blue hole tours

The Great Blue Hole Tour

Description.

See the world famous Great Blue Hole the way it was meant to be seen … from the air … with the Blue Hole Tour from Tropic Air. Fly to Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and make several fly-bys of this natural wonder of the world. While en route, you will see the Belize Barrier Reef (the longest in the Western Hemisphere and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Turneffe Atoll. Be sure to keep watch on the water below for Manatees, Rays, Sharks, Dolphins, and other wildlife. So before you dive it, see it.

Tour (Scheduled)

Departs: San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Belize City Municipal Time:  1PM Tour time: 1 hour Days: Kindly reach out to our Customer Care Team for availability.

Passengers : 14 Seat aircraft available

Notes: All Passengers get a window seat.

Tour (Private)

Departs: All Stations Times: 10am to 2pm suggested for best viewing of the Blue Hole. Tour time: Depends on departure station Days: Daily Passengers: 14 seat aircraft available Notes: Private Blue Hole charters can accommodate longer tour durations for more time to be spent at the Blue Hole taking photographs.

Tropic Air is a certified Tour Operator, licensed by the Belize Tourism Board. Pilots also have Tour Guide Licenses.

Please note: Blue Hole tours are weather dependent. Inclement weather conditions may necessitate a reschedule or in rare instances a cancellation and full refund.

• Manage Reservations
• Flight Schedule
• Agent Login
• Belize City – International
• Belize City – Municipal

Caye Caulker

• Dangriga (Hopkins)
• Punta Gorda
• Other Locations
• Visa Requirements
• Customer Service
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Pets and Kennels
• Terms and Conditions

Experience the Great Blue Hole

Explore the most exhilarating and mysterious wonders that Belize has to offer by booking an aerial shore excursion with Maya Island Air. Experience the historic Bay of Belize City as you soar above rustic colonial homes of the Baymen and marvel at the jaw-dropping grandeur of the majestic Great Blue Hole.

Origin Points

Our Blue Hole Tour has three options for departure:

Departure Time:  9:00am Days:  Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Departure Time: 8:45am Days:  Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Belize City

Departure Time: 8:30am Days:  Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Inside the largest living barrier reef in the world lies a staggering 400 foot drop into deep ocean. Absorb the stunning natural beauty of Belize’s great Blue Hole on a unique tour from above in one of several aircraft options. You’ll soak up aerial views of the Turneffe Atoll, the Great Barrier Reef and watch in awe as the turquoise sea turns a deep navy at the majestic Blue Hole.

Duration:  1 hour

Origin Points:  San Pedro, Belize City,  & Caye Caulker

Flight Schedule: Flight departs from Belize City at 10:00am, Caye Caulker at 10:15am, and San Pedro 10:30am on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Description:  The scenic tour encompasses views of the barrier reef, shark ray alley, Turneffe Atoll, ocean freighter wreck, lighthouse reef and 2 revolutions per port and starboard around the Blue Hole.

Max Capacity:  11 Pax

Contact  [email protected]  for more information.

TO BOOK any of our available excursions or for more details, contact [email protected]  or  501-223-1140 . 

In the event of inclement weather, flight may be subject to cancellation Cancellation must be made 24hrs of flight time  Changes require 24hrs notice with change fee Passenger can carry one small carry- on bag only  Non flash cameras are allowed  Non alcoholic drinks with lid is allowed 

• Work with Me
• Start a Blog
• Yearly Roundups
• 101 in 1001 Goals
• how to start a travel blog
• tips for new bloggers
• write me a guest post!
• Work With Me

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

Flying Over the Great Blue Hole in Belize: Everything You Need to Know

last Updated: June 20, 2023 belize caye caulker

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Central America and excited for a Great Blue Hole tour in Belize?! I’m sharing everything you need to know about this exhilarating once-in-a-lifetime experience! I recently flew over the Blue Hole from Caye Caulker, and it was downright breathtaking.

Flying over the Blue Hole in Belize is easily one of the most spectacular and scenic things I’ve experienced in my entire life. Imagine flying over the Belize Barrier Reef, full of beautiful atolls and all the blue-hued colors you can imagine in the Caribbean Sea. And of course the Great Blue Hole!

It’s honestly hard to put into words what it feels like flying over the Belize Barrier Reef, which is actually the second largest reef in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia of course).

It’s hard to accurately describe the Great Blue Hole. It’s an awe-inspiring geological formation renowned for its natural beauty and mysterious dark depths. An enchanting underwater world full of marine life and ancient geological formations. A spectacular natural wonder with its vibrant coral reefs and tropical turquoise hues. And it’s absolutely astonishing.

I’ve been seeing photos of the Blue Hole pop up for quite some time – since my first visit to Belize over 10 years ago! So when I booked my recent trip to Caye Caulker , I knew it was finally time to cross flying over the Blue Hole off my (never-ending) bucket list. And what an exceptional experience it was!

If you like scenic beauty, flying over the Blue Hole from Caye Caulker (or San Pedro) is one of the best things to do in the Belizean islands. From an aerial perspective, the Great Blue Hole and surrounding atolls are absolutely breathtaking, and I swear, photos and videos just don’t do the Blue Hole and surrounding barrier reef justice. It’s just one of those experiences you need to experience to believe.

I mean, The Discovery Channel even put the Great Blue Hole of Belize at NUMBER ONE on its list of “The 10 Most Amazing Places on Earth”. Sounds about right – just look at these photos! So keep on reading – I’m sharing everything you need to know to see this majestic and mesmerizing natural phenomenon from above.

Important FAQs about the Blue Hole in Belize

What is the great blue hole of belize.

The Great Blue Hole is a natural wonder located off the coast of Belize, a deep, dark blue circle surrounded by a ring of colorful corals and the most stunning shade of turquoise waters. And it’s absolutely spectacular.

Technically speaking, the Blue Hole in Belize is a giant marine sinkhole, kinda like an underwater cave. It’s a whopping ~1000 feet in diameter and over 400 feet deep, making it the largest blue hole in the entire world . It’s so large it’s even visible from space – easily identified by its circular formation and deep, dark blue waters within the Belize Barrier Reef.

What makes the Blue Hole so special is the insane amount of rare animal and plant life found within it – over 500 species to be exact! Including a bunch of sharks (like bull sharks, black tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and the elusive hammerhead shark), midnight parrot fish, and a ton of other fish. 

What makes it so intriguing is the fact that it’s almost perfectly round, and a deep, deep blue color, due to the massive depth of the cave. The fact that the water of the surrounding reefs is pretty shallow means that this vivid turquoise color really pops against the deep blue of the ocean and blue hole.

This unique contrast makes the Blue Hole such an incredible spot to check out, and when you see it from above, it’s absolutely unreal. I squealed in excitement when the plane circled around it for the first time.

Where is the Great Blue Hole in Belize and How to Get There 

The Blue Hole is located in the country of Belize, in the greater Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The Great Blue Hole is situated off the coast of Belize, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Belize City in the mainland. 

More specifically, you’ll find the Blue Hole in the center of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the easternmost part of the Belize Barrier Reef (and easily one of the most beautiful atolls in the Caribbean). That’s why there’s so much beautiful tropical turquoise water surrounding it. There’s three atolls over here, the other two being Turneffe Atoll and Glover’s Reef, but the Lighthouse Reef is far superior in my opinion. It’s got the Great Blue Hole after all!

The Great Blue Hole is located deep in the ocean, meaning you need to plan in advance to get there due to its remote location. You’ve essentially got 2 options to see the Blue Hole in Belize – via scenic flight (what I did with Tropic Air !), or by boat (if you’ll be diving/snorkeling). 

