A bucket list destination thanks to renowned oceanographer Jacque Cousteau, he declared the Blue Hole to be one of the planet's top 10 dive sites after exploring it in 1971. It's best known for its caverns with up to 40-foot-long limestone stalactites, formed over thousands of years, creating a stunning visual. While marveling at their beauty, Caribbean reef sharks can often be spotted along with the occasional black tip, bull, and nurse sharks.
A Centuries-Old Destination
Of course, the Belize Blue Hole was birthed long before Cousteau explored it. The opening to a system of caves and passageways in an undersea mountain, it was formed when the sea level was much lower. Over time, the elements eroded the exposed terrain and water filled the hole, covering the area at the end of the Ice Age when sea levels rose again. Evidence of its creation can be seen in the limestone shelf that surrounds it.
Exploring the Great Blue Hole: Diving, Snorkeling, or Flyover
While the Great Blue Hole is best known as a world-class dive site, it's also possible to snorkel around the vibrant coral rim teeming with marine life or get a bird's-eye view by taking an aerial tour.
Diving
If you're a seasoned diver, diving will allow you to fully experience the Blue Hole. Watch for everything from sea turtles to neon gobies and parrot fish before reaching a depth of 100 feet where the impressive cave system and magnificent stalactites deep within become visible. Silhouettes of circling reef sharks often appear out of the darkness too.
Snorkeling
It's also possible to snorkel the Great Blue Hole, something that should be on the bucket lists of all snorkelers, including kids. You'll have the chance to view all sorts of marine creatures, plus, both snorkeling and diving trips include several stops at other locations to experience even more of the region's incredible marine life.
Flyover
A Blue Hole Flyover is available from multiple outfitters, departing from San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, or Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport in Belize City. You can choose from a plane or helicopter flight, both of which offer a breathtaking perspective of the Blue Hole and surrounding area from above, circling several times while providing outstanding photo ops.
Tropic Air, Maya Island Air, and Astrum Helicopters are the three main companies offering flyovers. If you're trying to decide between a helicopter and a small plane, helicopters tend to provide a smoother ride and fly slowly, hovering above the Great Blue Hole for the very best photo ops. That said, if cost is a concern choose the small plane - you'll still enjoy amazing views.
Where to Stay
Ambergris Caye
The best base for visiting the Great Blue Hole in Belize is Ambergris Caye. It's easily accessible from this island while offering an excellent mix of amenities and island life that will keep you entertained throughout your stay. Most tours depart from San Pedro, the main town, where there are many dive shops offering day trips to the Blue Hole for snorkeling or diving. We highly recommend Amigos Del Mar, a well-established family-owned business here since 1984.
Flyover tours via helicopter or small plane, as noted, also depart from Ambergris Caye. Plus, you can also explore nearby reefs, take advantage of the array of eateries serving fresh seafood, Caribbean, and international fare, and enjoy the nightlife. A good range of accommodation is available too, from budget-friendly to luxury resorts.
Caye Caulker
If you're looking for a more laid-back, backpacker-type vibe for simply soaking up the sun and the sea, Caye Caulker is an alternative. It's slightly closer to the Great Blue Hole than Ambergris Caye but there are fewer tour options. You will find several dive shops with the prices roughly the same from either island.
Best Time to Visit Belize for the Great Blue Hole
Belize is a fantastic destination to visit anytime, but if experiencing the Great Blue Hole is a top priority, you'll want to plan your trip around the best time to dive, snorkel, or take a flyover. You'll have a good chance for ideal weather in the Cayes between June and August, which typically see the best conditions for visiting the Blue Hole, barring any hurricanes. This is part of the rainy season on the mainland which spans from June through November, but islands like Ambergris Caye typically don't get much rain until September, continuing through December and into early January.
In its long history, the Great Blue Hole has attracted many famous explorers. You've already learned that it was Jacque Cousteau who brought the Calypso, his renowned research ship here in 1971 to chart its depth. But did you know that evolutionist/biologist Charles Darwin visited the Great Blue Hole in 1836 on his round-the-world trip? He described the Belize Barrier Reef as the western Caribbean's "richest and most remarkable" of coral reefs. In 2018, Sir Richard Branson and his team of explorers which included Fabien Cousteau, Jacques' grandson, broadcast a live expedition of the Blue Hole on the Discovery Channel.
Now, you too can follow in their footsteps by using our guide to exploring the Great Blue Hole for an especially unforgettable escape to Belize!
