With deep and blue waters, diving into the Great Blue Hole in Belize feels like entering a whole new world – an underwater realm of magical beauty.
But before you start to plan a visit to this beautiful region of Belize, first you should learn some of the most fascinating and wonderful things to know about the place itself.
And the Great Blue Hole in Belize is not only rich in beauty and splendor. It also has a fascinating old history, making the place more iconic. With this guide, you will certainly be ready to dive deep into the waters of the Great Blue Hole in Belize and have the most fantastic time.
1. Dive into the Great Blue Hole in Belize With 8 Fun Facts!
Aptly dubbed “the Jewel“, the country of Belize is known and loved for its pristine and mesmerizing natural beauty and cozy setting. So naturally, the country and its largest city and namesake (Belize City) are undoubtedly among some of the most beloved spots for locals and visitors alike.
But before you dive into an adventure in this magical underwater world, you should learn a thing or two about this fascinating natural attraction. And with this fun and comprehensive guide about the Great Blue Hole in Belize, you will certainly be well-prepared for this fantastic journey to come.
1.1) Where to Find the Great Blue Hole in Belize?
As you can gather from the name itself, the Great Blue Hole is a natural attraction that can be found in the country of Belize.
Belize is a beautiful country in Central America, lying south of Mexico and east of Guatemala. The region is one of the rare exceptions in the world and an example of places still unspoiled by the modern age, still maintaining a pristine and natural beauty.
Framed by the crystalline Caribbean Sea, it is easy to believe that this country is a tropical paradise often visited by mythical creatures. It feels like a place where the pirates are undoubtedly likely to bury their precious treasure.
Along the shoreline of Belize, you can discover the second biggest barrier reef (the first being Australia’s Great Barrier Reef) on the entire planet – the Belize Barrier Reef. This comprises the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a maritime site and home to possibly the most wonderful and striking aspect of the country – the Great Blue Hole in Belize.
To be more precise, around seventy to eighty kilometers from the shore of the country and just at the center of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll lies the extraordinary geological miracle of the Great Blue Hole in Belize.
1.2) Sinking into the Deep Blues: Understanding the Phenomenon of the Great Blue Hole in Belize
Now you understand where to find it, but do you know exactly what the Great Blue Hole in Belize is? What kind of natural phenomenon is it and what kind of nature’s magic created it?
The Great Blue Hole is a deep and massive sinkhole that was initially a limestone cave created during the previous glacial age when the sea levels were much lower than today. When the sea started rising, the cave structure overflowed and ultimately fell, forming an extraordinary “vertical cave” in the deep ocean.
1.3) Learn About the Bottomless Past of the Great Blue Hole in Belize
Due to the rising water levels and the resulting surge in the sea level, the cave’s ceiling came down while the internal part of the grotto stayed unscathed, though it plummeted under the torrent of water.
The unique phenomenon of the Belize Hole in Belize came to the front of the whole world in the 1970s. It happened when the world-famous French explorer Jacques Yves-Cousteau discovered this deep treasure with his ship, The Calypso.
Yves-Cousteau uncovered the mysteries of the great Blue Hole in Belize through a TV series named “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.”
Furthermore, the research done by him and his team first indicated that the Great Blue Hole in Belize was initially formed as a limestone cavern of the glacial period made because of the shallowness of the waters. Other scientists and geological experts later supported this theory.
1.4) What’s in a Name: How the Great Blue Hole in Belize was Christened
It is indeed blue, and it is undoubtedly great. But how and who decided on the perfect name for the Great Blue Hole in Belize?
The credit for naming the place goes to the renowned writer of the books such as Ten Years Underwater, Schlafende Schiffe, and Diving Belize – Ned Middleton.
Even though the Spanish noted and explored the Great Blue Hole in Belize, no one could decide on a specific name for the region until Middleton aptly christened it.
And it is a fitting name for a place so incredible and vast, so beautiful and extraordinary.
1.5) A Few Significant Measurements: The Size and Volume of the Hole
So exactly how great is the Great Hole in Belize? The Belize Blue Hole is a nearly perfect circle, going for around three hundred meters across and more than a hundred meters deep.
So it hardly comes as a surprise that the Great Blue Hole in Belize is considered to be the biggest ocean hole in the globe. And therefore, you can surely understand why the name “Great Blue Hole” is well-earned.
1.6) Marine Life in the Great Blue Hole in Belize
Declared the number one most fantastic place on the planet by the Discovery Channel in 2012, the Great Blue Hole in Belize also has an impressive collection of Flora and Fauna, giant Stalactites, and huge Stalagmites.
And what’s at the deepest level of the azure hole? The Great Blue Hole in Belize is filled with various elements and mysteries.
Among the vast and varied assortment of marine fish and several species of sea creatures here, you will find the names of midnight parrotfish, giant groupers, butterflyfish, angelfish, turtles, nurse sharks, Caribbean Reef sharks, and much more!