• Blue Hole By Plane : This is the quickest way to see the Blue Hole, as it’s located only 20 minutes from Caye Caulker and San Pedro, with the whole scenic flight lasting about an hour 
• Blue Hole By Boat : You’ll need to dedicate an entire day to see the Blue Hole by boat, since it’s about a 3-hour/2.5-hour boat ride from Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, respectively.

If you want to see the true magic of the Blue Hole (the coral reef and stunning turquoise waters surrounding the dark blue circle), then yup, you need to fly over it! Way more info below!

History and How the Blue Hole was Created/Discovered

Kinda wild that the Blue Hole just kinda exists out in nature nowadays, but it wasn’t always that way!

Creation of the Blue Hole : The Blue Hole in Belize was created as a result of a natural geological process that took place over thousands of years. It was formed way back during the last Ice Age (about 10,000 years ago…), when sea levels were way lower than they are today.

At that time, the area where the Blue Hole is located was a limestone cave system that was actually above sea level. Rainwater and acidic groundwater slowly dissolved the limestone, eventually creating underground caverns and tunnels.

As the sea level rose over time, the caves and tunnels filled with water, forming a sinkhole. The sinkhole eventually collapsed, creating a “vertical cave” in the ocean – which is the Blue Hole that we see and know today. The deep blue color of the water is due to its depth and the absence of sunlight that penetrates to the bottom.

Discovery of the Blue Hole : While the Blue Hole was formed over 10,000 years ago, it was just discovered some 50 years ago in 1971! Crazy how long natural formations are just sitting there without anyone knowing! The Blue Hole was found by a team of explorers led by the famous French oceanographer, filmmaker, and inventor Jacques Cousteau who were on a research expedition in Belize.

They were exploring the waters around the country when they heard rumors of a mysterious underwater sinkhole known as the Blue Hole.

Naturally, the team was intrigued and decided to investigate. They went diving in the area and discovered the stunning natural wonder that we now know as the Blue Hole.

Can you imagine being one of the first people to discover such an incredible underwater formation? The team was likely awestruck by the deep blue waters, the intricate coral formations, and the amazing array of marine life that called the Blue Hole home.

Cousteau and his team conducted several dives in the Blue Hole, which were documented in a television special called “The Forgotten Mermaids.” This special helped to put the Blue Hole on the map as a popular destination for divers and ocean enthusiasts.

Booking a Flight Over the Blue Hole from Caye Caulker

Okay, enough about the history and discovery! Time to book your own scenic flight over the Blue Hole in Belize!

There’s currently two major local airlines providing scenic flights over the Blue Hole and reef – Tropic Air and Maya Air. Both are reputable companies and have been flying for plenty of years.

I chose to fly with Tropic Air – they’re a super reputable and safety-conscious airline that’s been operating in Belize for over 40 years. The company adheres to strict safety standards and regulations, and their pilots are highly experienced and trained. Safety first, always!

Tropic Air is the largest carrier serving the region, carrying almost 300,000 passengers a year on a whopping 200+ flights a day.

I can’t personally vouch for Maya Air since I’ve never flown with them, but I can promise you Tropic Air was top notch (and I wholeheartedly recommend them!).

Where and when do the Great Blue Hole Belize scenic tours depart?

Blue Hole tours in Belize depart from three destinations in Belize:

• Caye Caulker (where I flew from)
• San Pedro in Ambergris Caye (an island a bit north of Caye Caulker)
• Belize City Municipal Airport on the mainland (note that this is not the international airport, but a smaller airport closer to the city)

These destinations are the closest and most convenient to get to the Great Blue Hole.

Tropic Air and Maya Air operate on opposite flight schedules, meaning that no matter when you visit, they’ll always be a flight with potential availability. 

Tropic Air: Operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays (from San Pedro and Caye Caulker at 11am, from Municipal Airport at 10am). There’s an additional flight departing from San Pedro and Caye Caulker on Sundays at 1pm.

Check the current schedule for Tropic Air here!

Maya Air: Operates on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (from Belize City at 10am, Caye Caulker at 10:15am, and San Pedro at 10:30am)

I love that flights depart at optimal times in order to ensure the best views (with minimal reflections) of the Blue Hole and Belize Barrier Reef. My photos turned out amazing without any annoying glares (which sometimes happens) – the company totally knows what they’re doing!

Psst – you can also charter a plane if the scheduled flights are sold out, or you wanna be a baller and have a plane for yourself and your friends/family.

Note that the same flight may pick up passengers from multiple airports, but they’re not separate flights. The order of departure depends on bookings and other factors, but let’s say the plane is scheduled to leave first from San Pedro with a few passengers. It may then stop at Caye Caulker to pick up some more passengers before heading to the Great Blue Hole.

This means that you might make stops at different airports before reaching your final destination, but it’s all part of the same flight experience and doesn’t negatively affect the length of the scenic tour at all.

How many people fly together? 

Tropic Air operates two different aircrafts – either a 3 seater or a 12 seater plane. The plane that’s used depends on how many people sign up. I had an entirely full flight on the 12-seater! 

I highly recommend booking earlier than later because flights do fill up and there’s only a few per week. Plus, with only 11 available seats per flight, you don’t wanna wait until it’s too late. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Belize after all, and understandably so. Just look at those views! Book your scenic flight as soon as you know the dates you’ll be in Belize.

Book your flight on Tropic Air here! The scenic tour is technically a “one-way flight” from Caye Caulker to “Blue Hole Tour”, and you’ll need to book this as so. Don’t worry, you’ll get dropped off where you got picked up!

Blue Hole Scenic Flight Costs 

A Blue Hole scenic flight from Caye Caulker, San Pedro, or Belize City isn’t the cheapest experience in the islands, and is far from budget-friendly. However, if you have some extra cash to spend and want to treat yourself, it’s definitely worth it! Typically, the cost ranges from $250-300 USD per person, and if you want to book the co-pilot seat, it’ll cost a little more. 

What to Expect on a Scenic Flight Over the Blue Hole

Check-in and boarding your flight.

It’s all very straight forward, and way less exhausting then flying on your typical passenger plane. You’ll need to be at the airport about 30 minutes beforehand and show some form of ID, and then you’re free to hang out in the spankin-new Tropic Air lounge. I was given a plastic boarding pass which was so pretty and a great way to reduce paper waste on the island (which I greatly appreciated).

It all seemed so, so informal, and I absolutely loved it! I was even able to walk to the airport from my hotel in Caye Caulker (Weezie’s Oceanfront) – how wild is that?!

When the plane lands on the runway (which is literally right in front of the lounge waiting area), you’ll be escorted and instructed to walk up the few steps onto the plane. There was only one seat left so I unfortunately was unable to choose my seat, but seats are not assigned so if you happen to get on earlier, you can pick where you want to sit.

Take-Off and Flying over the Blue Hole and Belize Barrier Reef 

Take-off was super smooth, and just like that we were floating up in the air above the turquoise waters and scenic beauty. 

During the flight we saw the Belize Barrier Reef (the longest in the Western Hemisphere and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Half Moon Caye, and Turneffe Atoll. We even saw an abandoned ocean freighter shipwreck in the middle of the reef – kinda wild that it’s been sitting there for years!

Keep your eyes peeled on the reef as you might even see some marine life down there, like sharks, rays and manatees. I unfortunately didn’t see any but fingers crossed you will (take a snorkeling trip from Caye Caulker to Hol Chan and you’ll see plenty!).

Of course the main attraction was the Great Blue Hole in Lighthouse Reef Atoll, which literally took my breath away. I had waited years and years to see this natural phenomenon and I couldn’t believe I was finally there! 

