Exploring The Great Belize Hole: Harvest Caye Departure

The Great Blue Hole is a popular destination for divers and snorkelers, located about 131 km from Harvest Caye. It is a large, almost perfectly circular underwater sinkhole, nearly 1000 feet across and almost 400 feet deep. The best way to get to the Great Blue Hole from Harvest Caye is by boat, with a 2.5-hour boat ride from San Pedro or a slightly shorter ride from Belize City. There are also options to view the Blue Hole from above by seaplane or helicopter, which can be arranged through companies like Astrum Helicopters and Tropic Air.

Travel 131km by car from Harvest Caye to Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is a natural wonder and a must-see for any traveller to Belize. This giant sinkhole is nearly 1,000 feet across and almost 400 feet deep, located about 43 miles from the mainland and Belize City.

To get from Harvest Caye to the Great Blue Hole by car, you will be covering a distance of approximately 131 kilometres. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your journey:

• Step 1: Start your journey from Harvest Caye, a 75-acre island that serves as a cruise port for Norwegian Cruise Line.
• Step 2: Head towards the mainland of Belize. You will need to take a ferry or boat to reach the mainland, as Harvest Caye is an island located off the coast.
• Step 3: Once you reach the mainland, you will need to drive towards Belize City. This will be the main hub for tours and transfers to the Great Blue Hole.
• Step 4: From Belize City, you will continue your journey towards the coast, specifically towards Lighthouse Reef, where the Great Blue Hole is located.
• Step 5: The drive to Lighthouse Reef will take you through scenic routes and offer beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.
• Step 6: Keep an eye out for signs or directions to the Great Blue Hole as you get closer to Lighthouse Reef.
• Step 7: Once you reach Lighthouse Reef, you will need to park your car and proceed towards the Blue Hole by boat or seaplane.

Please note that the Great Blue Hole is a popular diving and snorkelling spot, so you may want to consider booking a tour or arranging for the necessary equipment in advance if you plan to explore the Blue Hole up close. The Blue Hole is also visible from the sky, so a seaplane or helicopter tour can be a great way to experience it from above.

Remember to bring cash or a credit card, as you will need it for any purchases or activities during your visit to the Blue Hole.

Important Considerations:

• The distance between Harvest Caye and the Great Blue Hole is approximately 131 kilometres, but the travel time may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
• It is essential to plan your journey in advance and allow for enough time to reach your destination, especially if you have any tours or activities booked at the Great Blue Hole.
• If you plan to dive or snorkel at the Blue Hole, ensure that you have the necessary equipment and certifications. It is recommended to use a guide if you are not an experienced diver or snorkeler.
• Keep yourself hydrated and protected from the sun during your journey, as the Caribbean climate can be quite warm and humid.

Take a 2.5-hour boat ride from San Pedro

To get to the Great Blue Hole from Harvest Caye, you can take a 2.5-hour boat ride from San Pedro. Here's a detailed guide on how to make this journey:

Getting to San Pedro

Firstly, you need to get to San Pedro, which is located on Ambergris Caye island. If you are already on the island, you can simply make your way to the port where boats depart for the Great Blue Hole.

If you are arriving by cruise ship, Ambergris Caye may be a scheduled stop on your itinerary. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi or ferry from other coastal areas in Belize, such as Belize City, Caye Caulker, or Harvest Caye. These boats can be boarded at their respective ports, and tickets can usually be purchased online or at the port.

Boat Ride to the Great Blue Hole

Once you are in San Pedro, you can book a boat ride to the Great Blue Hole. This journey will take approximately 2.5 hours, and boats usually depart around 6 am. It is recommended to book with a reputable company that provides necessary equipment and an experienced guide.

During the boat ride, you will pass by some interesting sights, and there may be opportunities to socialise with fellow passengers. A small continental breakfast is typically provided by the tour operators.

Arriving at the Great Blue Hole

You can expect to arrive at the Great Blue Hole around 9 am. This natural wonder is a massive underwater sinkhole that is nearly 1,000 feet across and approximately 400 feet deep. It is a popular site for diving and snorkelling due to its unique features and diverse marine life.

The Great Blue Hole is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This reef system is the second-largest in the world, after Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Diving or Snorkelling at the Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole offers a unique diving experience. At the top, the hole is surrounded by fringing coral, which is excellent for snorkelling. As you descend, you will encounter a sheer, dimpled wall. At around 90 feet, you will notice a thermocline, and the visibility will improve significantly.

At depths of 120 to 130 feet, you will be able to see submerged stalactites, which provide evidence that the sinkhole was formed before the seas rose. This discovery was made by Jacques Cousteau and his team during their expedition in 1972.

While the Great Blue Hole is not renowned for its marine life, you may occasionally spot groupers, jacks, and even reef sharks. Due to the depth of this dive, bottom time is limited to 8 to 10 minutes, and the total dive time, including the ascent, is around 20 to 25 minutes.

Other Activities at the Great Blue Hole

In addition to diving or snorkelling, there are a few other activities you can enjoy at the Great Blue Hole. You can sign up for a liveaboard tour, where you spend multiple days exploring different dive sites along the Belize Barrier Reef.

Alternatively, you can opt for an aerial tour of the Great Blue Hole. Tropic Air and Astrum Helicopters offer flights departing from San Pedro, providing breathtaking views of the sinkhole and the surrounding reef system. These tours usually last about an hour and offer excellent photo opportunities.

