THE BLUE HOLE
The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 43 miles from the mainland and Belize City. The hole is circular in shape, 1,043 feet across and 407 feet deep. The Great Blue Hole is one of the most popular and special sites for diving in the Belize Barrier Reef. Formed about 10,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age, the Blue Hole offers divers a uniquely gothic experience of starkly beautiful underwater caves featuring enormous stalactites and the occasional glimpse of the elusive hammerhead shark. Even though it is an incredibly deep hole, the great visibility underwater allows divers to easily see the cave formations and marine wildlife, which has led to the site being consistently ranked as one of the top dive sites in the world.
It was formed during several episodes of quaternary glaciation when sea levels were much lower. Analysis of stalactites found in the Great Blue Hole shows that formation took place 153,000; 66,000; 60,000; and 15,000 years ago. As the ocean began to rise again, the cave was flooded. The Great Blue Hole 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).
Exploration & Name
This site was made famous by Jacques Cousteau, who declared it one of the top five scuba diving sites in the world. In 1971 he brought his ship, the Calypso, to the hole to chart its depths. Investigations by this expedition confirmed the hole's origin as typical karst limestone formations, formed before rises in sea level in at least four stages, leaving ledges at depths of 21 m (69 ft), 49 m (161 ft), and 91 m (299 ft). Stalactites were retrieved from submerged caves, confirming their previous formation above sea level. Some of these stalactites were also off-vertical by 5˚in a consistent orientation, indicating that there had also been some past geological shift and tilting of the underlying plateau, followed by a long period in the current plane. The tilt indicates that this was a movement of the land, rather than a rise in sea level alone.
Initial measured depth of Great Blue Hole was 410 feet, which is the most often cited depth up to this day. An expedition by the Cambrian Foundation in 1997 measured the hole's depth as 407 feet, at its deepest point. This difference in measurement can be explained by ongoing sedimentation or by imprecision in measurements. The expedition's goal was to collect core samples from the Blue Hole's floor and document the cave system. To accomplish these tasks, all of the divers had to be certified in cave diving and mixed gases.
In December 2018, two submarines descended into the Blue Hole, in an attempt to map its interior. Using sonar scanning, the team was nearly able to complete a 3-D map of the 1,000 foot wide hole.
It was formed during several episodes of quaternary glaciation when sea levels were much lower. Analysis of stalactites found in the Great Blue Hole shows that formation took place 153,000; 66,000; 60,000; and 15,000 years ago. As the ocean began to rise again, the cave was flooded. The Great Blue Hole 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).
Exploration & Name
This site was made famous by Jacques Cousteau, who declared it one of the top five scuba diving sites in the world. In 1971 he brought his ship, the Calypso, to the hole to chart its depths. Investigations by this expedition confirmed the hole's origin as typical karst limestone formations, formed before rises in sea level in at least four stages, leaving ledges at depths of 21 m (69 ft), 49 m (161 ft), and 91 m (299 ft). Stalactites were retrieved from submerged caves, confirming their previous formation above sea level. Some of these stalactites were also off-vertical by 5˚in a consistent orientation, indicating that there had also been some past geological shift and tilting of the underlying plateau, followed by a long period in the current plane. The tilt indicates that this was a movement of the land, rather than a rise in sea level alone.
Initial measured depth of Great Blue Hole was 410 feet, which is the most often cited depth up to this day. An expedition by the Cambrian Foundation in 1997 measured the hole's depth as 407 feet, at its deepest point. This difference in measurement can be explained by ongoing sedimentation or by imprecision in measurements. The expedition's goal was to collect core samples from the Blue Hole's floor and document the cave system. To accomplish these tasks, all of the divers had to be certified in cave diving and mixed gases.
In December 2018, two submarines descended into the Blue Hole, in an attempt to map its interior. Using sonar scanning, the team was nearly able to complete a 3-D map of the 1,000 foot wide hole.