The pilot loops around the Blue Hole approximately 4-5 times per side, ensuring everyone gets the absolute best view possible. This means that everyone on the plane will have multiple opportunities to admire the incredible scenery without the need to lean or look over the other side of the plane. No need to worry – your turn to see the Great Blue Hole will definitely come!

At the very end of the flight I even got to see The Split on Caye Caulker which I totally wasn’t expecting. You bet I whipped out my camera right away for that photo. 

Honestly, while seeing the Blue Hole from above was all kinds of spectacular, I enjoyed the other parts of the reef just as much (if not more…). I stared at all the turquoise hues and corals the entire 60 minutes. To say I was in awe is a complete understatement. I’ve never taken more stunning aerial photographs than I did above the Caribbean Sea in Belize!

After about an hour or so, we arrived back at Caye Caulker. For such a tiny plane, I thankfully found landing to be super smooth. Thank you, Tropic Air, for providing an excellent flight experience!

Other FAQs about Flying Over the Blue Hole 

Is flying in a tiny plane scary? I didn’t think so, but everyone’s comfort level is wildly different! If you’ve never flown on a tiny 3 or 12-seater plane before, it can feel a little nerve-wracking and daunting for sure! Just know that the pilots fly these tiny planes every day (they’re also used as your typical transport planes as well, not just scenic flights), so rest assured – the pilots know what they’re doing. 

Flying in a 12-seater plane (or 3-seater!) may feel different from flying in a larger commercial aircraft, but it’s generally not considered any more or less safe. And trust me – you’ll be all wide-eyed and in awe looking out the window at the views, so any anxiety, panic, or nerves will quicky fade and subside.

Where to sit for the best aerial views: Thankfully, every single seat on the plane (no matter the size) is a window seat – no middle seats here. Meaning picture-perfect views for everyone; no reaching over anyone or annoying your husband, haha. 

I ended up sitting directly underneath the wing, which in all honesty made it a bit more difficult to take wide-angle photos of the landscape since my lens was constrained to a smaller space. However, I still got amazing photos as you can see! 

Is the scenic flight worth the price? Flying over the Blue Hole with Tropic Air (or any company) is definitely not a cheap experience, but hey, well worth it to do it once in your life! It was by far one of my favorite things I did on my trip to Belize, right up there with snorkeling in Caye Caulker. 

If you’re a sucker for scenic views and love the reefs like I do, I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s really a spectacular experience.

How long is the flight? The Great Blue Hole scenic flight lasts a total of 60 minutes, from plane up to plane down. It took us about 20 minutes to get to the Blue Hole, we circled around for about 15 minutes or so, and then 20 minutes to get back. But remember, you get views for days the entire flight!

Blue Hole Scenic Flight vs. Scuba Diving vs. Snorkeling 

First of all, you gotta decide if you wanna see the Blue Hole from above, or actually get into it. If you wanna see the Great Blue Hole in all its glory, you 100% wanna see it from above. By diving/snorkeling, you won’t get that aerial view needed to actually appreciate what makes the blue hole so fascinating.

Naturally, I wanted the aerial view (…and I don’t dive), so I opted for the scenic flight over the reefs and Blue Hole.

But I completely understand others have different experiences on their bucket lists, so I’m sharing a bit of information on other Blue Hole options!

Scuba Diving in the Blue Hole

Scuba diving in the Blue Hole is easily a once-in-a-lifetime experience for divers, and definitely has its place on plenty of diving bucket lists. 

Divers can swim along the walls 124 meters to the ground and explore the stalagmites.

When you scuba dive in the Blue Hole, you’ll descend to a depth of around 130 feet (40 meters) and enter a world unlike any other. However, it’s crazy dark down there, so unfortunately you probably won’t see as much sealife as you will in the corals surrounding the Blue Hole. Just keeping it real!

There is some truly impressive marine life down there though, including schools of reef sharks (which are a common sight), and you might also spot rays, barracuda, and even the occasional hammerhead shark! That’s a no thanks for me, haha.

That being said, scuba diving in the Blue Hole is not for the faint of heart. The dive is considered an advanced dive due to its depth and the potential for strong currents. You’ll want to be a confident and experienced diver to take on this challenge, and it’s always a good idea to dive with a reputable guide or tour company, like Frenchie’s Diving Services or Blue Wave Divers – two of the most popular dive companies on Caye Caulker.

Snorkeling in the Blue Hole

Can you snorkel in the blue hole? Yes, but there’s not really any point in doing so. Why? The marine life in the Great Blue Hole is found deep underwater, making it much more of a diving spot. Unfortunately, turtles, sharks, and even eagle rays are typically easier to spot in the deeper water. There honestly won’t be much to see at the surface. 

Really have your heart set on snorkeling the Great Blue Hole? Make sure you’re experienced and confident in the open ocean, as the water in the Blue Hole is super deep – at almost 400 feet!

Hope this gives you some personal insight into my Belize Blue Hole scenic flight from Caye Caulker with Tropic Air. I highly recommend this experience to whoever’s wishing to see the reef and Blue Hole from above – it was absolutely mind blowing and I’d gladly fly again.

Special thanks to Tropic Air for such a spectacular morning flying above the greater Belize Barrier Reef and Blue Hole! All gasps and high-pitched squeals my own, haha.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You may also love...

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO   and   FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

• About Jessica
• How to Plan a Trip
• Fave Travel Companies
• Shop My Faves

Destinations

• World Travel
• San Francisco
• Northern California
• Southern California
• Central Coast

• Travel Updates
• Gold Standard Hotels
• Recommended
• Luxury Hotels
• Family Friendly
• - North Islands
• - Western Belize
• - Southeast Coast
• All Belize Hotels
• Official Travel Guide
• Bucket List Tours
• ATM Cave Tours
• Tikal Tours
• Belize Zoo Tours
• Tours from San Pedro
• Tours from Caye Caulker
• Tours from San Ignacio
• Tours from Placencia
• Tours from Belize City
• Tours from Hopkins
• Don't have an account? Sign Up

• Cancellations made 15 days before will be fully refunded except for a service fee of 3%.
• Cancellations made 7 days before will be refunded 70% of the amount paid.
• Cancellations made at a later date will not be refunded.

• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Belize Podcast
• Belize Travel Guide
• Pack for a Purpose
• Job Opportunities
• By Location
• Where to Eat?
• Calendar of Events
• Service Providers
• Create Business Profile
• Become a Supplier
• Media Services
• Advertising
• Partner Dashboard

Fly Over the Blue Hole

• Book the tour
• Tours from Belize City

At Lighthouse Reef the first dive starts at The Blue Hole itself which was once a massive dry cave formed during the last ice age when sea levels were much lower leaving behind stalactites. Devoid of color and home to only the bravest, the Blue Hole is over 450 feet deep and about 1000 feet across. See the Blue Hole the way it was meant to be seen – from the air! The brilliant deep blue hue seen from the air is truly spectacular!

You May Also Like

Xunantunich Ruins and Horseback Riding

Belize xunantunich-iguana-cocoa.

Altun Ha Maya Ruin

Tour inquiry.

Flying Over The Great Blue Hole In Belize: How To Do It

The Great Blue Hole in Belize is probably one of the most famous travel photos ever. It’s also the biggest underwater sinkhole in the world, and it looks even more amazing if you see it in person!

Touring the Blue Hole is one of the top ‘bucket list’ things to do in Central America. You can enjoy a scenic flight over the reef in a small plane or helicopter, and take photos of it from above, or hop on a boat and go scuba diving inside the sinkhole itself.

I got a chance to fly over the Great Blue Hole in a little prop plane recently, and it was an amazing experience! We circled the Blue Hole several times at low altitude to see what it looks like up close, and then flew over some other sights in the Caribbean Sea.

