Exploring Belize: Blue Hole Accessibility From Belize City

The Great Blue Hole in Belize is a world-class destination for scuba divers, who are attracted by the opportunity to dive in crystal-clear waters and see myriad species of marine life. The Blue Hole is a large underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize, lying near the centre of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 70km from the mainland of Belize City.

There are two main ways to get to the Great Blue Hole: by plane or by boat. A scenic flight over the Blue Hole costs between $250 and $300 per person, while a scuba diving trip inside the Blue Hole costs over $350.

Flying over the Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is a once-in-a-lifetime destination and one of the top diving sites in the world. It is a natural sinkhole that measures roughly 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep, and it is surrounded by the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. The Blue Hole is located about 43 miles from mainland Belize, and it is believed to be the largest natural formation of its kind in the world.

• Maya Island Air: Maya Island Air offers scheduled flights departing from Belize Municipal and San Pedro. Their flights usually depart at 10 am for Belize and 2 pm for San Pedro, Monday through Thursday. They also offer a Blue Hole Tour with three departure options: 8:45 am, 9 am, and 8:30 am on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The flight departs from Belize City at 10 am, Caye Caulker at 10:15 am, and San Pedro at 10:30 am. The tour includes views of the barrier reef, shark ray alley, Turneffe Atoll, ocean freighter wreck, Lighthouse Reef, and 2 revolutions per port and starboard around the Blue Hole.
• Tropic Air: Tropic Air offers fly-over tours of the Blue Hole twice a week from Ambergris Caye. They also offer scheduled charter flights from Caye Caulker and San Pedro on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, at 11 am.
• Private Charter Flights: It is also possible to book a private charter flight with either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. This option can be more expensive, but it offers more flexibility and privacy. For example, a private 8-seater plane from Maya Island Air costs $544.

The flight to the Blue Hole usually takes about 20 minutes, and once you reach the site, the pilot will circle the hole several times in both directions so that everyone on board can get a good view. The entire flight, including the journey back, is typically about 1 hour long.

So, if you are planning a trip to Belize and want to experience the majesty of the Great Blue Hole, consider booking a scenic flight with one of the local airlines. It promises to be an unforgettable experience!

Scuba diving in the Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is about 44 miles offshore and can be reached by boat or helicopter from Belize's barrier islands. The boat ride can be long and bumpy, taking around three to four hours, and may be uncomfortable for those who get seasick. However, it is a popular option, with many tour operators offering shared or private tours.

If you opt for a helicopter ride, you can book a fly-over tour, which is ideal for non-divers who want to skip the boat ride and get incredible views of the Blue Hole from above.

Diving in the Blue Hole is not for beginners. It is dark and deep, and divers need to be fully qualified and experienced. The dive begins on the shallow reef surrounding the Blue Hole, and then you descend down the inner wall. There is a variety of marine life to see, including colourful fish, shrimp, groupers, and even sharks. As you go deeper, you'll encounter stalactites and stalagmites, and the effects of nitrogen narcosis may kick in, causing dizziness and a loss of sense of direction.

The Blue Hole dive is relatively short, lasting around 30 minutes, and you cannot dive to the bottom as it is beyond recreational limits. However, it is an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the mysterious depths of this unique underwater sinkhole.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the best months to dive the Blue Hole are April, May, and June, when you'll have peak visibility, fewer crowds, and the potential to see whale sharks.

Snorkelling in the Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is a natural sinkhole that measures roughly 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep. It is surrounded by the Lighthouse Reef atoll and is believed to be the world's largest feature of its kind. The sinkhole was formed during the last glacial period and was later flooded by rising ocean levels.

The Blue Hole is located about 43 miles from mainland Belize, and most visitors will need to travel by boat or helicopter from one of Belize's many barrier islands. The boat ride can take between three and four hours, and the helicopter ride is about an hour.