Gothic Looking Stalactites at 132 Feet
What is it Like to Dive the Great Blue Hole of Belize?
In a word: It’s thrilling–even for experienced divers who have set about conquering the planet’s most challenging dives and come up proclaiming that they’ve “never seen anything like” the underwater world that captured their imaginations off the coast of Belize. Since the Great Blue Hole offers a diving experience that can’t be found elsewhere, we’ve borrowed the thoughts of divers who know a thing or two about life-changing experiences to explain what you can expect if you prioritize this dive next time you visit Belize. It’s immensely deep - You lower yourself into the circumference of the impressive circle that forms the ocean-top’s parameters and travel around 475 feet down into an expanse that was created by the geological movements of the earth’s crust. At its deepest, find yourself in what was once a series of caves that collapsed repeatedly to shape this conical aquatic phenomenon that differs from surrounding sea shelves because they are only around 390 feet deep. Your experience feels like you are plunging into a bottomless pit—but an awesome one. It’s dark & mysterious - Divers familiar with the Great Blue Hole often say that they became fascinated with the architecture that forms and reforms as the center of the earth cools and rocks shift into unique shapes, thereby delivering an other-worldly experience for even the most jaded of divers. Encounter Pleistocene stalactites, stalagmites and columns at a depth of around 110 feet. These projectiles dangle from massive shelves that are contoured in such a way one can burrow beneath them to find even more mysterious surfaces and shapes. There are passageways and coral-lined walls plus protrusions that can lead a diver to question his vision—but that’s part of the experience. The influence of nitrogen on the body at these depths can distort things just enough to add some magic to the moment. |
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What is it Like to Dive the Great Blue Hole of Belize?
Different shades of blue - Turquoise blends into aquamarine that morphs into cobalt and navy, which is why your desire to experience marine life must be satisfied as near to the surface as possible. The darker it gets, the less marine life you’ll encounter. Trying to identify the range of blue hues you see can keep you busy as you descend into this natural Belize attraction gradually—darkening blues can give you an indication of the rate at which you are descending. As it gets darker and deeper, your ability to differentiate sea creatures that dare to plummet to such far depths makes it more likely you’ll encounter discarded turtle shells than a bounty of colorful fish who know enough to stay at the top of the hole.
Near the Surface - Adjust your vision to each stage of your dive and identify a wonderland of shapes, life forms and creatures that would do any science fiction illustrator proud. Spot shrimp clinging to anemones, oddly-shaped neon fish that glow against the blue water as they swim among butterfly fish, groupers and angelfish. Purple sea fans move to the ocean rhythmic sway, but with the right camera, you’ll be able to capture the moving sea life and even create your own special effects by allowing the water to mirror creatures and plants as they swim by. Experienced divers swear that they get the best pictures at a depth of around 6-feet because there’s so much light attracting marine life at that point, so follow their lead.
Dive with a Buddy - Diving with a buddy and sharing unique experiences is the essence of fun when exploring the Great Blue Hole. Not only will you stay safer and more confident as you descend into the aquamarine world of geologic outlines and indigenous life forms, but you can both point out photo opportunities to each other that could be illusive if you’re more focused on reaching the bottom than tracking what surrounds you. It’s particularly important to tackle this dive, if it’s your first, with an experienced person so you can relax completely and let the water and mood wash over you. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself gesturing wildly in the direction of your diving companion as you seek to interpret the beauty and wonder around you.
Deeply moving experience - There’s a reason Jacques Cousteau targeted the Blue Hole back in 1972 and brought this diving site to the attention of the world. It’s just that unique. While there are lots of wild rumors surrounding the Cousteau visit when his ship Calypso’s dropped anchor and explored the depths, these stories are just so much local folklore, but since they don’t cost you a cent, do ask about them since they can be outrageous or highly entertaining at the very least. Your job is to make your own memories using stories passed along by other Great Blue Hole divers throughout Belize so you understand that while you encounter fewer life forms the deeper you dive, it’s the surroundings that are described by many as a “religious experience,” because you are visiting a world that has remained unchanged for thousands upon thousands of years.
Different shades of blue - Turquoise blends into aquamarine that morphs into cobalt and navy, which is why your desire to experience marine life must be satisfied as near to the surface as possible. The darker it gets, the less marine life you’ll encounter. Trying to identify the range of blue hues you see can keep you busy as you descend into this natural Belize attraction gradually—darkening blues can give you an indication of the rate at which you are descending. As it gets darker and deeper, your ability to differentiate sea creatures that dare to plummet to such far depths makes it more likely you’ll encounter discarded turtle shells than a bounty of colorful fish who know enough to stay at the top of the hole.
Near the Surface - Adjust your vision to each stage of your dive and identify a wonderland of shapes, life forms and creatures that would do any science fiction illustrator proud. Spot shrimp clinging to anemones, oddly-shaped neon fish that glow against the blue water as they swim among butterfly fish, groupers and angelfish. Purple sea fans move to the ocean rhythmic sway, but with the right camera, you’ll be able to capture the moving sea life and even create your own special effects by allowing the water to mirror creatures and plants as they swim by. Experienced divers swear that they get the best pictures at a depth of around 6-feet because there’s so much light attracting marine life at that point, so follow their lead.
Dive with a Buddy - Diving with a buddy and sharing unique experiences is the essence of fun when exploring the Great Blue Hole. Not only will you stay safer and more confident as you descend into the aquamarine world of geologic outlines and indigenous life forms, but you can both point out photo opportunities to each other that could be illusive if you’re more focused on reaching the bottom than tracking what surrounds you. It’s particularly important to tackle this dive, if it’s your first, with an experienced person so you can relax completely and let the water and mood wash over you. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself gesturing wildly in the direction of your diving companion as you seek to interpret the beauty and wonder around you.
Deeply moving experience - There’s a reason Jacques Cousteau targeted the Blue Hole back in 1972 and brought this diving site to the attention of the world. It’s just that unique. While there are lots of wild rumors surrounding the Cousteau visit when his ship Calypso’s dropped anchor and explored the depths, these stories are just so much local folklore, but since they don’t cost you a cent, do ask about them since they can be outrageous or highly entertaining at the very least. Your job is to make your own memories using stories passed along by other Great Blue Hole divers throughout Belize so you understand that while you encounter fewer life forms the deeper you dive, it’s the surroundings that are described by many as a “religious experience,” because you are visiting a world that has remained unchanged for thousands upon thousands of years.
Why You Have to Visit the Blue Hole of Belize
Known to locals for centuries as a uniquely special diving location, the Blue Hole of Belize came to the world’s attention in 1971 after famed French marine biologist Jacques Cousteau declared it to be one of his top 10 diving spots in the world. Later, the Discovery Channel named the Belize Blue Hole as one of the top 10 most amazing places on Earth. Every year, thousands of experienced divers from around the globe come to the Blue Hole of Belize to descend over 90 meters into the inky darkness.
Known to locals for centuries as a uniquely special diving location, the Blue Hole of Belize came to the world’s attention in 1971 after famed French marine biologist Jacques Cousteau declared it to be one of his top 10 diving spots in the world. Later, the Discovery Channel named the Belize Blue Hole as one of the top 10 most amazing places on Earth. Every year, thousands of experienced divers from around the globe come to the Blue Hole of Belize to descend over 90 meters into the inky darkness.
When is the best time to visit the Blue Hole?
As an underwater diving attraction, there is little variation by season or time of year so just about any time is a good time to explore the watery depths of the Belize Blue Hole. Be aware that storms or heavy rainfall can somewhat reduce visibility as well as make transportation to the Belize Blue Hole more difficult. What is the best way to experience the Blue Hole? Due to the unique challenges of the depth of the Belize Blue Hole and exploring a series of submerged caves, diving in the area is restricted to experienced divers only. All divers must prove that they have completed at least 24 prior dives and can demonstrate proficiency in diving safety techniques. |
How to Get to the Blue Hole?