This travel blog will share my experience with the Blue Hole Belize flight, which tour company to use, flight costs and safety thoughts, and everything else you need to know before you go. Then, I’ll share some fun facts about this natural wonder in the Caribbean!

What Is The Great Blue Hole?

The Great Blue Hole is an underwater sinkhole.

It’s believed to have been a cave at some point in time when the water levels were lower, but then it became submerged as the water levels rose.

Think of the Blue Hole kind of like the cenotes in Central America, except this one is underwater instead of on land, and it’s filled with seawater instead of fresh water.  

Where Is The Great Blue Hole In Belize?

The Great Blue Hole is located in the Caribbean Sea. It’s part of the Central American country of Belize, which is a little country sandwiched between Mexico and Guatemala.

The Blue Hole is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, which is actually the second largest coral reef system in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

More specifically, the Blue Hole is located in a marine atoll called Lighthouse Reef, about 75 kilometers (45 miles) off shore from Belize City, so you need a boat, plane, or helicopter tour to get there.

Epic! The Great Blue Hole Belize flight.

Blue Hole Belize Flight: What To Expect

Scenic flights over the Blue Hole are available every day of the week in Belize, departing from either Belize City Municipal, Caye Caulker, or San Pedro. They’re currently offered by three main companies: Tropic Air , Maya Island Air , or Astrum Helicopters .

My flight with Tropic Air began with the quickest and easiest check-in process ever, and then I was handed a very unique and fancy plastic boarding pass with some fun facts about the Great Blue Hole printed on it. I was kind of wishing I could keep this as a souvenir from my flight!

After a short wait in the lobby, one of the pilots came over and gave me a quick rundown of what sights we would see in Belize on the tour and where we would be going on a map, and then we headed out to the tarmac for our flight.

A very unique boarding pass for my Great Blue Hole Belize flight

If this is your first time flying in a puddle jumper plane, you’re in for a very exciting ride. This was the tiniest prop plane I’ve ever seen! It was only a 4-seater, with two pilot seats in the front and two passenger seats in the back.

I later found out that Tropic Air also has 11-seater planes for some of their tours, so it probably just depends how many people are in your group. As it turns out, I was by myself this time.

I booked my flight as a shared tour, but I ended up being the only passenger there, so I got to enjoy a private tour instead, while a student pilot practiced the route with help from a more experienced second pilot.

The smallest plane I’ve ever seen!

Preparing for takeoff

I have to say, lifting off the ground in a plane this small is a bit scary at first, but you forget about that once you’re in the air.

Right away, we had amazing views of Belize City, followed by some small islands, mangroves, coral reefs, and the turquoise blue water of the Caribbean Sea.

I’ve been able to see these kinds of sights from above many times with today’s drones, so it wasn’t completely new to me, but it’s still different being up there yourself and seeing it with your own eyes.

After about 20 minutes of flying over the ocean, we reached the Great Blue Hole of Belize. It’s so impressive in person! My photos don’t really do it justice at all. Every seat in the plane had great views out the window.

The pilot flew down to a low altitude and circled the Blue Hole several times, so I could see it up close and take pictures. It was perfect.

The Great Blue Hole Belize

After leaving the Great Blue Hole, we passed a rusty old shipwreck stranded on the reef, which was another nice photo opportunity.

Our total flight time was only about 1 hour from takeoff to landing, but it didn’t feel too rushed at all. We got to see a lot of things during the flight, and I was able to take tons of pictures.

My only gripe is the windows on the plane, which were too thick, scratched, and dirty for serious photo work. I asked beforehand about doing a doors-off flight (or at least opening a small window), but neither of the two prop plane companies I asked were able to do that.

I didn’t check with Astrum Helicopters, but that might be an option with them. Maybe I’m being too picky. I just think something as fantastic as the Blue Hole really calls for opening a door or window so you can take the best pictures possible.

Overall, though, it wasn’t a huge deal. I was still able to get some decent pictures, and the flight itself was amazing!

A shipwreck we flew over during the Blue Hole tour

Tropic Air vs Maya Island Air

So which company is better for the Blue Hole flights? Tropic Air , or Maya Island Air ?

Actually, they’re both good companies and there’s not much difference at all between them in terms of price, safety, reputation, customer service, or the overall flight experience. Both companies were happy to answer any questions I asked them before I arrived in Belize.

One thing you should know is that Tropic and Maya fly on different days of the week, so you’ll want to look at their schedules and pick the company that works best for your time in Belize.

The third company, Astrum Helicopters , offers a slightly different flight to the Blue Hole since they’re using helicopters instead of prop planes. I can’t comment on this directly since I didn’t fly with them, but I’m sure it’s also a great experience.  

Is A Booking Needed?

Yes. Regardless of which company you choose for your Blue Hole tour, an advance booking is needed. Even though these are pretty casual flights, you can’t just show up at the airport and hop on a plane without a booking.

The flights are pretty popular with tourists. I would normally recommend making a reservation at least a month in advance, but ideally even earlier. Otherwise, if you’re a latecomer, you still might be able to grab a seat if you’re lucky.

Window views

Flying over the reef

When Is The Best Time To Fly?

There’s no bad time to visit Belize, and the Blue Hole tours operate all year round.

However, if you want the best chance of a clear and sunny day, then it’s ideal to go sometime in the months from December to May. This is Belize’s dry season, and there’s less rain in these months.

The wet season in Belize generally lasts from June to November. Even though there’s more chance of rain and clouds at this time, you can still visit the Blue Hole and usually you’ll have a great experience.  

What Does The Flight Cost?

The Blue Hole flights are not exactly cheap, of course. I paid almost $300 USD per person for my flight in 2023, which was supposed to be a shared tour, but since I was the only passenger it ended up being a private tour for the same price.

The prices are very similar between Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, so there’s not much difference there. I didn’t get a quote from Astrum Helicopters, but I’ve heard they are a bit more expensive than the prop plane flights.

You can get a current price quote for each of these options on the official websites for Tropic Air , Maya Island Air , or Astrum Helicopters .

Back on land! They let me take some photos after the flight.

Is It Safe?

Sure, I think the flights are plenty safe. I don’t know if I’d want to be in tiny planes every day as my occupation, but I’m sure one time in the air is very safe if you go by the statistics.

Flying is never without some risks of course, and I’ll admit it’s a little bit scary to fly in helicopter or a tiny prop plane like this, but all of the companies running the Blue Hole tours have a good reputation for safety.

Tropic Air was founded in 1979, and today they carry almost 300,000 passengers a year, on over 200 flights a day throughout Belize and nearby countries. According to their website, they’re the first regional airline in Latin America to qualify for registration on IATA’s Industry Standard Safety Assessment.

Maya Island Air was founded in 1962, and today they offer 250 scheduled flights a day to destinations in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.

Astrum Helicopters is a relatively recent company established in 2006, but their website says their staff has many decades of experience in aviation.

Overall, I would feel pretty safe flying with any of these companies, and none of them have ever had any major safety incidents to date, while doing lots of tours at the Great Blue Hole!  

Is It Worth It?

Yes, it’s worth it! If you’re already in Belize or Central America, I think the Blue Hole flight is absolutely worth it. I’m sure the scuba diving tour would be a fun experience too, although I’d much rather do the flight.

I know it’s not cheap, but this is one of the most spectacular natural features in the world, and the best way to see it is from above!

What a trip! One last photo of the Great Blue Hole Belize.

