.
Go to the Yucatán Peninsula and one can find similar sinkholes called cenotes. They are some of the most beautiful attractions of the Yucatán and were sometimes considered sacred by the Maya.
Seeing The Great Blue Hole From the Air
Astrum Helicopters offers scenic helicopter flights out to the Great Blue Hole, they offer both private and happy hour tours.
Private Helicopter Tours of the Great Blue Hole
If money isn't an issue, then book a private tour out of the Great Blue Hole. Enjoy the VIP experience of a private tour and be guided by their expert pilots who point out views of interest. During the tour one will even be able to get close up looks of a shipwreck and will be able to pick out marine life in the Caribbean below like sting rays and manatees.
For an even better experience, consider bringing one's own guide along for the tour.
Blue Hole Happy Hour Tour
For those who would like to make a more memorable experience out of the trip, consider their Blue Hole Happy Hour Tour. On this tour one can see the Great Blue Hole and the Belize Barrier reef from the air while sip one's favorite champagne.
This is a great option for people wanting to make a more romantic tour out of the experience. Just add a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolates to the ticket.
- Price: Inquire For A Price
- Helicopter: Choice of a 4 or 6 Passenger Helicopter
- Diving: Option To Add Scuba Diving or Snorkeling Onto The Trip
- Guide: Optional Guide
- Transfers: Airport Transfers Available
Diving The Great Blue Hole
Belize's Great Blue Hole is famous as one of the world's greatest scuba diving sites. It is now popular for recreational scuba divers drawn in by the mesmerizingly beautiful hole. Divers are greeted with midnight parrotfish, reef sharks, hammerheads, and other marine species.
Diving trips are normally day trips from the mainland. Ambergris Divers offers day diving tours to the Great Blue Hole and Lightouse Reef. On the tour, divers will see an explosion of marine life on the walls of Half Moon Caye and Long Caye. See deep caverns and shallows teaming with life.
- Duration: Full-Day Trip
- Departs at: 6:00am
- Returns around: 5-5:30pm
- Travel Time: 2.5hr each way
The tour begins at sunrise as one enjoys the morning's breakfast. The travel time onboard the boat is 2.5 hours. The tour leaves between two and three times a week and the tour is confirmed after 10 or more people have booked the trip.
- 3 dives: 130ft Blue Hole deep dive, ~60ft walls by Half-Moon Caye & Long Caye
- Meals: Breaks, Lunch, Snacks
- Excluded: $40 Park Fee
The trip includes three dives, meals, and sales tax. Scuba diving equipment is available for rent on request. Pick-ups are also available on request for an extra fee.