……you look ahead and the since untouched horizon is now broken with the gentle break of white wash. It looks like the wave line is circular, you pause and wonder if it’s just your imagination. The boat gets closer and your heart starts beating faster as the adrenaline rushes through your veins. You know now that it’s not your imagination, that circular white wash is the ocean beating at the outer coral that holds The Great Blue Hole….
The Great Blue Hole is enough reason why thousand of divers have flocked to Belize. Discovered by Jacques Cousteau on his 1970 expedition with the Calypso. The blue marvel was created when an underwater cavern collapsed forming a sinkhole. What was left behind was an almost perfect circle spanning 1,045ft across (320 meters), with a depth of 365ft (125 meters). With the exception of two narrow passages on the eastern and northern rims, the Blue Hole is completely surrounded by live coral.
Most impressive about the dive is the dramatic descent. The base of this fringing reef gradually slopes about 40 degrees until a depth of about 50 ft, and then it drops off into the great expanse of The Great Blue Hole. This dive is a must for every self respecting diver.
An almost perfect blue circle found in the Caribbean, full of color and variety, under the surface it holds a rare water world. The twisted coral makes a sheltering home on this reef ring for the abundant sea life. Turtles, moray eels and tropical fish tend to cling to the outer coral, while it’s not unusual to see hammerhead, bull, gray reef and tiger sharks exploring the depths with easy grace.
For any diver this is worth the price admission.
This Blue Hole has inspired many to dive it’s depths. Once you’ve started your descent on the relatively short dive into the darkness, the visibility instantly increases at 90 ft. The canyon rock formations and stalagmites are quite impressive. Your bottom time will be approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Then your will begin your ascent with a significant safety stop. With the ample time, take a moment to allow the local fish life to explore you. Large Grouper are notorious for inspecting their visitors.
Cross your fingers on the boat ride back, dolphins have been known to provide an entertaining and playful escort home!
Dive & Snorkel The Great Blue Hole from….
Ambergris Caye
This exotic and unique island has convenient access to the Blue Hole and is approximately a three hour boat ride to your first dive site. You will enjoy three thrilling dives in this excursion. Ambergris Caye has a great selection of resorts to choose from…..
