From above, the Great Blue Hole resembles a portal to another dimension. This awe-inspiring natural wonder, located about 70 km from Belize City, takes on the shape of an almost perfect circle with a stunning cobalt blue hue.
Unveiling the Mystery of the Great Blue Hole
Surrounding it are reefs with turquoise tones that enhance its beauty. The Great Blue Hole is a sinkhole, situated in the heart of the Belizean sea, with a structure similar to a cenote, formed hundreds of thousands of years ago during the quaternary glaciation.
It is the crown jewel of Belize’s Barrier Reef Reserve System, one of the world’s most spectacular places, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With impressive dimensions of 300 meters in width and 125 meters in depth, the Great Blue Hole offers a unique experience in underwater exploration.
The Attraction for Adventurous Divers
Today, the Great Blue Hole is recognized as one of the most sought-after diving destinations worldwide. As early as 1971, Jacques Cousteau included it on his list of the top 10 diving spots in the world. Although some refer to it as “the death hole” due to the lack of life in its deepest parts, it remains a captivating location for divers.
Unfortunately, some brave divers have lost their lives attempting to unveil the mysteries of this inhospitable site. Being part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Blue Hole attracts recreational divers in search of crystal-clear waters and encounters with various marine species, including giant groupers, nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and blacktip sharks.
While sightings of bull sharks and hammerhead sharks are infrequent, they are still possible in these waters. Typically, diving trips to the Great Blue Hole are full-day excursions that include a dive into the hole itself and two additional dives in nearby reefs.
It’s worth noting that similar cenote-like formations are well-known along the coasts of Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Location and Access to the Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is situated within Lighthouse Reef, a coral atoll located 69 kilometers off the coast of Belize City. To explore this stunning natural wonder, travelers must embark on a boat ride from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, a journey that takes approximately two and a half hours.
It’s essential to keep in mind that a significant portion of the journey takes place in open seas, so be prepared to endure wind and intense waves. The first explorer of Belize’s Great Blue Hole was the renowned Jacques Cousteau, who began mapping its depths in the 1960s. However, it wasn’t until 1971 that he brought his vessel to the site.
During his expedition, Cousteau concluded that the hole formed due to karstic limestone formations that existed before the rise in sea levels 12,000 years ago. The rising sea inundated the caverns and led to the collapse of the roof, revealing this breathtaking spectacle.
Recent Discoveries and Underwater Biodiversity
Recently, Jacques Cousteau’s grandson and a group of explorers used two high-tech submarines to delve deeper into the Great Blue Hole, uncovering previously unknown details. This expedition managed to capture images and create a three-dimensional map of the interior of the Blue Hole.
One of the most remarkable findings was the identification of three layers within this ancient sinkhole. The uppermost layer displays the typical crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, but as you descend, visibility decreases, and it feels like you’re entering a world shrouded in mist. Finally, the third layer is the deepest, where there is no light or oxygen, making it impossible for any form of life to exist.
Erika Bergman, a prominent oceanographer who was part of the expedition, shared that one of the most exciting discoveries was the presence of stalactites. While they had been previously discovered, this expedition allowed for in-depth study, representing a significant scientific advancement.
A Pristine Underwater Sanctuary
Encouragingly, human impact on the Great Blue Hole remains minimal. Aside from a few pieces of plastic that were found, the site remains clean and clear, a significant achievement in the conservation of this natural wonder.
For travelers visiting Belize, one of the most incredible experiences is flying over the Great Blue Hole. Only from above can you truly appreciate the vastness and mysterious colors of this special place. Several airlines offer scenic flights over the Great Blue Hole and the Lighthouse Reef.
These thrilling flights depart from the port of Belize City or San Pedro and are conducted in small aircraft.
The flight, lasting approximately an hour, provides multiple orbits around the hole and the coral barrier, allowing tourists to gain a comprehensive view of the beauty of the area. At times, the planes descend quite low, providing a better view of the details.
Traveler’s Tip: Reserve in Advance
For those eager to embark on this exciting adventure, it’s crucial to book well in advance, as there are not many companies that offer scenic flights.
Belize’s Great Blue Hole, an Underwater Treasure
Despite the scarcity of marine life in the Great Blue Hole, this magical place continues to be a challenge and a marvel for adventurous divers.
The underwater caves, located beyond 35 meters in depth, are a hidden treasure accessible only to experienced divers, with stalactites as their crown jewel.
Although dives are typically brief, the thrill of exploring this dark and enigmatic abyss is unparalleled. Plan your visit and discover the beauty and mystery of Belize’s Great Blue Hole.