There are no commercial routes that connect Lighthouse Reef (which surrounds the Belize Blue Hole) and the mainland or other islands. A number of private companies offer boat service to and from the area, as well as supplying the necessary diving gear and equipment. Where in Belize Is the Blue Hole located?The Blue Hole of Belize is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the middle of the Belize Barrier Reef. The perimeter of the Belize Blue Hole is formed by Lighthouse Reef and is located approximately 43 miles (70 km) from mainland Belize. |
The Blue Hole is about a 2-hour boat trip from Ambergris Caye, one way. The journey can be longer if seas are rough. Due to this distance, there is a minimum number of divers that must be on each trip in order for the excursion to happen on a given day. The minimum number is usually 10-12 divers. If there are not enough divers, the trip may be canceled. Weather also plays a large role in the possibility of diving this site. Rough seas can make the boat ride to Lighthouse Reef, where the Blue Hole is located, impossible.
DIVING THE BELIZE BLUE HOLE
There is alot to enjoy from diving the Blue Hole, and it requires a certain skill level of experience and responsibility that many new divers simply do not have. The shelf begins as a wall at about 1 foot and is covered with coral until about 18 feet, where it becomes a gentle sandy incline that leads up to a dark abyss. The entire dive takes about 30 minutes and goes to a depth of 132 feet.
THE DESCENT - 40 Feet
The dive begins with a descent of 40 feet to a sandy limestone shelf that surrounds the Blue Hole. If you dive off the local dive boats, you are given about a minute or two to descend and equalize then you are led to the drop of where you will descend freely into the darkness. As you descent, the colors drain into a gloomy hue (much like the natural sunlight at dusk).
THE DESCENT - 60 Feet (You Are Now at 100' depth)
At about 60 feet, you begin to see silhouettes of about 10 to 15 Caribbean reef shark circling off to your right in the watery void. Your descent is continuous up until about 100 feet where you veer off toward gray scale columns hanging off a ceiling in a cavern carved out of a erosion during the last ice age.
You now feel as though you are in a sort of gothic tale; quiet, overcast, and eerie. It's as though you are personally experiencing a vague memory of a dive story being retold by a stranger in a dimly lit bar after a few beers. Then, you suddenly hear the clear sound of your dive leader banging on his tank, a tone that travels clearly, as though he is right next to you. It jolts you back into reality. You look in front of you and see him telling you to level off, you are at your maximum depth; 132 feet, and the cavern appears in front of you.
MAXIMUM DEPTH - 132 FEET
What begins to open up in front of you, is a huge cavern, full of gothic looking stalactites that hang from the ceilings edge like Stone Age Chandeliers. The sheer size of these stalactites is breath-taking. If you've brought your camera, this is the place to take photos. As you meander around the stalactites, you begin to feel a buzz (which the dive leader spoke about on the boat before jumping into the water), this is the effects of the sometimes unavoidable nitrogen narcosis. You should not be afraid of the effects, as it wears off as you come up to shallower depths, so please stay calm. Do not ascend (at your own decision), continue to follow your dive leader (acknowledging), that it at least feels interesting. These cave formations have existed several millennia before Christopher Columbus's famous voyage. In the distance (about 40 feet above you), you can still see the silhouettes of sharks circling above.
ASCEND TO THE TOP
After five minutes that seemed more like ten, you begin your slow ascent from your maximum depth, then all of the sudden (before you even notice), your Nitrogen buzz is gone. You come up past the sharks again, occasionally a curious one comes within arm's reach inspecting the visitor in his territory. You again find yourself on the sandy shelf, this time you are treated to tiny bubbles dancing out of tiny holes in the sandy floor, they are the bubbles that you exhaled at your maximum depth seeping through the cracks in cavern roof on their way to the surface. Finally, the image of your dive boat appears above and your dive leader signals for you to do a safety stop. In total, your dive will last about 30 minutes.