Fun Facts About The Great Blue Hole Belize

• How big is the Blue Hole? The Great Blue Hole is big. Very big. It’s actually the biggest underwater sinkhole in the world, with a width of 318 meters (1,043 feet) and a depth of 124 meters (407 feet). It’s shaped like an almost perfect circle, and the total surface area is 70,650 square meters (760,500 square feet).
• How did the Blue Hole get its name? The nickname of the ‘Great Blue Hole’ apparently came from British diver Ned Middleton, who lived in Belize for six months. He wrote about it in his book ‘Ten Years Underwater,’ which was published in 1988.
• Can you scuba dive in it? Yes, you can scuba dive the Blue Hole in Belize, although it’s only allowed for advanced divers. The famous French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau explored the Blue Hole in 1971 and described it as one of the top 10 best dive sites in the world.   Going deep into the Blue Hole is challenging and dangerous, and people have disappeared at the bottom, only for their bodies to be found many years later. Snorkeling or doing shallow dives near the surface is another option, but it won’t allow you to see much.   Inside the deepest corners of the Blue Hole, you can see giant stalactites, stalagmites, passageways, and other interesting cave features. However, the only way to see the circular shape of the Blue Hole is to fly over it.
• What kinds of animals live there? The Blue Hole is home to many kinds of coral and fish species, including hammerhead sharks, parrotfish, and giant grouper fish. The area also has occasional sightings of rays, dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot some of these animals on your Blue Hole flight.
• What is the UNESCO status? The Great Blue Hole is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, because of its unique natural features and beauty, as well as the animal species that call it home.

Frequently Asked Questions (Blue Hole Flight Tour)

• Which airport is used for the flights? The Blue Hole tours depart from three different airports: Belize City Municipal / TZA (not the international airport but a smaller one in the city itself), Caye Caulker, or San Pedro in Ambergris Caye.
• Which seat is best? All passengers get a window seat on the Blue Hole scenic flights, so there’s not really a best seat. You should have great views in any seat. If you get a choice, I would just grab the seat with the clearest window, ideally one that has no smudges or scratches on it.
• How early do I need to show up? Ask your tour provider, but in my case I was told to show up at the airport and check in 30 minutes before my flight, and that was plenty of time.
• What can I bring? They allow one small carry-on bag only. I brought a camera bag, but I didn’t ask if they allow full size backpacks. I also carried my phone in my pocket, of course, and used that for some quick photos and videos as well.
• Do I need to bring my passport? Again, double check with your company, but in my case they said I could bring any form of ID. I kept my passport safe and hidden back at my hotel in Belize .
• How can I book a Blue Hole flight? You can book a Blue Hole flight on the official website for either Tropic Air , Maya Island Air , or Astrum Helicopters .

More Belize Travel Tips

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this guide for flying over the Great Blue Hole in Belize. The tour is a lot of fun!

I have lots of other travel guides for Central America, including the famous Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza and Tikal Guatemala , so don’t forget to check those before you go!

Happy travels!

You may also like

10 best hikes in aruba: family friendly trails, how to visit tanjung puting national park in indonesia, coron vs el nido: which is better all differences explained, banggai islands travel guide & itinerary for sulawesi, paisu pok lake in banggai: bluest lake in indonesia, samet nangshe viewpoint: best sunrise spot in thailand.

Wow, the Great Blue Hole in Belize looks absolutely breathtaking! I can only imagine how stunning it must be to see it in person. The idea of taking a scenic flight over the reef sounds like the perfect way to see it from above. Thank you for sharing your experience and all the helpful information about the flight options, booking, costs, and safety considerations. The fun facts about the Blue Hole were also really interesting to learn. I will definitely add this to my travel bucket list!

Pretty Cool

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations
• Central & South America

Belize's Great Blue Hole Is a Once-in-a-lifetime Destination for Divers — Here's How to Visit

Here’s what you need to know before visiting the Great Blue Hole.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Belize's Great Blue Hole is one of the country's most famous attractions and is, without a doubt, one of the top diving sites in the world. Surrounded by the Lighthouse Reef atoll, the Great Blue Hole is a natural sinkhole that measures roughly 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep. Seen from space, the center of the hole is a deep navy blue that stands out in a sea of aquamarine waters and white-sand beaches. 

The Great Blue Hole is believed to be the world's largest feature of its kind and is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sinkhole formed during the last glacial period, sometime between 25,000 to 100,000 years ago (though some experts say it could be as old as 150,000 years), and it was later flooded by rising ocean levels. It is one of the most popular dive sites in the world, made famous by Jacques Cousteau who visited in the 1970s and named it one of the best diving spots on the planet. 

Visiting the Great Blue Hole is certainly the adventure of a lifetime, but it does take some leg work and, in some cases, advanced preparation to get there. Here’s what you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Belize’s Great Blue Hole. 

Related: T+L ’s Guide to Belize 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

How to Visit the Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is about 43 miles from mainland Belize, but most visitors will be visiting via boat or helicopter from one of Belize’s many barrier islands.

Getting there by boat can take between three and four hours, depending on if you’re coming from the north or the south. "It's ideal to visit the Great Blue Hole from the northern part of Belize because it's easier to get to from there," said Patricia Johnson, director of Absolute Belize and a Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor . 

If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to see the Great Blue Hole, you can arrange for a shared tour with a local tour operator like Amigos Del Mar , which Johnson recommends. If you want something a little bit more intimate, you can jump to the next tier and charter a boat exclusively for your group or even book a multi-night catamaran adventure.

"The ultimate way to visit is by chartering a catamaran," said Johnson. "You have your own floating hotel, and you're out there just enjoying the atoll."

Johnson uses Belize Sailing Vacations because their charters are all-inclusive. The captain is a local guide, the first mate is the chef, and the nightly rate includes housekeeping, meals, drinks, snorkel equipment, and more. Plus, with the flexibility of a private charter, you will be able to visit several of the remote tropical islands that are part of the atoll. 

Getty Images

You can also see the Great Blue Hole via helicopter tours — ideal for non-divers who want to skip the long boat ride. "The Blue Hole is great for diving and snorkeling, but for people who just want to see it because it's a bucket-list item, they can do a helicopter tour over the Blue Hole and take some amazing pictures." Fly-over tours are great because they're fast and provide gorgeous visuals of the entire Blue Hole from above. Johnson recommends Tropic Air , which offers fly-overs twice a week from Ambergris Caye.

Related: 11 Best All-inclusive Belize Resorts

Diving the Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is one of the most famous dive sites in the world, drawing people from all over the planet who want to explore its mysterious depths. There are millennia worth of stalactites, stalagmites, and, yes, even a few sharks. The entire area surrounding the Great Blue Hole is prime real estate for spotting a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, shrimp, and other Caribbean wildlife, so it’s a paradise for people who love to explore the world below the surface of the water.

That said, only those who are fully qualified can dive here — it is not a dive for beginners. To be qualified, divers need at least an Open Water or Advanced Open Water diving certification. Before diving the Blue Hole, divers will typically practice their skills with a divemaster who will make the final call on whose skills are up to the challenges of the Blue Hole. (Ask your tour operator for the specific requirements before you book.)

San Pedro in Ambergris Caye has many dive shops to choose from, such as Belize Pro Dive Center , Ambergris Divers , Belize Diving Adventures , and Amigos Del Mar. You can also depart from Caye Caulker , which has several dive shops, like Scuba Sensation and Frenchie's Diving . The price is roughly the same (typically starting around $300 before equipment rentals), no matter which island you're leaving from. 

Katherine O'Brien/Getty Images

If you are doing a day trip, the itinerary will likely include a couple of additional dives along the Belize Barrier Reef. Multi-day liveaboard packages are ideal for divers who want to check out multiple dive sites in the area.   