Fly over the Blue Hole with Tropic Air

The Great Blue Hole is a natural wonder located off the coast of Belize. It is a giant marine sinkhole, almost 1,000 feet in diameter and over 400 feet deep, making it the largest blue hole in the world. It is a popular spot for divers and snorkelers, but to truly appreciate its beauty, you need to see it from above.

Tropic Air offers scenic flights over the Blue Hole, giving you a bird's-eye view of this incredible natural wonder. The flight departs from either San Pedro, Caye Caulker, or Belize City Municipal Airport and lasts for approximately one hour. You'll soar over the Turneffe Atoll, the Great Barrier Reef, and of course, the Blue Hole itself.

The cost of the flight is typically around $250-300 USD per person, and it's important to book in advance as there are only a few flights per week. The plane can accommodate up to 11 passengers, and everyone will have a window seat, ensuring perfect views of the breathtaking scenery.

During the flight, you'll not only get to see the Blue Hole, but you'll also fly over the Belize Barrier Reef, Half Moon Caye, and Turneffe Atoll. Keep your eyes peeled for marine life, such as sharks, rays, and manatees, which can sometimes be spotted from the air.

The Blue Hole is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Belize City, in the center of Lighthouse Reef Atoll. It is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was made famous by Jacques Cousteau, who declared it one of the top scuba diving sites in the world.

If you're looking for an unforgettable and unique experience in Belize, a scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole with Tropic Air is definitely worth considering. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the most spectacular natural wonders from above.

Take a helicopter tour with Astrum Helicopters

Astrum Helicopters offers helicopter tours of the Great Blue Hole in Belize, a natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here is some information on what to expect from the tour and how to prepare for your trip.

The Tour

Astrum Helicopters provides exclusive private helicopter tours of the Great Blue Hole, ensuring that you won't be on a tour with strangers. Their pilots are experienced and will ensure you have a safe and memorable trip. The tour includes stunning aerial views of the Blue Hole and the surrounding barrier reef, including a mysterious shipwreck. You'll have plenty of opportunities to capture amazing camera shots from either side of the helicopter as your pilot slowly circles the sights.

Tour Duration and Departure Points

The flight duration for the helicopter tour ranges from 1 hour to 1 hour and 24 minutes, depending on the chosen helicopter aircraft and weather conditions. The tour departs from San Pedro and Belize City.

What to Expect

During the tour, your pilot will point out interesting sights and ensure a stable and safe flight. You'll have the opportunity to see the contrast between the deep, dark blue waters of the Blue Hole and the turquoise waters of the Belize Barrier Reef. Keep an eye out for marine life, such as sharks, rays, turtles, and manatees, which are sometimes spotted from above.

Booking and Cost

The cost of the helicopter tour varies depending on the number of passengers and the type of helicopter (4 or 6-seater). It is recommended to book in advance, especially during the peak season (December to February). You can contact Astrum Helicopters directly to inquire about availability and pricing for your desired tour date.

Combining with Other Activities

Astrum Helicopters also offers the option to combine your helicopter tour with "on-the-ground" excursions and adventures, such as the Mayan Ruins tour or Ambergris Caye excursions. Additionally, they provide helicopter flight transfers to certain locations, including a route that takes you over the Blue Hole.

Customer Reviews

Astrum Helicopters has received numerous positive reviews from customers, praising the breathtaking views, professionalism, and safety of their tours. Many customers have described the experience as a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity and a "bucket list" item.

So, if you're looking for a unique and unforgettable way to experience the Great Blue Hole, consider booking a helicopter tour with Astrum Helicopters. It promises to be an incredible adventure that will provide you with stunning visuals and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Belize.

Dive or snorkel in the Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is a must-see for any traveller to Belize. This natural wonder is a large underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize, nearly 1,000 feet across and almost 400 feet deep. It is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkelling and is the only blue hole that can be seen from outer space.

The Blue Hole is located near the centre of Lighthouse Reef, about 65 miles from Placencia and 78 miles from San Pedro. It is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are several ways to experience the Blue Hole. You can view it from the sky by seaplane or helicopter, or you can dive or snorkel and see it from below.

If you're planning to dive or snorkel, there are a few things you should know. The Blue Hole is typically visited as a multi-day trip, and it is recommended to use a guide if you're not an experienced swimmer or diver as it can be dangerous. Divers must be Advanced Open Water Divers or equivalent and have dived within the last six months to do the Blue Hole dive. The snorkelling requires basic swimming skills.

The Blue Hole is an incredible dive site, with dramatic underwater cliffs and clear waters. The hole is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, barracudas, and rays. The first dive is usually at the Blue Hole itself, where you'll descend along the wall to a depth of 130 feet. At 120 feet, you can see the stalactites that formed when the cave was above sea level. The second dive is typically at Half Moon Caye Wall, known for its abundance of marine life and colourful corals. The third dive is usually at The Aquarium near Long Caye, where you'll see sponges, soft and hard corals, and a variety of marine life such as rays, groupers, and sharks.

For snorkelers, the fringing reefs around the Blue Hole provide an excellent adventure. You can explore the healthy reef around the outer rim of the hole, which is home to a variety of sea life.

The cost for a diving tour is typically $360 USD, while snorkelling tours are $260 USD.

Frequently asked questions