THE DESCENT - 40 Feet
The dive begins with a descent of 40 feet to a sandy limestone shelf that surrounds the Blue Hole. If you dive off the local dive boats, you are given about a minute or two to descend and equalize then you are led to the drop of where you will descend freely into the darkness. As you descent, the colors drain into a gloomy hue (much like the natural sunlight at dusk).
THE DESCENT - 60 Feet (You Are Now at 100' depth)
At about 60 feet, you begin to see silhouettes of about 10 to 15 Caribbean reef shark circling off to your right in the watery void. Your descent is continuous up until about 100 feet where you veer off toward gray scale columns hanging off a ceiling in a cavern carved out of a erosion during the last ice age.
You now feel as though you are in a sort of gothic tale; quiet, overcast, and eerie. It's as though you are personally experiencing a vague memory of a dive story being retold by a stranger in a dimly lit bar after a few beers. Then, you suddenly hear the clear sound of your dive leader banging on his tank, a tone that travels clearly, as though he is right next to you. It jolts you back into reality. You look in front of you and see him telling you to level off, you are at your maximum depth; 132 feet, and the cavern appears in front of you.
MAXIMUM DEPTH - 132 FEET
What begins to open up in front of you, is a huge cavern, full of gothic looking stalactites that hang from the ceilings edge like Stone Age Chandeliers. The sheer size of these stalactites is breath-taking. If you've brought your camera, this is the place to take photos. As you meander around the stalactites, you begin to feel a buzz (which the dive leader spoke about on the boat before jumping into the water), this is the effects of the sometimes unavoidable nitrogen narcosis. You should not be afraid of the effects, as it wears off as you come up to shallower depths, so please stay calm. Do not ascend (at your own decision), continue to follow your dive leader (acknowledging), that it at least feels interesting. These cave formations have existed several millennia before Christopher Columbus's famous voyage. In the distance (about 40 feet above you), you can still see the silhouettes of sharks circling above.
ASCEND TO THE TOP
After five minutes that seemed more like ten, you begin your slow ascent from your maximum depth, then all of the sudden (before you even notice), your Nitrogen buzz is gone. You come up past the sharks again, occasionally a curious one comes within arm's reach inspecting the visitor in his territory. You again find yourself on the sandy shelf, this time you are treated to tiny bubbles dancing out of tiny holes in the sandy floor, they are the bubbles that you exhaled at your maximum depth seeping through the cracks in cavern roof on their way to the surface. Finally, the image of your dive boat appears above and your dive leader signals for you to do a safety stop. In total, your dive will last about 30 minutes.
PREPARING TO DIVE THE BLUE HOLE
The Blue Hole can be a worthy experience, but it is also important to be aware of the dangers of this type of dive. Be aware of the personal duties you have as a diver, even when under the supervision of an experienced Dive Master. Here are a few tips to keep in mind. If you are unsure about your capabilities, you should do a little more diving and get some more extensive training before you attempt dives at such a depth.
- First ascend until you get to the signal from the Dive Master and ascend when they tell you to.
- If you have a dive computer or are renting one, adjust your depth according to your No. Decompression Limit (NDL)
- If you have a rental computer, make sure you are briefed on how to use it and always ascend at a reasonable rate.
- Be sure to remove as much potential causes of stress and you will definitely have a better dive.
- Find a Dive Buddy who can dive with you, someone who equally shares cave diving experience.
- The stalactites are the highlight of the dive, so be sure to bring an underwater camera.
- Don't over inflate your expectations, focus on the cave as a whole, its history, the formation, and you will have an unforgettable experience.