1.7) Deep Dangers and Disasters
Just because the place sounds and feels like a magical realm plucked out from a beautiful storybook, it does not mean that dangers don’t lurk at many nooks and crannies of the hole. After all, no fairy tale is without a good old dose of danger and evil, either.
There have been many deaths and disasters in this region of Belize. The leading cause of death and drowning in the hole is nitrogen narcosis which can happen if a diver goes too deep. There are even rumors and claims of terrifying sea monsters living in the waters of this zone of the Caribbean.
But no matter if those are truths or rumors, the danger surrounding the place cannot be denied either. So while you should certainly have fun in this aquatic adventure, do so with caution and proper safety. Taking experienced guides and divers is the best way to explore and enjoy the Great Blue Hole in Belize.
1.8) Swimming and Diving in the Deep Blues: Is it Possible?
Who doesn’t want to experience the deep blue waters of such an iconic place declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
No worries, there’s good news for all you adventurers! It may sound too good to be true, but you can swim and dive in the sparkling waters of the Great Blue Hole in Belize. But remember that this only applies to the shallow parts; the dark and dangerous areas are only open to qualified and experienced divers.
However, no matter the area, you choose to be embraced by the pure blue crystalline waters. You can even try a bit of snorkeling and explore the underwater realm with parrotfish, angelfish, and turtles as your companions!
2. FAQs on The Great Blue Hole in Belize
Still, have queries on the deep azure waters of the Jewel country? Keep on reading this guide to find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about this natural marvel of the Great Blue Hole in Belize.
2.1) Where in the globe can you find the Great Blue Hole in Belize?
To begin the incredible adventure, you will have to discover the location of the Great Blue Hole in Belize. As you can deduce from the name, the Great Blue Hole can be found in Belize, a country in Central America.
You will find the Lighthouse Reef in the world’s second-largest coral reef, the Belize Barrier Reef Atoll. And right at the heart of this atoll lies one of the most remarkable miracles of nature – the Great Blue Hole in Belize.
And suppose you intend to stay a while relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze and tropical paradise setting. In that case, there are plenty of islands where you can find comfortable accommodation and affordable food. Among such islands and cays around the Great Blue Hole in Belize, you will discover Ambergris and Turneffe Islands.
2.2) Why is the Great Blue Hole in Belize so famous all around the world?
Well, how can it not be? It is a deep blue world of magical beauty, one of the finest specimens of natural miracles – very few places across the whole globe are as unique as this one.
The place proudly displays all the shades of blue you can imagine – from turquoise to aquamarine, deep azure to teal. Filled with colorful corals and unique marine life, in Charles Darwin’s words, “the most remarkable coral reef,” and the Blue Hole is just another significant part of it.
The Great Blue Hole shows how magical nature can look and feel when it is mostly untouched by the negative aspects of city life and modernization. Dating as far back as the ice age, this internal part of the Belize Barrier Reef system is truly remarkable.
Crystal-clear water in every possible hue of blue, rich marine life, unique structures and geological formations of rocks and corals, and fun things to do like scuba diving and snorkeling – what more could you wish for? No wonder this world’s largest natural formation, found in Belize, is beloved among the most amazing places on earth.
2.3) Is it possible to swim in the Great Blue Hole in Belize?
The good news is that you can swim in the Great Blue Hole in Belize. You can even try scuba diving and snorkeling but only in the less deep zones of the region.
The deeper and darker sites are reserved for only the divers with proper skill and experience. Always have a guide or experienced diver with you – and you will enjoy the waters while being safe.
2.4) When is the best time to visit the Great Blue Hole in Belize?
You can visit the Great Blue Hole in Belize all year round. Still, like all tourist destinations, this UNESCO world heritage site also has that particular season when everything is just a bit more extraordinary.
The ideal time to test the waters of Belize is from November to May. Also known as the dry season, this is when the waters are cool, and the skies are clear except for the very occasional rain. This is when the Great Blue Hole in Belize feels like a true tropical paradise.
Closing Thoughts: Dive into the Blues of Belize
So what are you waiting for? Don’t wait any longer to have a magical experience in the tropical paradise that is the Great Blue Hole in Belize.
One of the most incredible natural wonders on our blue planet and the second largest barrier reef on the globe, visiting this massive sinkhole should undoubtedly be at the very top of your bucket list.
With this guide, you have already learned and discovered all there is to know about the beautiful place on the coast of Belize, and now it’s time for you to experience the brilliant and diverse shades of blue firsthand.
Now pack your bags and prepare for the most otherworldly adventure of your life! By diving deep into the world of the Great Blue Hole in Belize, you will step into a realm of true magical beauty and dreamy enchantment.
Last Updated on by Himani Rawat
