Great Blue Hole Ambergris Caye Lighthouse Coral Reef Caye Caulker UNESCO World Heritage
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 sites 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, exploring 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 way 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 Blue Hole, there you can choose one of the many diving stores in the only town on the island, San Pedro. Snorkeling is also possible if you are not a diver.
Route from Caye Caulker
Located near Ambergris Caye, this island is another great place to start your diving or snorkeling tour. It is a smaller island and is quieter 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, we suggest this option if you cannot travel to one of the islands or if you prefer to stay in just one place and take day tours. If you are not a diver but still want to see the Blue Hole, the best option is to take a flying tour. If you fly by airplane or helicopter, over the Blue Hole, you can enjoy the view of a beautiful creation of nature. If you are not a diver and take a boat tour you won’t be able to appreciate the Blue Hole.
Please consider that you must be a certified diver in order to go Scuba Diving in the Blue Hole.
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, off the coast of Belize. It is near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll that is part of the larger Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Blue Hole is a large hole of water 480 feet (145 m) deep, which gives the deep blue color that causes such structures throughout the world to be known as "blue holes."
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?
Less life is found inside the dark, oxygen-poor depths of the hole compared to the vibrant coral reefs surrounding it. The dive is mainly to experience the unique geological formations.
How long does a visit take?
A trip 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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