Here are (18) interesting things,
you probably didn't know about the Blue Hole
you probably didn't know about the Blue Hole
- The great blue hole is a tremendous underwater sinkhole that is located off the coast of Belize and lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef.
- The actual name of “The Great Blue Hole” was created by British diver and author Ned Middleton after having lived in Belize for 6 months. He was so impressed with this natural feature that he reasoned in his book “Ten Years Underwater” that if Australia could have ‘The Great Barrier Reef’ then Belize could equally have ‘The Great Blue Hole’ – thus setting this feature apart from similar, albeit lesser in size, structures.
- The hole is circular in shape and has over 1,043 feet across and 407 feet deep. It is the world’s largest natural formation of its kind and is part of the Belize Barrier Reef System.
- Giant stalactites, drip-stone sheets, and columns can be found inside the blue hole. Scientists believe that these structures were formed in a dry cavern above sea level during glacial periods.
- Analysis of stalactites found in Great Blue Hole shows that formation took place 153,000; 66,000; 60,000; and 15,000 years ago.
- The French Explorer Jacques Cousteau revealed the secrets of the great Blue Hole to millions of viewers in a television series called “The Undersea World of Jaques-Cousteau” (in the 1960’s), and a large number of scuba divers started traveling to the Belize Blue Hole.
- The Blue Hole Monument is one of the seven wonders of Belize’s World Heritage site.
- In April of 2012, Bill Gates, the 2nd richest man in the world visited the Great Blue Hole with his family.
- Day trips to the Great Blue Hole are full-day trips and are offered from the coastal tourist communities in Belize. The tour usually includes one dive in the Blue Hole and a dive on Half Moon Wall.
- The Discovery Channel ranked the Great Blue Hole as number one on its list of “The 10 Most Amazing Places on Earth”.
- The Belize Blue Hole is not only the most unique area in the world, but is also the only blue hole that may be seen from space.
- The area that holds the Belize Blue Hole is a World Heritage site and is one of many protected areas in Belize.
- The best spot for diving or snorkeling is within the first 40 feet of water above the Belize Blue Hole. Anything that is below that point is for experienced divers only.
- What people don’t really know is that the Belize Blue Hole only has 2 safe diving areas. You can go to the north side, which is the most popular side for large boats, since it is easier to access from there. The south side only allows small boats access due to specific wind directions. So, in order to dive, it must be done within the holes circumference.
- The Blue Hole doesn’t create that much circulation, so very little oxygen tends to reach the deepest part of the hole. This causes very few marine creatures the ability to survive there, even though bacteria seems to thrive.
- What makes the Belize Blue Hole so interesting is the fact that over 500 rare plants and animals that are located only in this area.
- The blue, deep waters of the Belize Blue Hole are the habitat to many hammerhead and black tip tigers. Although, all that you are likely to come upon is your diving partner during your expedition.
- What's at the bottom of the blue hole? Basically a conch shell graveyard. Conchs crawl and fall off the coral rim edge, of the Blue Hole to the bottom. There is no oxygen in the water at the bottom, the culprit being a blanket of toxic hydrogen, which causes the conch's to suffocate. So what's at the bottom of the Blue Hole? A pile of conch shells.
History of the Blue Hole - Strangely, the Great Blue Hole doesn’t appear on admiralty charts, so it takes an experienced dive master to pinpoint the opening in the reef. For divers who thought they knew better, the Blue Hole became their watery resting place, despite the fact that it’s a fairly straightforward dive as long as you know what you’re doing. Ever since the Canadian Film Board produced a documentary in the mid-1960s, marine biologists, photographers, archaeologists and anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind experience has come to the realization that it’s not the marine life that makes the Blue Hole awesome; it’s the fact that the hole takes anyone seeking the mysteries of the cave into the barrier reef to experience a world that was once home to our ancestors around 11,000 years ago. As the sea continues to reclaim the Barrier Reef, more could be lost to history, including the hole itself. What’s it like to dive the Great Blue Hole?
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