I suppose i should start by saying the headline photo isn't mine. But any search of "Belize Tourism" is guaranteed to turn up pictures of the Blue Hole. Always rated as one of the most famous dive sites in the world, the Blue Hole likely the single most famous icon of Belizean eco-tourism. So being in the area, i had to check it out. Located some 43 km off the Belize coast, the Great Blue Hole was made famous
by Jacques Cousteau's explorations of the region. He immediately declared it one of the top 10 dives sites in the world. Although not unique in the world as there are other similar formations in the Caribbean and the Red Sea. But it is said to be the biggest. Dives typically drop pretty deep if you have the qualification to an overhang draped with stalactites. Even though the water is clear, there isn't a lot of light this deep. But out of the darkness you're likely to see sharks or a few lingering larger fish. But being so deep, divers need to ascend within around 8 minutes. What i have found over years of diving is hardly a revelation. Most of the cool stuff is only a few feet under the surface. So a decent into a seemingly drilled hole to the centre of the Earth won't be met with a cavalcade of attention hungry masses under the sea. It's dark and still and... well... blue. Snorkel trips are possible, but overpriced.
by Jacques Cousteau's explorations of the region. He immediately declared it one of the top 10 dives sites in the world. Although not unique in the world as there are other similar formations in the Caribbean and the Red Sea. But it is said to be the biggest. Dives typically drop pretty deep if you have the qualification to an overhang draped with stalactites. Even though the water is clear, there isn't a lot of light this deep. But out of the darkness you're likely to see sharks or a few lingering larger fish. But being so deep, divers need to ascend within around 8 minutes. What i have found over years of diving is hardly a revelation. Most of the cool stuff is only a few feet under the surface. So a decent into a seemingly drilled hole to the centre of the Earth won't be met with a cavalcade of attention hungry masses under the sea. It's dark and still and... well... blue. Snorkel trips are possible, but overpriced.Full day trips to the Blue Hole from any of the "neighbouring" islands like
San Pedro or Caye Caulker, will run about B$350 to B$400, including such luxuries as lunch and water. Typically the first dive is the Blue Hole itself (it is the deepest) followed by other dives around the Lighthouse Reef, which quite frankly are the far more visually pleasing part of the day. The Blue Hole is a simply a place to dive just for the "been there, done that" sort of dinner story. As long as you go into the day knowing what to expect, it'll be fine. But, while it may be Belize's most famous landmark, it's not the best diving in the country.
San Pedro or Caye Caulker, will run about B$350 to B$400, including such luxuries as lunch and water. Typically the first dive is the Blue Hole itself (it is the deepest) followed by other dives around the Lighthouse Reef, which quite frankly are the far more visually pleasing part of the day. The Blue Hole is a simply a place to dive just for the "been there, done that" sort of dinner story. As long as you go into the day knowing what to expect, it'll be fine. But, while it may be Belize's most famous landmark, it's not the best diving in the country.
1 comments:
Great place! but my dream dive trip is to Raja Ampat, Indonesia. I wish one day you'll write about Indonesia too!
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