Truly, there is no bad time to dive in Belize, but the best months to dive the Great Blue Hole are April, May, and June, according to the PADI blog . This is when you'll have peak visibility, fewer crowds, and the potential to see whale sharks. Visibility is also good from June through November, but because it's the rainy season, the water can be bumpy. December through April is the dry season, so expect fantastic weather but know that this is peak tourist season so prices will increase along with the number of visitors.

Related: The Best Times to Visit Belize 

Related Articles

• Terms & Condition
• About Belize
• Belize City
• Destinations Belize
• Accommodations
• Belize Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole

When traveling to Belize, you shouldn’t miss an opportunity to visit the Great Blue Hole, one of the world’s most recognizable natural wonders. The Great Blue Hole is a massive underwater sinkhole off of the coast of Belize located about 60 miles away from Belize City. It is believed that this hole is the world’s largest sea-hole. With an almost perfectly circular hole, The Great Blue Hole is about 125 meters deep and its diameter is about 300 meters wide. It is one of the most astonishing dive sites to be found anywhere on earth.

Great Blue Hole Hightlights

The Blue Hole is the result of repeated collapses of a limestone cave system formed during lower sea level stands in the course of the last ice age. The outer edge is merely a few feet underwater at high tide. The hole itself is the opening to a system of caves and passageway that penetrate this undersea mountain. In various places, massive limestone stalactites hang down from.

The temperature in the Blue Hole at 130ft is about 76F with hardly any change throughout the year. The walls are sheer from the surface until a depth of approximately 110 feet where you will begin to encounter stalactite formations which actually angle back, allowing you to dive underneath monstrous overhangs. Hovering amongst the stalactites, you can’t help but feel humbled by the knowledge that the massive formation before you once stood high and dry above the surface of the sea years ago.

Great Blue Hole for Cruise Ship Passengers

For our cruise ship passengers the tour departs from the Tourism Village in Belize City (the dock area where the cruise ship tender boats drop off their passengers). As you debark from your tender boat, please look for the Diamonds International store at Terminal 2. Walk through the store to the gate on Fort Street. At the gate, you’ll be met by a representative of Splash Wave Tours. Our tours are scheduled to fit within the port time of the cruise ships arriving in Belize City. We monitor the cruise ship tender schedules and plan our tour itineraries to give you plenty of time to return back to your ship, to enjoy a local drink before departure.

For tourist who are staying in Belize City, pick are available depending on the location.

The Great Blue Hole Tour Price: $ USD per person

Includes: transportation, tour guide, gears, entrance to the site, lunch, and taxes

Book Belize Blue Hole Tour Today!

• Hol Chan Shark and Ray Alley
• Coral Garden Shark and Ray Alley
• Goff's Caye
• Turtle Full Day Adventure
• Manatee Watching

INLAND TOURS

• Belize City Tour
• Blue Hole National Park
• Cave Tubing
• Altun Ha / River Wallace
• Howler Monkey Sanctuary
• Xunantunich
• Kukumba Beach

Follow Us on Facebook

Trip Advisor

Copyright © 2016 Splash Wave Tour Belize. Web Development by: IdeaLab Studios . Featured Photography - Demian Solano Photography ***.

• +501 674-9503
• [email protected]
• Near the International Airport

Nelson Maya Adventures

Alluring Mayan Site Tours and Outstanding Transfers Service for the Insightful Traveler.

Belize Blue Hole Tour – Flyover

Price varies by location - or group size max 11

Blue Hole tours are weather dependent

bottle water, cameras (no flash allowed)

Blue Hole Flyover Enquiry

The Great Blue Hole is a massive underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize located about 60 miles away from Belize City. With an almost perfectly circular hole, The Great Blue Hole is about 125 meters deep and its diameter is about 300 meters wide. It is one of the most astonishing dive sites to be found anywhere on earth.

Just how do you see the Blue Hole when in Belize?

Fly over tour of belize great blue hole.

The Belize Blue Hole Tour is famous, Well, for the Great Blue Hole of course. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on Lighthouse Reef Atoll in Belize. See this astounding attraction the way it was meant to be seen… from the air. Tours of the Great Blue Hole last 1-hou r and Fly to Lighthouse Reef Atoll and make several fly-bys of this natural wonder of the world. While en route, you will see the Belize Barrier Reef (the longest in the Western Hemisphere), and Turneffe Atoll. Be sure to keep watch on the water below for Manatees, Rays, Sharks, Dolphins, and other wildlife.

The oceanic sinkhole can only be truly appreciated from overhead in an aeroplane.

Do’s and don’ts while on the Belize Blue hole tour Photography is allowed aboard the plane if you don’t use flash, alcohol is not permitted, and you won’t be able to send or receive texts or calls while in flight. This tour is a great opportunity to exist in the moment and take in all that it has to offer!

Map of Our Adventure Tours

About 43 miles off the coast of Belize, the Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole

Altun Ha Archaeological Site is located:

•  51 miles (45min) from Belize City
• 86.5 miles (3min) from San Ignacio Town

Lamanai Archaeological Site is located:

•  75 miles (2.5hours) from Belize City
• 6.2 miles (15min) from San Ignacio Town
• 3.8 miles (5min) from the Guatemalan Border

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful place to relax and watch birds, a national protected area of natural wetlands. At the center of this beautiful wildlife refuge lies the Village of Crooked Tree.

Belize City Tour is

Belize Cave Tubing is

Actun Tunichil Muknal is

Cahal Pech Archaeological Site is located:

•  68.8 miles (2.5hours) from Belize City
• In San Ignacio Town
• 6.8 miles (15min) from the Guatemalan Border

Xunantunich Archaeological Site is located:

Caracol is located:

•  110 miles (3.5hours) from Belize City
• 87 miles (2.5min) from San Ignacio Town
• 62 miles (3hours) from the Guatemalan Border

Adventure Tours

• Blue Hole Fly Over
• Altun Ha Mayan Ruins
• Xunantunich Temples
• Lamanai Ruins
• Belize City Tour
• Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
• Cave Tubing
• Actun Tunichil Muknal

Belize Transfers

• International Airport (BZE)
• Belize City (Water Taxi)
• Border Transfers
• San Ignacio Shuttle
• San Pedro Transfer & Taxi
• Hopkins Village Transfer
• Placencia Transfer
• Private Transfers to Flores

Traveling & Touring Belize is Amazing with Us!

• Barrack Road, Belize City

Travel Belize!

• Customize Your Vacation
• Book Privates Tours & Activities
• Book Transfer throught the Coutry

© 2024 Nelson Maya Adventures -::- Cancellation Policy – Map of Belize – Photos

Nelson Maya Adventures is open with Enhanced Safety Protocols Learn More

Dive at The Great Blue Hole & Lighthouse Reef Atoll

3 Tank Dive

Memories Made

Per Guest Dive

Rates quoted are in USD and do not include GST of 12.5%.

The Great Blue Hole is one of Belize’s true treasures and on every diver’s bucket list.  From Placencia, it is a 3.5 hour boat ride and this dive is for advanced divers only.

Ready for the ultimate diving adventure? Join us on a journey to the Great Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef Atoll! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every diver dreams of.  And for those who prefer to snorkel, you won’t be left out either!

As we depart from Captain Jak’s dock, you’ll feel the excitement build as you meet our friendly captain and expert dive master. They’ll make sure you’re outfitted with the best gear for this unforgettable experience.

The first dive will take you down 130 feet to explore the wonders of the Great Blue Hole while snorkelers delight in the stunning coral formations around the rim. The whole dive lasts 30 minutes and is only for advanced divers.

But don’t worry, there’s more! After the first dive, take a relaxing one-hour break as we head over to the Light House Reef. It’s about to get even better!

