THINGS TO DO AT THE GREAT BLUE HOLE

The Great Blue Hole is one of the most famous diving attractions near the Itza Resort and has been attracting diving lovers for decades. Having been named the best diving spot in the world by legendary explorer Jacque Cousteau, the Great Blue Hole attracts thousands of people every year. The expedition to the bottom of the ancient sinkhole has even recently been undertaken by Richard Branson and Fabien Cousteau, the son of Jacque Cousteau. This has led to even more buzz about the destination, and guests are flocking to idyllic Belize Beach resorts.  Thinking of visiting the Itza Resort for our diverse Belize diving packages? It’s a good idea to know what you can expect from the Great Blue Hole.

What is the Great Blue Hole?

The Great Blue Hole is one of the most famous sinkholes in the world. In part due to its large size, the Great Blue Hole is one of the most internationally renowned diving spots in the world. With a size of 318 metres across and 124 metres deep, the hole was formed by water shifts during the Ice Age during a period when the water levels were far lower. With formation periods dating back 153,000 years, the Great Blue Hole is a world heritage site and is part of a larger aquatic ecosystem consisting of coral reefs in the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. The depth, surrounding reefs and ecology of the area bring tourists, scientists and diving experts together to explore the wonders lying in wait in the beautiful Belize Lighthouse Atoll.

Great Blue Hole flyover

Departing from San Pedro Regional Airport, the flyover of the Great Blue Hole is one of the most exhilarating flying experiences you’ll ever have. With bird’s eye views of the Great Blue Hole, you’ll also fly over the magnificent Turneffe Atoll and Belize Barrier Reef, giving you an extensive look of the entire reef system.

Great Blue Hole Helicopter tour

Another way to see the Great Blue hole from above is through a helicopter tour. Slower than the plane, you’ll be steadily flown over the reef for over an hour and a half, giving you a beautiful view over the expansive reef. With flyovers of the Turneffe Islands, Snake Point and Central Lagoon, you’ll be flown over a wide range of protected areas, giving you a view of these aquatic spectacles like you’ve never had before.

Great Blue Hole Snorkelling

With boat rides taking you from the Itza Resort to the nearby Great Blue Hole, you can catch a glimpse of the deep crystal waters with our beautiful snorkelling tours. The Great Blue Hole is home to many fish and sea creatures. Even if you’re not a proficient diver, the snorkelling packages will open your eyes to all the beauty below the surface of the water.

Great Blue Hole diving packages

The best way to see the Great Blue Hole is on diving trips. Best of all? The Hole is just a 15 minute boat ride away. You can dive right in for the afternoon, exploring the depths with a trained guide and instructor.

FAQs

• What caused the Great Blue Hole?

It was forged out of solid rock as caverns, hundreds of thousands of years ago during the last ice age.

• What lives in the Great Blue Hole?

Some species that you can come across include nurse sharks, Caribbean reef shark, butterfly fish, angel fish, midnight parrot fish and groupers.

• Why is the Great Blue Hole famous?

In 1971, famed French marine biologist Jacques Cousteau visited the Blue Hole with his boat Calypso, declaring it one of the top 10 diving spots on the planet. Read More