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Blue Hole National Park, Belize - Things to Do in Blue Hole National Park

Blue Hole National Park

Blue Hole National Park, Belize - Complete Travel Guide

The Great Blue Hole, located off the coast of Belize, is one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive marine sinkhole, measuring over 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep, sits in the center of Lighthouse Reef Atoll about 60 miles from Belize City. The perfectly circular formation was created thousands of years ago when sea levels were much lower, and limestone caves collapsed to form this incredible underwater cathedral. While technically a marine reserve rather than a traditional national park, the Blue Hole and surrounding Lighthouse Reef offer some of the planet's most pristine diving and snorkeling experiences. The crystal-clear waters reveal dramatic stalactite formations, diverse marine life including Caribbean reef sharks, and busy coral gardens. This bucket-list destination attracts adventurers from around the globe seeking to explore one of Jacques Cousteau's favorite diving spots and experience the raw beauty of Belize's barrier reef system.

Top Blue Hole National Park

Blue Hole Diving Experience

Descend into the depths of this legendary marine sinkhole to witness massive stalactite formations and encounter Caribbean reef sharks in their natural habitat. The dive typically reaches depths of 130 feet, revealing the geological history of this ancient cave system through crystal-clear waters.

Booking Tip: Book with PADI-certified operators charging $350-450 for day trips from San Pedro or Caye Caulker. Advanced Open Water certification required. Book 2-3 days ahead during peak season and confirm weather conditions as trips can be cancelled due to rough seas.

Lighthouse Reef Snorkeling

Explore the pristine coral gardens surrounding the Blue Hole, where colorful reef fish, rays, and sea turtles thrive in protected waters. The shallow reefs offer excellent visibility and showcase some of the Caribbean's most diverse marine ecosystems.

Booking Tip: Most Blue Hole trips include snorkeling at 2-3 sites around Lighthouse Reef for $200-300 per person. Look for small group tours with quality snorkel gear provided. Best visibility occurs in morning hours before afternoon winds pick up.

Scenic Flight Over Blue Hole

Take a impressive aerial tour to fully appreciate the Blue Hole's perfect circular formation and impressive contrast between the deep blue center and surrounding turquoise reef. The bird's-eye perspective reveals the geological wonder's true scale and beauty.

Booking Tip: Charter flights from Belize City cost $200-300 per person for 30-minute tours, or $150-200 from San Pedro. Book morning flights for best lighting and weather conditions. Confirm weight restrictions and bring a camera with extra batteries.

Half Moon Caye Wildlife Sanctuary

Visit this pristine island sanctuary home to over 4,000 red-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. A short nature trail leads to an observation platform offering spectacular views of nesting seabirds and the surrounding reef system.

Booking Tip: Usually included in full-day Blue Hole tours with 1-2 hours on the island. Bring sun protection and comfortable walking shoes. The $10 park fee is typically included in tour prices. Visit during nesting season (October-June) for best wildlife viewing.

Multi-Day Liveaboard Diving

Experience the ultimate Blue Hole adventure with 3-4 day liveaboard trips that include multiple dives at the Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef, and other remote atolls. These expeditions offer access to pristine dive sites far from day-trip crowds.

Booking Tip: Liveaboard trips cost $800-1,200 for 3-4 days including meals and multiple dives. Book 4-6 weeks ahead during peak season. Ensure operator provides nitrox certification and has good safety records. Advanced diving certification strongly recommended.

Getting There

The Blue Hole is accessible only by boat or aircraft from mainland Belize or the cayes. Most visitors fly into Belize City's Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, then take domestic flights to San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) or Caye Caulker, which serve as primary departure points for Blue Hole excursions. Water taxis connect Belize City to the cayes in 1.5-2 hours for $25-35. Charter boats and tour operators typically depart early morning for the 2-3 hour journey to Lighthouse Reef, with some offering helicopter transfers for premium experiences.

Getting Around

Transportation around the Blue Hole area is limited to boats and aircraft, as this is an open ocean marine environment. Most visitors join organized tours that include boat transportation between dive/snorkel sites around Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Private boat charters are available from San Pedro or Caye Caulker for $1,500-2,500 per day. The nearby Half Moon Caye has a small dock and walking trails, but no motorized transport. All movement between sites requires careful planning due to distance from shore and weather dependency.

Where to Stay

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Caye Caulker Village
Belize City Hotels
Turneffe Island Lodge
Lighthouse Reef Basecamp
Liveaboard Dive Boats

Food & Dining

Dining options near the Blue Hole are extremely limited, as this is a remote marine location. Most visitors eat packed lunches provided by tour operators during day trips, featuring local specialties like rice and beans, grilled fish, and fresh fruit. Multi-day liveaboard trips include all meals prepared onboard by professional chefs. For pre and post-trip dining, San Pedro and Caye Caulker offer excellent seafood restaurants serving lobster, conch, and fresh catch prepared Caribbean-style. The nearby cayes feature beachfront establishments specializing in Belizean cuisine and international options catering to diving tourists.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Belmopan

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Wings and Feathers Café

4.7 /5
(480 reviews) 2
cafe clothing_store store

Everest Nepalese and Indian Restaurant

4.8 /5
(304 reviews)

Simple Life Restaurant

4.6 /5
(249 reviews) 2
store

Trey's Barn & Grill

4.8 /5
(222 reviews)

Cocogardens

4.6 /5
(230 reviews)

Casa Café

4.5 /5
(229 reviews) 2
cafe store

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Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit the Blue Hole is during the dry season from November to April, when seas are calmer, visibility is excellent (often exceeding 200 feet), and weather conditions are most predictable for boat trips. March through May offers the calmest conditions but higher prices and crowds. The rainy season (June-October) brings afternoon storms, rougher seas, and potential trip cancellations, though prices are lower and marine life is often more active. Hurricane season (June-November) requires flexible planning, but many operators continue running trips during brief weather windows.

Insider Tips

Book Blue Hole trips for early morning departures to avoid afternoon wind and waves that can make the return journey uncomfortable
Bring motion sickness medication even if you're not typically prone to seasickness, as the open ocean crossing can be rough
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a full wetsuit as the Blue Hole's depth makes water significantly cooler than surface temperatures

Activities in Blue Hole National Park