Once you arrive at the Blue Hole, you will gear up and jump into the water. The Blue Hole is known for its vertical drop-offs into darkness and its large number of stalactites and stalagmites. While there is not much marine life in the Blue Hole itself, you may see some bigger fish, barracuda, groupers, and sharks. The healthy reef surrounding the Blue Hole is home to beautiful corals, fans, and sponges.

If you are planning to snorkel the Blue Hole, it is important to choose a reputable tour operator and avoid those that leak gasoline, as this can create an unpleasant experience and harm the environment. It is also recommended to visit other nearby snorkelling sites, such as Half Moon Caye and "the Aquarium", which offer more marine life and colourful coral.

Getting to the Blue Hole by boat

The Great Blue Hole is a once-in-a-lifetime destination and one of the top diving sites in the world. It is a natural sinkhole that measures roughly 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep. It is believed to be the largest feature of its kind in the world and is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Blue Hole is located about 43 miles from mainland Belize, and the journey by boat can take between 2.5 and 4 hours, depending on your departure point. The closest destinations to the Blue Hole are San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, with boat rides of approximately 2.5 hours and 3 hours, respectively.

If you are departing from San Pedro, the boat typically leaves around 6 am, and you can expect to arrive at the Blue Hole around 9 am. The boat ride offers an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time and take in interesting sights along the way. A small "continental breakfast" is usually provided.

Keep in mind that the boat ride can be bumpy and exhausting, especially if you are prone to seasickness. If you are considering this option, it is recommended to bring motion sickness medication or other remedies to make the journey more comfortable.

For those looking for a budget-friendly option, you can arrange a shared tour with a local tour operator like Amigos Del Mar. This is a great way to meet other travellers and reduce the cost of the trip.

If you prefer a more intimate experience, you can charter a boat exclusively for your group. This option provides more privacy and flexibility to customise your itinerary.

Another unique way to visit the Blue Hole is by catamaran. By chartering a catamaran, you essentially have your own floating hotel, offering a comfortable and luxurious way to explore the area. Belize Sailing Vacations is a recommended company for catamaran charters, providing all-inclusive packages that include a local guide, meals, drinks, and snorkel equipment.

When planning your boat trip to the Blue Hole, it is important to consider the time of year. The best months to visit are April, May, and June, as you'll have peak visibility, fewer crowds, and the potential to see whale sharks. The rainy season typically occurs from June to November, which can make the water bumpy. December through April is the dry season, but it coincides with peak tourist season, so prices tend to be higher.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid weekends and public holidays when planning your trip, as these tend to be busier times to visit the Blue Hole.

Overall, getting to the Blue Hole by boat offers a unique and memorable experience. Whether you choose a shared tour, a private charter, or a catamaran, the journey is an integral part of the adventure, providing stunning views and the opportunity to connect with fellow travellers.

The history of the Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It is located near the centre of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 70km (43 miles) from the mainland and Belize City. The hole is circular in shape, over 300m (984ft) across and 124m (407ft) deep.

The Blue Hole was formed during several phases of the Quaternary glaciation when sea levels were much lower. Analysis of stalactites found in the Great Blue Hole shows that formation took place 153,000, 66,000, 60,000, and 15,000 years ago. As the ocean began to rise again, the cave was flooded.

The site was made famous by Jacques Cousteau, who visited in 1971 with his ship, the Calypso, and declared it to be one of the top five or ten scuba diving sites in the world. Investigations by this expedition confirmed the hole's origin as typical karst limestone formations, formed before rises in sea level in at least four stages, leaving ledges at depths of 21m (69ft), 49m (161ft), and 91m (299ft).

In December 2018, two submarines descended into the Blue Hole in an attempt to map its interior. Using sonar scanning, the team was nearly able to complete a 3D map of the 1,000ft wide hole. They discovered a layer of hydrogen sulfide at a depth of approximately 300ft (91m). The water at that depth and below becomes dark, anoxic, and devoid of life.

The Great Blue Hole is a popular destination for recreational scuba divers making day trips from the coastal tourist communities in Belize. It is believed to be the world's largest feature of its kind and is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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