Our second dive takes you through boulder corals and brings you to a vibrant 60-70 ft reef wall, full of quirky garden eels and majestic rays! For those who like to stay closer to the surface, snorkeling around Light House Reef is a must-see.

Lunch on the boat, anyone? During the 90-minute ride to our next location, we’ll enjoy a tasty meal and share diving stories. Our third dive takes you to the mysterious Aquarium, an advanced deep dive where you’ll discover intriguing stalagmites and stalactites at 130ft down. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a reef shark or a sea turtle!

We’ll end our exciting day of diving at 5:00 PM when we head back to Placencia. Join us on this thrilling adventure and create unforgettable memories!

Testimonials:

Tours & services.

• Scuba Courses

ACCOMMODATIONS & RENTALS

• Accommodations
• Golf Cart Rentals
• Golf Cart Sales & Service
• Ask About Custom Tour Packages!
• Terms & Conditions

CAPTAIN JAK’S © 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

• 20% Off Packages
• 1-800-456-7150
• GET RATE QUOTE

Contact the Reservation Team if you need help booking your stay.

• Travel Deals
• Compare Our Packages
• Couples Packages
• Family Packages
• Singles/Solo Packages
• Adventure Packages
• Group/Business Packages
• Honeymoon/Romance Add-On
• Belize Eco-Explorer Add-On
• Sister Resort Stay Add-On
• One Bedroom Boutique Rooms
• One Bedroom Standard
• One Bedroom Suites
• One Bedroom Premium Suites
• Two Bedroom Executive Suites
• Three Bedroom Villas
• Room Only Rates
• 5 Reasons to Stay at Belizean Dreams
• Getting Here
• About Hopkins
• Our Sister Resorts
• Travel Blog
• About Belize
• Virtual Tours
• Driving Directions
• Weekly Scheduled & A la Carte Tours
• Maya Ruin Tours
• Caving Tubing, Rappelling, and Zip-Lining Tours
• Snorkeling Tour
• Waterfall Hiking
• Jaguar Preserve Hiking
• Diving Tours
• Diving Certification
• Deep Sea Fishing Tours
• Reef Fishing Tour
• Fly Fishing Tour
• Chocolate, Butterfly, Waterfall Combo Tour
• Horseback Riding Tours
• Birdwatching Tours
• Wedding Package
• Honeymoon Add-On
• Getting Married in Belize
• Guide to Belize Weddings
• Event Request Form

The Belize Blue Hole

Belize great blue hole tour.

Explore a contender of the eight wonders of the world, the Belize Blue Hole…

Located off the coast of Belize within the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the Belize Blue Hole is a perfectly circular underwater sinkhole. What was previously a limestone cave system, is now one of the most unique natural creations known as the Belize Blue Hole. As sea levels rose during the last Ice Age, the cave flooded and its roof collapsed into this sinkhole resulting in a marine wonder known for its sparkling blue waters, wealth of coral formations, sharks and fish, and deep caves filled with stalactites. 

Belize Blue Hole Diving video courtesy Discover Belize Now

Belize Great Blue Hole & Lighthouse Reef Dive

• À la carte Tour

Check this off your bucket list as you dive the Belize Blue Hole in Lighthouse Reef Atoll! A rare and wonderful dive, the Great Blue Hole is a perfectly circular hole surrounded by coral edges and filled with stalactite and limestone cave ridges to depths as deep as 400 feet.

Lighthouse Reef is known for its breathtaking deep walls and crests, sand flats, coral gardens including soft coral, and sponge gardens with a variety of topography including some spectacular spur and groove formations. There is also a great mix of large pelagic and small reef creatures. This is a place where you can expect a mixture of large and small animals from flounders and neck crabs to turtles, sharks, and rays while diving.

Also on Lighthouse Reef Atoll is one of Belize’s largest protected areas and national parks, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument. Home to both shallow and deep waters, it is possible to snorkel and dive.

This 3-tank dive trip is 50 miles offshore and is the furthest from the mainland. Since the Belize Blue Hole dive requires a minimum depth of 130ft, only certified advanced and experienced divers should attempt this dive. Due to the depth of this dive, bottom time is limited at about 8 minutes and good buoyancy skills are required to do the mandatory safety stop. If you are a certified advanced diver, but do not have any dives logged recently, you might be prompted to do a refresher dive where the dive master will monitor your abilities and how your body reacts while diving in deeper water. He/she will then determine if you are able to participate in this dive.

For those interested in snorkeling, the Great Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef Atoll Tour can also be offered as a Snorkeling Tour.

Departure Time:  6:00am Return Time:  4:00pm Travel Time:  2.5 Hours each way

What to bring:  dive certification card, sunscreen, hat, swim/dive wear, underwater camera, Dramamine, and power/granola bars

This is an à la carte tour: The Great Blue Hole Dive Tour is not included in our All Inclusive Packages.

Tour Pricing & Availability: Dive tours and courses are contracted out by a third party dive operator and can be scheduled upon arrival with our front desk/concierge. Costs for Belize dive tours and courses vary depending on the dive site, minimum number of divers required, and rental equipment needed. Our front desk/concierge will work closely with you and the third party operator to ensure a smooth Belize dive experience.

Scheduled tours  are included in the All Inclusive and Mayan Jungle & Beach packages. See each package page for the number of tours included.

À la carte tours and Add-Ons are not included in our vacation packages. Contact our reservation team to express your interest in any of these tours. Tours and/or Add-Ons and services are confirmed upon arrival and paid for at check-out. Any additional tours and services are confirmed and billed by the front desk. Kindly review our tour policies, which are listed on our policies page.  The Deep Sea Fishing Tour has its own policy, which can be found on the Deep Sea Fishing Tour page.

The snorkeling and island hopping was probably my favorite. While snorkeling they show you, teach you and even let you hold different creatures in the ocean. – TripAdvisor user

Blue Hole Diving

Reef & atolls diving, whale shark diving.

Blue Hole Snorkeling Tour, Belize

Package Details

The Neptune's Cove Belize Blue Hole Snorkeling Tour takes you into the center of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a 1000-foot circular coral reef that drops over 400 feet into an incredible cavern. It is filled with stalactites and awe inspiring natural formations. Half Moon Caye and the Aquarium/Eagle Ray are teaming with marine life and numerous varieties of colorful corals like sponges, fans, and gorgonians. Blue Hole Snorkeling Tour starts off as early as 6:00am, departing from our dive center and returning later in the evening at 5:30pm. We make sure everything is in place; gear, breakfast, lunch, and refreshments. We want you to have the time of a lifetime on our full day dive package, which is why we make sure you have a safe and successful day. We prioritize our customers and make sure they are satisfied to the max in every way possible.

You’re going to enjoy the service at Neptune’s Cove! We appreciate the opportunity to help you design your Belizean Adventure! You are going to have such an amazing time here in Ambergris Caye!  Neptune’s Cove is a full service PADI Dive Shop specializing in daily diving, SCUBA instruction, snorkeling, fishing and inland tours. We offer many services for our guests to make their stay a lot easier and smoother. We also help with reservations, flights, golf carts rentals and choosing the best local restaurants in town.

We prefer merely small groups for all of our tours. Our diving is done on the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, the beauty of our reef is unrivaled. For the local dives we take groups of 6 or less and 4 max for instruction. This gives us the lowest ratios on the island.

After a half day of fishing our guests are eager to eat what they have caught, so our team has a list of local restaurants that can cook the catch of day for small fees.

In the mainland you can go on adventures like exploring the Maya temples, cave tubing, and hiking our jungles. The jungles in the mainland are full of flora and fauna which are waiting to be explored.

