The Great Blue Hole has been declared one of the top five scuba diving sites in the world. Besides diving in it, you can see it from the sky on a hopper plane.
So, the Blue Hole is listed as one of the most amazing places on earth. But is it worth it? There are so many places that are hyped up but the reality doesn't always match up with the expectations.
In this post I'll let you know what to expect from each of the tours — flying and diving. Actually, you don't have to scroll too far. Here's the verdict.
This guide includes: 👇
Visitor Essentials
- Entrance Fee
- $40.00 USD
- Tour Cost
- $225–375 USD
- Blue Hole Size
- 1,043ft (318m)
- Blue Hole Depth
- 407ft (124m)
- How To Visit
- By boat, plane or helicopter
The Verdict - Fly Over Or Dive It?
Want a quick answer? Fly over if you want the breathtaking view of the reefs, islands, ship and of course the Blue Hole. Dive only if you're Advance Certified. Snorkeling isn't as impressive since you kinda only swim in deep water without much wildlife sighting.
Below are two images you can expect from each of the experience. You decide which you prefer.
We loved the flight, not only seeing the Blue Hole but also the reefs, islands etc. was breathtaking. We also went to the Blue Hole for diving and snorkeling. This was amazing, but a totally different experience as you do not see the "ring" from sea level.
Kerstin Wallner
How To Visit Great Blue Hole
- ✈️ Fly Over Tour - the 1-hour flight to Light House Reef Atoll, Belize Barrier Reef and Turneffe Atoll
- ⛴️ Scuba Diving Excursion - this 3-hour excursion includes three dives: Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye, Long Caye
Fly Over Great Blue Hole
The fly over tour to the Blue Hole is definitely not a cheap tour, but it is a bucket list item. Worth noting is that despite being labeled as a tour, this fly-over is not guided, so you should not expect a brochure or a tour guide.
Plane Tour Cost
$300USD
Helicopter Tour Cost
$711USD
Flight Duration
1Hour
Is Flying Over Great Blue Hole Worth It?
Most people have this fly over tour as a bucket list item and for most, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that delivers. The aerial view is definitely more amazing than diving or snorkeling at the Blue Hole.
Pros
- Aerial photos of reef and atolls
- Spotting abandoned ship on reef
- Short & smooth flight
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- No wildlife spotting
Dive Great Blue Hole
There are a few companies in Belize that actually go to the Blue Hole. It's important to know that the excursion includes three diving spots: Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye, Long Caye. Another important note is that the trip is 3 hours each way totaling 6 hours on relatively rough waters.
Diving Tour Cost
$375USD
Snorkeling Tour Cost
$235USD
Boat Trip Duration
3Hours
Popular
- Amigos Del Mar (San Pedro)
- Belize Pro Dive Center (San Pedro)
- Splash Wave Tours (Belize City)
- Frenchie's Diving (Caye Caulker)
Is Diving The Great Blue Hole Worth It?
For snorkeling, the Blue Hole, I can say it was relatively underwhelming after doing it personally. There was very little wildlife spotting at the hole itself since it's just dark. It's also difficult to appreciate the magnitude of the Blue Hole without seeing it from above.
But... the Half Moon Caye experience was well worth the trip and did not disappoint with a lot more marine life spotting. As a bonus, we had the caye all to ourselves to explore.
Now for diving, I haven't done this myself since I don't have a diving certification. But my diver friends have said it is really only worth it if you have an Advanced Open Water Certification since that's the only way you get to dive through the actual hole and see the stalagmites.
Pros
- Caribbean reef sharks
- Stalagmites & stalactites
- Wildlife spotting at Half Moon Caye
Cons
- Long 3-hour boat trip one-way
- Short 30-min dive at Blue Hole
- Little wildlife at Blue Hole itself
- Underwhelming experience if snorkeling
Did you know the natural blue sink hole is so big it can be seen from space?. Below is a satellite image.
Nasa Earth Obervatory
Why It’s Worth Visiting
Scuba Hotspot
Declared as a top 5 diving spot, it is undoubtedly an amazing place on earth. While diving is unique experience, snorkeling may not be the same.
Cave Structure
Before the Blue Hole was actually a sinkhole, it is theorized it was an above-ground cave. This is due to the presence of stalagmites & stalactites.
Flora & Fauna
It hosts several species of shark like Caribbean reef and hammerhead sharks. As a part of the Belize Barrier Reef, it has a rich biodiversity perfect for divers.
Facts About Great Blue Hole
- 🏆 Great Blue Hole is the world's largest sea hole and part of Belize Barrier Reef.
- 🕳️ The sinkhole measures 407ft (124m) deep and 1,043ft (318m) wide - circular in shape.
- 🧍 Jacques Cousteau, a French oceanographer, declared it a top 5 scuba diving site.
- 😱 Two bodies of divers were discovered at the bottom in a 2018 submarine expedition.
- 💡 Discovery Channel ranked Great Blue Hole as #1 Most Amazing Places on Earth in 2012.
Helpful Information
About Author
Everything written on this blog is based on first-hand experience or knowledge as a local living in Belize. No fluff, just honest information.
Frequent Questions
Where is the Great Blue Hole?
The Blue Hole is located about 50 miles (80km) from Belize City. The sinkhole is located near the center of Lighthouse Reef Atoll. And if you zoom out a bit more, Lighthouse Reef Atoll is a small atoll belonging to the larger Belize Barrier Reef.
What's at the bottom of the Great Blue Hole?
In a 2018 submarine expedition, a go pro was found along with a coke bottle and 2 bodies of missing divers.
Is the Great Blue Hole dangerous?
If you're planning on diving, it's important to know that only experienced divers with Advanced Open Water Certifications should go beyond 60ft due to the depth.
What PADI skill levels are required to dive the Great Blue Hole?
You can dive with your Open Water Cert but you will be limited to that depth of 60ft (18m).
Resources
Leave A Comment 👇
So, would you rather fly over Belize’s Great Blue Hole or dive into it? Share your thoughts or ask a question below.