Exploring Belize's Blue Hole: A Travel Guide

The Great Blue Hole in Belize is a World Heritage Site and one of the most famous natural wonders of the world. This submarine sinkhole in the Caribbean is nearly 1,000 feet across and almost 400 feet deep. There are several ways to get to the Great Blue Hole. You can fly directly to Ambergris Caye Airport, which is close to the Lighthouse Reef, and take a speedboat from there. You can also take a small plane from Belize City or Caye Caulker. Alternatively, you can take a boat from Belize City, but this option will take over two hours each way. Once you're there, you can choose to dive or snorkel.

Fly to Ambergris Caye Airport, then take a speedboat

One of the most popular ways to get to the Blue Hole in Belize is to fly to Ambergris Caye Airport and then take a speedboat. Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island, located about 35 miles east of Belize City and just south of the Mexican Yucatán mainland.

To get to Ambergris Caye, you will first need to fly into the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City. From there, you can catch a connecting flight to Ambergris Caye Airport with either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. These flights typically cost around US$125 round trip, and the flight time is approximately 15 minutes.

Once you arrive at Ambergris Caye Airport, you can arrange a speedboat rental through your hotel or resort. It is recommended to arrange this in advance. Taking a speedboat early in the morning will help you beat the crowds and is considered the best time to visit the Blue Hole.

The Blue Hole is located near Lighthouse Reef, about a 2.5-hour boat ride from San Pedro. This dive site is famous for its incredible underwater stalactites, which start at a depth of about 120-130 feet. The Blue Hole is nearly 1,000 feet in diameter and almost 400 feet deep, making it a unique and challenging dive site.

In addition to diving, you can also snorkel at the Blue Hole. The top of the hole is ringed by coral, making it an excellent site for snorkelling. There is a fee of $80 Belize dollars (about $40 USD) to dive or snorkel at the Blue Hole. The best time to visit is between January and May, as the rainy season typically occurs outside of these months.

Rent a small plane from Belize City or Caye Caulker

Renting a small plane from Belize City or Caye Caulker is a fantastic way to experience the Blue Hole in Belize. Here's everything you need to know about this option:

Plane Rental Options

Small, 3-seat planes are available for rent from Belize City or Caye Caulker. These planes offer an intimate and personalised experience, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking views of the Blue Hole and its surrounding natural wonders. The average cost for these plane rentals is $200 per person, which is a great option for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Departure Points

Belize City is a popular departure point for small plane trips to the Blue Hole. It is conveniently located just 70 km from the Lighthouse Reef, where the Blue Hole is situated. Caye Caulker is another excellent option, as it is only about 20 minutes away from the Blue Hole by plane.

Airlines

There are two major local airlines that provide scenic flights over the Blue Hole: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. Both companies have extensive experience and a strong focus on safety. Tropic Air, the largest carrier serving the region, operates a mix of 3-seater and 12-seater planes, ensuring that every passenger gets a window seat for optimal viewing. Maya Island Air offers daily scheduled flights and has a reputation as Belize's most experienced airline.

Booking and Scheduling

Booking in advance is highly recommended, as these flights tend to fill up quickly, and there are only a few flights per week. Tropic Air operates flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, while Maya Air flies on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. You can also charter a plane if the scheduled flights are sold out or if you prefer a private experience.

The Flight Experience

The flight to the Blue Hole typically lasts about an hour, including the time it takes to fly over and circle the breathtaking site. During the flight, you'll have the opportunity to see not just the Blue Hole but also the Belize Barrier Reef, Half Moon Caye, Turneffe Atoll, and even a shipwreck in the middle of the reef. Keep an eye out for marine life, including sharks, rays, and manatees, which are sometimes visible from the air.

Combining with Diving or Snorkelling

If you're interested in both aerial views and underwater exploration, consider combining your plane trip with diving or snorkelling. The Blue Hole is renowned as a diver's paradise, offering the chance to explore underwater stalactites and encounter marine life such as reef sharks and eagle rays. However, keep in mind that the Blue Hole itself is not the best spot for snorkelling, as the marine life is found at greater depths.

Renting a small plane from Belize City or Caye Caulker is a fantastic way to experience the Blue Hole from above, offering unparalleled views of this natural wonder and the surrounding Caribbean Sea.

Rent a boat from Belize City

Renting a boat from Belize City is a great way to get to the Blue Hole, a nearly 1,000-foot-wide and 400-foot-deep sinkhole that is considered a must-visit site for divers. The Lighthouse Reef, where the Blue Hole is located, is about 70 km from Belize City, and the boat ride will take over two hours one way. While this option can be exhausting due to the travel time, renting a boat is worth considering if you are spending more days in Belize, as it can be more cost-effective than renting a helicopter or plane.