On our site are some of the resorts we recommend, ranging from hostels to 5 stars. Some are within walking distance from the shop and some aren’t.  We offer complimentary transportation to and from our shop for guests staying within town limits. For guests staying far away from us, we have golf carts available for renting to make their transportation easier.

We have also received the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2017 and 2018. Click here to have the time of your life !

See Our Trip Advisor Reviews!

View our other packages

Blue Hole Belize Diving Tour

Turneffe Atoll Belize Diving Tours

Hol Chan Shark Ray Belize Snorkeling Tour

Hol Chan Shark Ray Belize Diving Tour

Mexico Rocks Belize Snorkeling Tour

Belize Two-Tank Diving Tour

Belize Three Tank Diving Tour

Belize Night Diving Snorkeling Tour

Belize 3-day 2-tank Diving Tour

Belize 4-day 2-tank Diving Tour

Belize 5-day 2-tank Diving Tour

Belize 2-day 2-tank Blue Hole Diving Tour

Belize 3-day 2-tank Blue Hole Diving Tour

Belize local reef half-day fishing tour

Belize Cave-Tube Zipline Tour

Belize Cave-Tube Xunantunich Tour

Belize Zipline Xunantunich Tour

You don't have permission to register.

Fifty Shades of Blue – Snorkeling the Great Blue Hole of Belize

I believe that everybody needs to cross off the Great Blue Hole of Belize from their Bucket List. Heck, if it’s not on your list, there is something wrong with you. The Blue Hole was a contended in becoming the 8 th Wonder of the World, has been named The Most Amazing Place on Earth, and has topped various lists as a top dive location in the world. Both locals and visitors need to experience the awe-inspiring, one-of-a-kind sinkhole that is sure to bring chills down your spine as you either dive or snorkel the site.

When I say that it brings chills down your spine, I do not mean it in a bad way. Flying over the Great Blue Hole is probably one of THE best ways to appreciate how magnificent the underwater sinkhole is. It lies within the Lighthouse Reef Atoll (one of three in Belize & four in this hemisphere) along Belize’s Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aerial tours make you witness the natural splendor of how huge, mysterious and unique the Great Blue Hole really is. The chills down your spine are of pure amazement.

The Great Blue Hole is mostly known as a dive destination, but that does not mean you cannot visit it for a nice snorkeling adventure. Divers love to add a cave/sinkhole experience to their diving list and that is a huge draw for divers from all over the world. But the Blue Hole is also available to snorkel for those non-divers who also want to experience the world wonder.

My snorkeling adventure at the Blue Hole was provided by Amigos del Mar, one of the leading dive centers in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The great thing is that Amigos offers an all day trip to the Great Blue Hole for both divers and snorkelers. The trip starts very early in the morning as Lighthouse Reef Atoll is pretty far from Ambergris Caye (approximately 2 ½ hours). So at 5a.m. you are at Amigos del Mar gathering the gear you need for your trip and kick-starting your morning with a complimentary Belizean style continental breakfast which consist of johnny cakes, fruits, slices of cheese, coffee and water. By 6a.m. you are off!!

Lighthouse Reef is about 18 miles (29 km) long and less than 1 mile (2 km) wide and is surrounded by a seemingly endless stretch of coral. Here you’ll find two of the country’s best dives – the Great Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye Site. The best way to visit the Lighthouse Reef is from Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and off Belize City.

I will be honest and say that on the boat, spotting the Blue Hole is not that easy and it is definitely way more impressive flying over it. It takes some time to map the area and picture it as how you would in an aerial perspective. I thought the surrounding coral was actually small islands that border the sinkhole – NOT quite so!! It is all coral reef that is under water and that is where the beauty lies.

Dive boats tie off on anchored buoys and the divers are the first to take the plunge. While you are gearing up with snorkel gear you can see the divers disappearing into the deep blue abyss. ‘CREEPY’. But if you are there for a snorkel you are amazed at the 50 shades of blue the sinkhole provides. Snorkelers swim along the outer rim of the Blue Hole observing the marine life full of coral, fish, sea turtles and much more. The most exciting part about snorkeling the Great Blue Hole is that first plunge into the great blue and observing how the water goes from crystalline blue to almost pitch black at the drop off. It is an experience like no other, that’s for sure.

The Great Blue Hole of Belize Blue Hole is well known as one of the eight wonders of the world. World-renowned underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau was the first person to dive the Blue Hole in 1970 and has since then become a diver’s paradise. Just over 1,000 feet wide at the surface and dropping almost vertically to a depth of 412 feet, diving enthusiasts are drawn to this diving hotspot due to its clear waters, variety of flora and fauna and activity of nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks and bull sharks.

Cross the Great Blue Hole off your bucket list, I promise you will not regret it. Get to Belize; Book a Trip Immediately! Amigos Del Mar prioritizes their customers and makes sure they are satisfied to the max in every way possible.

Subscribe To Our Feed

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Post Categories

• Featured Article (136)
• Madi in the Middle (13)
• My Traveling Feet (35)
• People On Our Map (14)
• Uncategorized (3)

Destinations

Shoot us an email, follow us on social.

Copyright iTravel Belize 2024. All Rights Reserved.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

SAHC to host volunteer cleanup at Blue Hole Falls in Cherokee National Forest

Published 2:28 pm Monday, August 26, 2024

By Staff Reports

The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) is inviting volunteers to join a guided outing and cleanup event at the Blue Hole Falls recreation area in Cherokee National Forest on Thursday, Aug. 29. The event will begin at 10 a.m.

“We invite volunteers to come be a part of making Blue Hole Falls shine brighter than ever,” said Justin Tucker, SAHC’s outreach program manager. “Join us for a late summer splashdown and trash clean-up to help keep this popular natural gem pristine. After we tidy up, participants can stick around for a refreshing swim and enjoy the beauty of the falls. Get ready to meet fellow nature lovers, contribute to environmental conservation, and have some fun in the process.”

Trash bags and gloves will be provided for the cleanup. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their enthusiasm, swimsuit, and a lunch. Those interested in participating can sign up at Appalachian.org – appalachian.org/event/2024-splash-trash-clean-up-at-blue-hole .

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

For more information, please contact SAHC Outreach Program Manager Justin Tucker at [email protected].

Appalachian Irish Dance Company wins first place at Appalachian Fair Contest

ETSU Charitable Pharmacy celebrates 10 years of service

A Life Lived: Tom Oxendine ‘was a walking testimony’

Milligan students’ art on display at Wm. King Museum of Art

Sports plus, braves vs. twins: betting preview for august 27.

Simeon Woods Richardson will take the hill for the Minnesota Twins (72-59) on Tuesday, August 27 versus the…

How to Watch MLB Baseball on Tuesday, August 27: TV Channel, Live Streaming, Start Times

The Baltimore Orioles versus the Los Angeles Dodgers is one of many compelling options on today’s MLB schedule.…

How to Watch the Braves vs. Twins Game: Streaming & TV Channel Info for August 27

Carlos Santana and the Minnesota Twins will meet Matt Olson and the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday at Target…

WNBA Betting Picks: Tuesday, August 27

Wondering how you should bet on today’s WNBA game? Look no further. Below you’ll find computer predictions on…

How to Watch the WNBA Today | August 27

Today’s WNBA schedule includes just one game — the Las Vegas Aces versus the Dallas Wings. The WNBA…

• How to Watch
• Power Rankings

Special Section

More special sections.

• Classifieds
• Small Business
• Submit a News Tip
• Submit a Photo
• Submit A Classified Ad
• Engagement Announcement
• Wedding Announcement
• © 2024, www.elizabethton.com