From snorkeling, diving, or just lounging on the boat and taking in one of Mother Nature’s greatest works, the Great Blue Hole can be a place for the adventurous and curious. It wouldn’t be a full circle Belizean experience if you can’t at least see this magnificent blue circle in the Caribbean.
Can You Swim in the Great Blue Hole?
You can swim in the shallow waters surrounding the Blue Hole, and there are many corals around to marvel. You’ll see the rich marine life around and across the greater Lighthouse Reef that surrounds the blue hole. However, if you decide to swim in the Blue Hole, you can only do so by booking a tour.
Booking a dive/swim tour for the Great Blue Hole helps you ensure safety in swimming, you can be guided by other expert divers, and you’re not going to be swimming or driving around alone. Tours also provide necessary gear and equipment for a safe experience.
Can You Snorkel in the Great Blue Hole?
The Great Blue Hole is listed as one of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the world. Snorkeling is one of the most common aquatic activities in the hole and across the Lighthouse Reef. The hole’s biodiversity and beauty make for a great Belizean experience.
You can take a dive tour from the mainland, or in any of the cays, like Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, or Long Caye. Dive tours are advantageous as they help ensure safety, and they provided the necessities for snorkeling.
Can You Dive in the Great Blue Hole?
Diving is the most common activity when visiting the Great Blue Hole. Dubbed as one of the best diving sites in the world, the marine hole is a wonder in itself, with a rich marine life, and plenty of deep mysteries in its ominous depths, the Great Blue Hole is an iconic symbol of the Belizean experience.
However, there are few warnings when diving into the hole. The hole has a hydrogen sulfide layer when you get to the deepest parts, only accessible to the well-experienced divers. This hydrogen sulfide layer is a no-go as it can kill even the most experienced swimmer.
How Much Does It Cost to Dive the Blue Hole in Belize?
Belize’s somewhat pricey reputation rings true to dive fees to the Great Blue Hole. Dive fees typically range above 300 USD. Some even get up to almost 400 USD. The cheapest rates are from dive tours that operate near the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, like the tours along the Long Caye.
Is Diving the Great Blue Hole Worth It?
If you’re the type that is curious about the mysteries and beauty of a specific natural wonder, in this case, the Blue Hole, it is definitely worth it. However, the prices might put many people off, as according to many visitors, the Great Blue Hole can be underwhelming, apart from the beautiful pristine waters and beautiful corals and rich marine life.
What Lives in the Great Blue Hole?
In the shallow waters around the Great Blue Hole, there is a plethora of marine life that thrives in the Caribbean waters, adding to the Blue Hole’s appeal. However, as you go down the deepest levels of the hole, you can’t find much life there.
The Hydrogen Sulfide layer takes away the oxygen and blocks the sunlight from reaching the depths of the hole resulting in a barren bottom. This layer is also dangerous for divers as lack of oxygen can potentially kill, there have been reports of divers who lost their lives deep in the hole.
Are There Sharks in the Great Blue Hole?
With rich marine life, the coral areas around the hole are home to many kinds of marine animals and species of fishes. The reef is home to many species of shark, like bull sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and hammerhead sharks.
Is the Great Blue Hole Dangerous?
Even with its beauty and allure, the Great Blue Hole can be dangerous. If you’re an inexperienced diver, chances are the Great Blue Hole can be very dangerous for you.
The depth is a threat for inexperienced divers as they tend to go too deep and forget to limit themselves. The Great Blue Hole has an extremely dangerous Hydrogen Sulfide layer that can kill.
The Great Blue Hole’s lack of current makes the water very clear, while that can be helpful, it can be detrimental in estimating distances. You will have trouble knowing how deep you are because the clarity tricks your mind because things tend to appear nearer.
You’re estimation, or the illusion of it will get you deeper until the pressure can cause nitrogen narcosis, the leading killer of many divers, even the experienced ones.
Where Should I Stay in Belize to Dive the Great Blue Hole?
The best places to stay to dive the Great Blue Hole are the nearby cays so that your base won’t be far off from the Lighthouse Reef. Long Cay, South Long Cay, Turneffe Atoll, Hicks Cay, and the Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are the ideal cays and islands to stay in.
Most of these cays are home to a few resorts and tour companies that set out to the Great Blue Hole.
How Far Is the Blue Hole From San Pedro?
The Blue Hole is approximately 81 km or 50 miles from San Pedro, directly. By nautical distance, it is around 43.7 nautical miles.
How Far Is the Blue Hole From Caye Caulker?
The Blue Hole is approximately 73 km or 45 miles from San Pedro, directly. By nautical distance, it is around 39.5 nautical miles.
How Far Is the Blue Hole From Placencia?
The Blue Hole is approximately 126 km or 78 miles from San Pedro, directly. By nautical distance, it is around 68 nautical miles.
How Do I Get to the Great Blue Hole?
You can get to the Great Blue Hole from the mainland via water transport, mainly ferries and water taxis. The most common island to stay in is either Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, but you can also choose others like the Long Cay and Hicks Caye. You can also fly from the mainland to John Grief II Airport in Ambergris Caye.
From the cays, book tour service, and hop on their ferries or boats that can you directly to the Blue Hole. However, depending on the tour company’s tour packages, you might be taken to a different side or part of the Great Blue Hole. Some tours take you to the northern part of the hole or the south.
How Long Is the Boat Ride From Ambergris Caye to the Blue Hole?
Depending on the sea conditions, typically, the trip might take around a couple of hours to the Great Blue Hole.
Is the Great Blue Hole Worth It?
If you’re the type that is curious about the mysteries and beauty of a specific natural wonder, in this case, the Blue Hole, it is definitely worth it. However, the prices might put many people off, as according to many visitors, the Great Blue Hole can be underwhelming, apart from the beautiful pristine waters and beautiful corals and rich marine life.
