The Great Blue Hole: Belize’s Most Famous Natural Wonder
The Great Blue Hole
What Is the Great Blue Hole?
The Great Blue Hole is a massive underwater sinkhole located off the coast of Belize, near Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Measuring over 1,000 feet across and more than 400 feet deep, it’s one of the most spectacular geological formations on Earth. Its near-perfect circular shape and vibrant sapphire color make it instantly recognizable from the air—and unforgettable up close.
Formed thousands of years ago during the last Ice Age, the Blue Hole is lined with ancient stalactites and limestone formations that tell the story of a world long gone. It’s now part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why It’s Famous
The Great Blue Hole was catapulted to international fame in 1971 when Jacques Cousteau declared it one of the top five dive sites in the world. Since then, it’s become a bucket-list destination for scuba divers, snorkelers, and adventure seekers alike. National Geographic even ranked it among the most incredible places on Earth to visit.
How to Experience the Great Blue Hole
1.) By Scuba Diving
For experienced divers, the Blue Hole is an adventure like no other. Descend into the deep to explore stalactites at 130 feet below the surface, with chances of spotting reef sharks gliding in the shadows. Most trips are full-day excursions from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, often combined with dives at Half Moon Caye and Long Caye.
2.) By Snorkeling
Even if you’re not a diver, you can still experience the magic. Snorkeling trips take you to the reef edges around the Blue Hole, where you’ll find vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish.
3.) By Helicopter or Plane
Perhaps the most breathtaking way to see it is from above. Helicopter or plane flyovers reveal the Blue Hole’s perfect circle and rich colors in a way that’s simply unforgettable. It’s one of the most Instagram-worthy sights in the entire Caribbean. Flights depart from Belize City for Helicopter charters, and from Ambergris Caye, you can buy a seat on our domestic island hopper planes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The Wildlife Around the Blue Hole
While the inside of the Great Blue Hole is a stark and shadowy world of limestone formations, it bursts with life. It’s also located near Lighthouse Reef, this remote atoll, located about 50 miles offshore, is one of Belize’s crown jewels for marine biodiversity.
Around the Blue Hole’s rim and across Lighthouse Reef, you’ll find vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish—angelfish, butterflyfish, and schools of brilliantly colored parrotfish. Larger marine life also abounds: spotted eagle rays soar through the water, sea turtles surface for air, and nurse sharks, dolphins and reef sharks patrol the deeper channels. The atoll’s clear waters also make it one of the best places in Belize to encounter loggerhead and hawksbill turtles, especially during nesting season.
Birdlife is another highlight. Nearby Half Moon Caye, part of Lighthouse Reef, is a protected sanctuary where red-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds nest in large colonies—making it an incredible add-on to a Blue Hole excursion.
The Great Blue Hole itself is a mesmerizing geological formation, when visiting, be sure to enjoy the surrounding Lighthouse Reef ecosystem that makes the entire area a true paradise for snorkelers, divers, and nature lovers.
Why It Matters
The Great Blue Hole isn’t just a natural wonder—it’s a symbol of Belize. It represents the country’s commitment to marine conservation, eco-tourism, and adventure travel. For many, seeing the Blue Hole is the highlight of a Belize vacation and the moment they’ll never forget.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you choose to dive into its depths, snorkel along its rim, or soar above it in a helicopter, the Great Blue Hole is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Pair it with other reef adventures, Belize resorts, or inland tours, and you’ll understand why this little Caribbean nation is such a big deal for travelers around the world.
