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The Great Blue Hole Belize is one of the world’s largest underwater sinkholes, having formed as an underground limestone cave as sea levels rose at the end of the glaciation period. Popularized by legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau, what lies at the bottom of this hole remains a mystery.

Blue Hole Belize: Geological Formation to Tourist Spot

The Great Blue Hole of Belize is an impressive natural sinkhole near the Lighthouse Reef and one of the Caribbean Coast’s most recognizable sights. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular diving location, it is also recognized by divers worldwide. The Blue Hole was formed as a limestone cave system during the last glacial period when sea levels were 400 to 500 feet lower than they are today. When melting ice returned sea levels rose and flood water flooded into caverns; their roof collapsed forming what is known as the “blue hole effect.” This natural phenomenon makes for an amazing spectacle and sight to witness!

For those hoping to visit the Blue Hole, Ambergris Caye must first be visited. As this island can become very busy during tourist season, travelers should book hotels and arrange transportation ahead of time in order to make the best experience possible. Once on the island, ask your hotel staff to reserve a speedboat ride from San Pedro Town all the way out to Blue Hole where the sinkhole lies. This ride should last around 15 minutes. On your trip, expect to witness giant limestone stalactites clinging to the sides of holes and thick dripstone sheets reaching the sea surface – proof that karst limestone has slowly been worn away over time, leaving tunnels that run deep into the ocean floor.

This natural formation features massive pillars and columns carved by waves into limestone, its deep blue hue providing a striking contrast with the aquamarine waters that surround it – truly an amazing sight! Belize’s natural geological monument can be experienced via diving and snorkeling excursions, live-aboard dive vessels, or air tours. However, visitors must follow responsible visitation guidelines to help preserve this natural attraction for future generations to enjoy. Belize’s stunning blue marine sinkhole is the star attraction on any trip to Belize and should be visited by everyone visiting this region. No wonder why its popularity has spread worldwide and been named one of the “7 Wonders of the World.”

Diving the Blue Hole Belize: Thrills Underwater

Belize, long beloved of adventurers and travelers, boasts one of the world’s most stunning natural attractions – The Great Blue Hole Belize. Situated just offshore Belize’s coastline, this enormous underwater sinkhole has fascinated divers for generations. This massive blue hole lies along the Belize Barrier Reef and makes an excellent destination for anyone interested in marine life and natural wonders. Additionally, experienced divers find this diving experience thrilling and fulfilling in this exotic locale. According to CN Traveller, this UNESCO-listed site is widely revered for its spectacular beauty and grandeur, stretching a quarter mile across and more than 480 feet deep.

Scuba diving the Great Blue Hole offers an experience like no other; an aquatic paradise of massive stalactites, drip-stone sheets and columns awaits discovery in its depths. These structures are the result of natural tectonic events which occurred many millennia ago, such as those seen at Great Blue Hole – one such structure known as “the Greatest Underwater Cave on Earth.” As with any adventure sport, scuba diving carries with it some inherent risks; that is why many divers who have obtained their Open Water certification before heading to Belize prefer deep recreational dives at other destinations before venturing towards the Blue Hole.

As diving at depth can be taxing on both body and breath, make sure that when decompressing, sipping air in slowly will maximize your experience of this extraordinary dive. For those wanting to dive deeper, we advise visiting a dive resort nearby and enrolling in one of their advanced Open Water courses. These programs are tailored specifically to teach divers how to dive safely in deep waters. Once you have successfully completed an advanced open water course, we recommend booking a Belize diving vacation at Itza Resort in San Pedro. This luxurious scuba resort is situated near the Belize Blue Hole and provides guests with everything needed to fully appreciate this fascinating experience: luxurious accommodations, meals, Wi-Fi access, pool/beach access, kayaks/snorkeling gear/round trip transportation from the airport.

Beyond Blue Hole: Must-Visit Belize Destination

Belize offers more than its world-famous blue hole; visitors will also discover breathtaking beaches, jungle swimming holes, and Mayan ruins that are sure to exhilarate any traveler. The Great Blue Hole is an astounding natural phenomenon found within South Australia’s barrier reef system and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a top scuba diving destination. Shaped like an immense sapphire circle, this spectacular sinkhole sits at the center of Lighthouse Reef Atoll where snorkelers delight in seeing vibrant corals, graceful sea fans, and colorful sponges all around them. Blue Hole dive is one of the premier diving experiences in Belize and an iconic traveler destination, drawing divers from across the world for its extraordinary cavern dives. To witness such beauty with your own eyes is truly remarkable and should not be missed on any trip to Belize!

Experience this magnificent underwater structure up close by taking a helicopter or plane tour over the San Pedro or Ambergris Caye areas of Belize, available through most major airlines and available tours available in San Pedro/Ambergris Caye areas. Belize is home to some lesser-known blue holes such as the Inland Blue Hole, an exquisite freshwater sinkhole located 12 miles south of Belmopan on Hummingbird Highway. Locals and visitors alike often take pleasure in swimming here – its easy accessibility makes it a favorite spot. The rainforest-clad stretch of this highway is one of the least visited spots in Belize, yet you’ll discover beautiful swimming holes, waterfalls, hiking trails, and caves without crowds of people around them. Not to mention you’ll enjoy picturesque vistas of the Maya Mountains while traveling this stunning road!