Great Blue Hole Belize: A Unique Diving Experience

Great Blue Hole in Belize is an excellent option for diving deep under waters. The name can be attributed to the geographical location and the shape of the water body. Situated at about 60 miles from Belize, it is an amazing site that attracts the tourists for diving in this part of Lighthouse Reef System. The shape of the hole is circular and its size is 300m in diameter and 120m in depth. Being a part of the Belize Barrier Reef, it comes under UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. The site was first dived by Jacques-Yves who sailed his ship inside water to fathom the depth.

The reef is made up of stalactites of limestone. As one dives deeper into the waters the structures become harder. The reef surrounds the hole and is a rich source of corals and polyps. Below the waters of Great Blue Hole Belize, there are a number of cave structures in which the hanging stalactites and stalagmites can be seen either hanging from or going up from the floor. When these bodies melt, the caves get submerged in water. Usually found at a depth of 110 meters below the waters of Blue Hole, these carbonate structures appear monstrous in size and shape.

While diving, one can encounter wild sharks or other marine animals. The pit of Great Blue Hole Belize is quite dark and only a dim light reaches there. As one go really deeper, chances of seeing anemones, shrimps and various fish become more. Light-radiating gobies, colorful sea fans, floating elk horns can be seen in water. Different types of reef sharks like Caribbean shark, Blacktip shark, Bull shark can be seen swimming across.

Tourists going for diving with the guides are supposed to reach the place in early morning. The dive is entirely a decompression based activity. It must be attempted under the guidance of skilled divers who have the sound knowledge and experience of diving into such deep waters. The diving should not be attempted by the novice. If someone feels nervous before diving, he should take diving master into confidence. A time period of the dive is not more than 30 minutes. More dives are now available from the site of Long Caye which is situated nearby.

Snorkeling about the hole is a pleasant experience. One can take beautiful pictures of underwater life while diving near rim as more light is there at this depth than at deepest part of the Great Blue Hole Belize. As the temperature of the Hole does not fall too much, one can dive at any time. Rainy season lasts from June to August with months from February to May being the driest. There are two dive-able places from where the diving can be done. One of them is north side which is more easily accessible for the large sized boats. The other one is south side which is less accessible and suitable only or smaller boats.

Sharks can be baited by providing them with sardines. This will make the sharks come to the surface of water and one can take splendid photographs.