Belize Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef Atoll

Explore the largest ocean sinkhole in the world. Made famous by Cousteau/Calypso investigation in the 1970s, it is the only blue hole that can be plainly seen from outer space.

Tour Sheet

Duration 

Depart: 5:00 a.m.

Return: 5:00 p.m.

Boat Ride: 3Hrs 30min (One-way)

Skill Level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Includes 

  • Gears
  • Bottled Water
  • Lunch
  • Small Breakfast
  • Towels
  • Hotel Transfer*
  • Park Fees
  • Sales Tax

Minimum

8 Divers

Price

3 Dives 
$360USD

Snorkeling
$260USD

The Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is a large underwater sinkhole off of the coast of Belize. It lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef atoll about 65 miles from Placencia.

It was formed as a limestone cave system during the last ice age when sea levels were much lower. As the ocean began to raise the caves flooded, and the roof collapsed.

The hole is almost perfectly circular, over 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep, and is almost surrounded by fringing reefs which make for an excellent snorkel adventure as well.

This site was made famous by Jacques-Yves Cousteau who declared it one of the top ten best scuba diving sites in the world. Since then thousands of divers have made it the reason they have come to dive in Belize.

The Great Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef Atoll

In past years diving The Great Blue Hole meant visiting Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, or Belize City. Now you can dive the pristine southern reef of Belize and include the Blue Hole as part of your vacation.

Belize Blue Hole Dive

While the snorkelers explore the fringing reefs, divers descend along the wall to a depth of 130 feet. At a depth of 120ft divers can see the stalactites which were form from dripping water when the cave was above sea level.

Half Moon Caye Wall

The second dive is done at Half Moon Caye Wall which is known for its abundance of marine life. The seascape is cover with varieties of sponges, sea fans, and a wide variety of corals which makes for a kaleidoscope of colors.

Half Moon Caye National Monument

Between our second and third dive, we visit Half Moon Caye National monument for lunch on the beach. The most famous inhabitants of this island are its Red-footed Boobies and Frigate birds which nest on the Caye. There is a viewing platform in the heart of the colony that lets you enjoy the birds from up close.

Long Caye Wall ( The Aquarium)

This is our last dive of the day and located on the western side of Long Caye. It’s covered with sponges and soft and hard corals knotted together in a battle for space on the wall’s edge. Rays of all kinds, including mantas, large groupers, and sharks frequent this stretch of wall, as well as numerous colorful reef fish of all shapes and sizes. This is the reason why this site is also known as “The Aquarium”.

Prerequisite 

Requirements

Intensity 

What Should I Bring?

What Equipment Will I need?

What's Included?

Prices

Scuba Diving:
3 Dives - $360 USD
Snorkeling: $260 USD
(minimum 8 Divers)

Boat Ride

3 Hours 30Min
(One-Way)

Duration 

Full Day

5:00 am – 5:00 pm

Includes 3 Dives or 3 Snorkel Sessions, Pick-up/drop-off from hotel (restrictions may apply),  all diving equipment, Lunch, Conservation Fees,12.5% Sales taxes, and led PADI Divemaster or Snorkel Guide.

Other Great Dives From Placencia: