From aerial views, the Great Blue Hole of Belize is exactly that – a massive, circular abyss of sapphire water. Considered to be a “bucket-list” item of Belize, the Great Blue Hole formed a sinkhole with the collapse of a cavern tens of thousands of years ago. The hole is 984 feet across and 410 feet deep – a football field (360 feet) seems minuscule in comparison. In the 1960’s, Jacques Cousteau brought attention to this spot when he dubbed it one of the top ten diving places in the world and it’s easy to see why.

A World Heritage Site

Part of the Belize Barrier Reef World Heritage Site, visitors from all over the world venture to the mysterious hole. The blue hole offers a look into the Earth’s history. Diving deeper and deeper underwater reveals gigantic limestone stalactites and stalagmites, eerily reminiscent of Gothic architecture. Scientists believe these structures formed when the cavern was still above sea level during the last glacial period.

Intricate passageways wind between the columns with wildlife often seen flitting throughout. Don’t be surprised when encountering hammerhead or black tip tiger sharks – they encompass just a fraction of the rich marine life. Purple sea fans, grouper fish, midnight parrot fish and neon gobies all frequent the hole.

The Great Blue Hole lures people to its blue waters and is a must see if you are visiting Belize.

Visiting the Great Blue Hole

Our favorite way to visit the great hole is as part of a week-long multi sport trip to Belize like the Lighthouse Reef Tour we offer. Big on adventure and low on impact, Belize provides exciting, eco-friendly trips. Give us a call at (928) 526-4575 and we’ll help you find your best Belizean adventure.