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If you’ve seen those jaw-dropping aerial shots of a perfect blue circle in the middle of the Caribbean, you’ve already fallen in love with Belize’s Great Blue Hole—and for good reason.
Located off the coast of Belize, this giant marine sinkhole is more than 400 feet deep and nearly 1,000 feet wide. It’s part of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, one of Belize’s most remote and beautiful marine ecosystems. It’s also one of Jacques Cousteau’s top dive sites—and he knew a thing or two about water.
So, how do you get there?
Let’s break down all your options from Belize City—whether you’re planning to dive, snorkel, fly over, or just see it from the boat.
Where is the Great Blue Hole?
- Located 70 km (43 miles) off the coast of Belize
- Lies within the Lighthouse Reef Atoll
- Part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Option 1: Boat Tours from Belize City
Best For: Snorkelers, divers, and ocean lovers
Time:
- 2.5–3 hours one way by boat
- Full-day tours: 7 to 12 hours total
Cost:
- Snorkeling tours: ~$200–$250 USD
- Diving tours: ~$250–$350 USD
- Includes gear, guide, and lunch
Tour Operators from Belize City:
- Sea Sports Belize
- Belize Diving Services (usually departs from San Pedro, but may have city connections)
- Belize Underwater
What’s Included:
- Stops at Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye, and The Aquarium
- Gear rental
- Marine park fees
- Breakfast/lunch/snacks (varies)
Pros:
- Up-close experience with the reef and marine life
- Great for snorkeling and scuba diving
- You’ll see multiple reef sites, not just the Blue Hole
Cons:
- Long day, especially on choppy seas
- Limited departures from Belize City (many leave from San Pedro)
- May be tiring for kids or non-swimmers
Tip: If you’re a certified diver, book early! These tours fill up fast, especially during dry season (Nov–May).
Option 2: Scenic Flight Over the Great Blue Hole
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Best For: Photographers, families, travelers short on time
Time: 1-hour flight from Belize City Municipal Airport
Cost: $250–$300 USD per person
Flight Operators:
- Tropic Air
- Maya Island Air
- Some private charter companies
What You’ll See:
- Epic aerial views of the Great Blue Hole
- Belize Barrier Reef
- Turneffe Atoll
- Lighthouse Reef
- Other cayes and turquoise patches of ocean
Pros:
- Breathtaking views—nothing like it
- No diving/swimming experience required
- Quick and easy half-day trip
Cons:
- No water interaction—pure sightseeing
- Weather-dependent
- Pricey for budget travelers
Tip: Book a window seat, and avoid flying in the late afternoon when clouds can obstruct visibility.
Option 3: Go via San Pedro or Caye Caulker First
Many Blue Hole tours leave from San Pedro or Caye Caulker, so you might want to spend a night or two on the islands and join a tour from there.
How to Get There First:
Ferry from Belize City to Caye Caulker or San Pedro:
- $15–$30 USD
- 45 mins to 1.5 hours
Book a tour with:
- Amigos del Mar (San Pedro)
- Frenchie’s Diving (Caye Caulker)
Pros:
- More tour options
- Spend time enjoying island life
- Combine Blue Hole tour with other reef experiences
Cons:
- Adds another travel day
- Requires overnight stays on the cayes
Quick Comparison Chart
| Option | Time | Cost (USD) | Best For | Interaction Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boat Tour (Snorkeling) | Full day | $200–$250 | Snorkelers, marine lovers | High |
| Boat Tour (Diving) | Full day | $250–$350 | Certified divers | Very High |
| Scenic Flight | 1 hour | $250–$300 | Photographers, families | Low |
| Island Detour + Tour | 2+ days | ~$300–$500 total | Travelers wanting variety | Medium–High |
When’s the Best Time to Visit the Blue Hole?
- Dry Season (Nov–May): Best visibility for diving and flying
- Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): Fewer tourists, but choppier seas
- Early morning tours offer calmer waters and better lighting
What to Pack for Your Trip
- Waterproof bag
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Motion sickness pills (if boating)
- GoPro or underwater camera
- Snorkeling gear (if not renting)
- Towel, extra clothes, flip-flops
Is It Worth Visiting the Great Blue Hole?
Yes—but it depends on how you want to experience it.
If you’re:
- A certified diver → Dive into the depths and see ancient stalactites
- A casual snorkeler → Enjoy marine life in nearby reefs
- A photography lover → The flight is unbeatable for jaw-dropping views
- Short on time? → A flight is faster
- On a budget? → Snorkeling tours give great value
No matter your choice, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the most unique marine sites on the planet.
FAQs – Belize City to the Great Blue Hole
1. Can beginners dive in the Blue Hole?
Not recommended. The dive is deep (~130 ft) and best for advanced open water certified divers.
2. Are flights to the Blue Hole scary?
Not at all! The planes are small, but the ride is smooth and beautiful.
3. Can I swim in the Blue Hole?
You can snorkel around the rim but can’t go into the deep hole without dive certification.
4. How far is the Blue Hole from Belize City?
About 43 miles offshore—approximately 2.5–3 hours by boat or 1 hour by flight.
5. Are there combo tours?
Yes! Some tours include Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye, and The Aquarium reef site.
Final Take – Your Best Route to the Great Blue Hole
Whether you’re looking to dive deep, soar high, or simply soak in some epic nature, the Great Blue Hole is 100% worth the effort. From Belize City, you’ve got multiple ways to get there—just pick your vibe:
- Adventurous? → Full-day dive or snorkel tour
- Pressed for time? → Scenic flight
- Island hopper? → Stop in Caye Caulker or San Pedro and go from there
Whatever you choose, Belize’s most iconic natural wonder will leave you speechless (and your Instagram feed looking).