There are several boat rental companies in Belize City to choose from, such as Getmyboat, which offers various types of boats for different group sizes and purposes, including sightseeing, fishing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. You can also find boats with local captains who can drive while you enjoy fishing or snorkelling. Another option is Tripadvisor, which provides a list of the best boat rental companies in Belize, according to traveller reviews. Some of the top-rated companies include Captain Jak's Tours and Rentals, Nauti By Nature Fishing Charters, and La Isla Adventures.

When planning your boat trip to the Blue Hole, keep in mind that the best time to visit is between January and May, as the other months tend to be the rainy season. Additionally, there is an $80 BZ fee ($40 USD) to dive or snorkel at the Blue Hole.

Renting a boat from Belize City provides a convenient and flexible way to travel to the Blue Hole. You can choose from a range of boat rental options and customise your trip according to your preferences. Remember to plan your trip during the dry season and factor in the additional fee for diving or snorkelling at the Blue Hole.

Book a helicopter tour

A helicopter tour is a fantastic way to see the Blue Hole in Belize. Not only will you get a bird's-eye view of this natural wonder, but you'll also save time on travel—a boat ride to the Blue Hole can take over two hours one way!

Helicopter Tour Options

Astrum Helicopters offers private helicopter tours of the Blue Hole, allowing you to capture breathtaking photos of the reef and close-ups of a shipwreck and marine creatures like stingrays and manatees. Their tours depart from San Pedro and Belize City, with flight durations ranging from 1 hour to 1 hour and 24 minutes, depending on the helicopter and weather conditions. You can choose between a 4- or 6-passenger helicopter and even add on scuba diving or snorkelling to your tour. Astrum Helicopters also offers a Blue Hole Happy Hour Tour, where you can sip champagne and indulge in chocolates as you take in the spectacular views.

Tropic Air, a regional airline in Belize, also offers aerial tours of the Blue Hole. While they primarily operate airplane tours, they may have helicopter options available as well. Their tours typically depart on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Belize City, and Placencia. The flights last approximately 1 hour, and you can expect to see the Lighthouse Reef Atoll and the Belize Barrier Reef, in addition to the Blue Hole.

Booking Your Tour

You can book your helicopter tour in advance through companies like Astrum Helicopters or Tropic Air, or you may be able to arrange it through your hotel or resort. If you prefer to plan your trip independently, you can also book directly with a local helicopter company once you arrive in Belize. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the number of passengers, the duration of the flight, and any add-ons you choose.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Blue Hole is between January and May, as the rainy season typically occurs outside of these months. This will ensure that you have optimal conditions for your helicopter tour and can fully appreciate the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Go scuba diving or snorkelling

Scuba diving and snorkelling are some of the most popular activities at the Great Blue Hole in Belize. This natural wonder is a massive underwater sinkhole located off the coast of Belize, near the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. It is almost perfectly circular, over 1,000 feet across, and 400 feet deep. It is also one of the best scuba diving sites on the planet, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning underwater formations.

To go scuba diving or snorkelling at the Great Blue Hole, you can book a trip with a local company that offers dive packages. These packages typically include transportation to and from the dive site, equipment rental, and a professional dive guide. Most companies offer both scuba diving and snorkelling options, so you can choose the activity that best suits your interests and experience level.

If you plan to scuba dive, you will need to have the necessary certifications and experience. Some companies may require you to have an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent, as well as recent diving experience. It is also important to complete any required safety forms and medical clearances before your dive.

The Blue Hole scuba diving experience typically involves a thrilling boat ride from San Pedro or Belize City to the dive site, which takes approximately 2.5 hours. Once you arrive, you will be amazed by the sapphire waters of the Caribbean Sea, which transform into a deep indigo as you approach the Blue Hole.

The Blue Hole dive is an intermediate to advanced scuba diving experience, with a maximum depth of 130 feet. At this depth, divers can observe the incredible underwater stalactites, which indicate that the cave was once above water. The visibility at this depth is usually excellent, and divers can also spot sharks and other marine life. Due to the depth of this dive, bottom time is limited to 8-10 minutes, with a total dive time of 20-25 minutes, including the descent and ascent.

In addition to the Blue Hole, scuba diving and snorkelling packages often include dives at nearby sites such as Half Moon Caye Wall and Long Caye Wall (The Aquarium). These sites offer an abundance of marine life, colourful sponges, sea fans, and a wide variety of corals, creating a kaleidoscope of colours.

Whether you're an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeller, exploring the Great Blue Hole in Belize is sure to be a memorable and exhilarating experience.

Frequently asked questions