Vibrant Corals and Marine Life Ambergris Caye Tours Diving and Snorkeling Lighthouse Reef Atoll
Things To Do in The Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is a feature diving attraction in Belize, especially for divers with an appreciation of geographical phenomena. Located in the center of the Lighthouse Reef, the Great Blue Hole is 318 meters wide and 124 meters deep, making it a massive circular marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It was formed as a limestone cave system during the last Ice Age, when sea levels were much lower. As the ocean rose, the caves flooded and the roof collapsed, creating the deep blue void that is visible today. It was made famous by the oceanographer Jacques Cousteau in the 1970s.
Diving the Great Blue Hole is for certified divers, and many tour operators require you to have an Advanced Open Water certification due to the depth of the dive (up to 130 feet or 40 meters).
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Travel Guide for The Great Blue Hole Attractions & Activities
Scuba Diving
The Great Blue Hole is one of the most famous dive spots in the world. The main attraction is not the marine life, but the geological formations. Divers descend to about 40 meters (130 feet) to explore an ancient cave system with incredible stalactites and limestone formations that were formed thousands of years ago during the last Ice Age. While the depths of the hole are not teeming with fish, divers often encounter unique species and large marine animals, including Caribbean reef sharks, bull sharks, and hammerheads.
Snorkeling
Even if you're not a certified diver, you can still experience the Great Blue Hole. Snorkelers stay at the surface and tour the shallow coral reef that encircles the dark blue sinkhole. The reef is full of life, including a variety of colorful tropical fish, coral, and other marine creatures. Snorkeling tours often include other stops within the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, such as Half Moon Caye.
Scenic Flyover
For many, this is the best thing to do to appreciate the size and perfect circular shape of the Great Blue Hole. Small planes and helicopters offer tours that provide a unique perspective and excellent photo opportunities. These tours also provide beautiful aerial views of the surrounding Belize Barrier Reef, other cayes, and the vast expanse of the Caribbean Sea. Flights typically depart from San Pedro or Caye Caulker and last about an hour.
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Best Blue Hole Full Day Tours
Route from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is the biggest island of Belize and the perfect place to start a tour to the Great Blue Hole. You can either take a flight or a boat tour , as the Blue Hole is only 75 kms. offshore. San Pedro is a very lively, colorful town on Ambergris Caye known for its proximity to world-class diving and snorkeling destinations.
Route from Caye Caulker
This island is another great place to start your diving or snorkeling tour to the Great Blue Hole. It is a smaller and quiet island which makes it perfect if you prefer a more laid-back vacation.
Route from Belize City
It is possible to do a one-day tour to dive or snorkel in the Blue Hole from Belize City. You can take a boat, plane or helicopter tour . A flight takes about 1 hour and it is the best thing to do to enjoy the beautiful view of the Great Blue Hole and surroundings.
Water and Land Wilderness
Besides unforgettable diving spots, get to know the surroundings of the Great Blue Hole with this package. Travel around Belize City, San Ignacio, and Caye Caulker for some rainforest and beach time.
Where is The Blue Hole Located? + Map
The Great Blue Hole is located in the Caribbean Sea, near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a coral atoll about 70 kilometers (43 miles) off the coast of mainland Belize. Caye Caulker is the closest island to the Great Blue Hole, approximately 71 km (44 miles) away. Belize City is approximately 75 km (47 miles) away and San Pedro is approximately 81 km (50 miles) away.
The Great Blue Hole
Caribbean Sea
Belize
FAQs About Visiting The Great Blue Hole
How was the Great Blue Hole formed?
The hole was originally a limestone cave system on dry land during the last Ice Age. As the ice caps melted and sea levels rose, the cave system was flooded. Around 15,000 years ago, its roof collapsed, creating the circular abyss seen today.
Can I dive or snorkel in the Great Blue Hole?
Yes, both diving and snorkeling are possible, though diving into the hole's deep sections is only for experienced divers.
Is there a lot of marine life inside the hole?
Not much life is found inside the dark hole compared to the vibrant coral reefs surrounding it. The dive tour is mainly to experience the unique geological formations.
How long does a visit take?
A tour to the Great Blue Hole typically takes up an entire day. It involves a long boat ride from the mainland or nearby islands, often including stops at other dive sites.
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