Blue Hole
M/Y Helios courtesy Captain Giles Smith
The Great Blue Hole is a large underwater sinkhole, the result of a cave that collapsed
centuries ago off the coast of Belize. It is a feature attraction of diving in Belize,
especially for divers with an appreciation of geographical phenomena. It is a part of the
larger Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a World Heritage Site of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This site was made
famous in 1972 by Jacques-Yves Cousteau declared it one of the top ten scuba diving
sites in the world.
It lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a small atoll 70 kilometers (43 miles)
from the mainland and Belize City and is managed by the Belize Audubon Society.
This large limestone sinkhole is a stunning jewel set in a ring of corals, almost perfectly
circular in shape, measuring over 300 meters (984 feet) across and 124 meters (407 feet)
deep. This ocean-floor sinkhole is believed to be the world’s largest natural blue hole
formation of its kind. It is one of the most astounding dive sites to be found anywhere on
earth.
It was formed during several episodes of Quaternary glaciation when sea levels were
much lower - the analysis of stalactites found in Great Blue Hole shows that formation
has taken place 153,000; 66,000; 60,000; and 15,000 years ago. As the ocean began to
rise again, the caves were flooded.
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It’s mammoth-size cave, once dry as evidenced by stalactites, has been submerged here
since the Ice Age. At 100 feet, the wall gives way to a deep undercut. At a depth of 130
feet, the dimly lit cavern’s great upside-down monoliths hang from the ceiling, extending
over 25 feet. It is quite a sight to see the stalactites silhouetted against the blue glow of
filtered light coming from beyond the ledge. Divers descend into the tranquil abyss to
see geological wonders and fascinating marine life. Giant stalactites, dripstone sheets,
and columns are located in the Gallery at the southern rim of the Great Blue Hole. These
structures formed in a dry cavern above sea level during glacial periods.
Its coral rim is home and foraging ground to multiple marine species. Notable are the
large population of various sharks such as – lemon, black tip, nurse, reef, hammerhead
and bull shark.
Major attraction is its almost perfectly circular deep sinkhole with leaning stalactites in
caves at 160 feet depth and the uniqueness of the geological formations and the beautiful
marine ecosystem. Diving the Blue Hole is a geologically interesting dive, but don’t
expect fish and coral as found on the Australian Barrier Reef for example. The diving is
primarily to see the stalactites and under water formation rather than the marine or fish
life, though lots of sharks can be found here.
For those who will make the trip aboard the yacht the first time going in it will take most
yachts about 2 to 2½ hours weaving in and out of the reef to make it there. The use of a
tender to sound depths ahead of the yacht for the transit to the Blue Hole is highly
recommended along with the passage being done whilst the sun is high.
Dive excursions to the Blue Hole are normally full day trips.
The Belize Audubon Society charges an entrance fee of US$30.00 per person. This is
normally collected by the warden stationed there.
Most captains comment that the most that the most sensible option with the average 10’
yacht would be to use the tender to take up the guests to the Blue Hole instead of the
yacht.
Yachts which have made it up to the Blue Hole include
March, 2011
February, 2011
February, 2008
Helios2
Mine Games
Plan B
Giles Smith
Terrence Coombes
David Passmore
2.7 m
8.5 ft
10 ft
555 – 166
466 – 139
737 - 221
The Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef is normally the general areas which yachts with
submersibles request to dive.
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