The Blonde Abroad

Popular travel and lifestyle blog featuring travel tips, fashion, food and photography from around the world. Follow Kiersten on her adventures!

Tips for Visiting the Great Blue Hole in Belize

Tips for Visiting the Great Blue Hole in Belize

Few places in the world can compare to the Great Blue Hole in Belize. Easily one of the most beautiful places in the world, this submarine sinkhole in the Caribbean is a World Heritage Site of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.

Of course, for me, it’s all about the diving here. The Great Blue Hole in Belize has incredible natural beauty that makes it one of the best scuba diving sites on the planet.

Ready to fall in love with this natural wonder? Here are my essential tips for visiting the Great Blue Hole in Belize.

Blue Hole from Above

See It from Above

Part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, you can’t miss the opportunity to see the Great Blue Hole from above. I took a small charter plane over this natural wonder and it was jaw-droppingly beautiful.

Getting up in the air will give you perfect photo ops and a view you’ll never forget. There are a range of options that will take you over the top.

You can book before you get there or just pick on arrival. You will find numerous local companies that offer helicopter and small plane trips taking off from different destinations (Belize City is a popular departure point).

They are pricey but well worth it for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Blonde Diving in Blue Hole in Belize

Underwater Blue Hole in Belize

Diving Blue Hole in Belize

Coral in Blue Hole in Belize

Tips for Diving and Snorkeling the Great Blue Hole

I explored the area while staying at the Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, which is an award-winning eco-resort that is dedicated to sustainability and aiding the local environment.

This 5-Star PADI Resort took me around to dive at the all of the best spots. I got the chance to dive the Great Blue Hole, Glover’s Reef Atoll, Turneffe Islands Atoll, the Elbow, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Half Moon Caye, and other amazing dive sites.

While I’d recommend diving at the Great Blue Hole, it’s not the only way to experience it. You can also have an amazing time snorkeling!

Of course, if you are a diver, the Great Blue Hole is a dream destination. No matter how you experience it, it’s good to know that there isn’t a whole lot to see down below– especially as a snorkeler. There isn’t much marine life or coral. The magic of this site is the amazing underwater stalactites, indicating that they were once above water!

You’ll have do a deep dive here to reach the dramatic stalactites, as they don’t start until about 130ft below sea level.

While the Great Blue Hole is a deep dive and you’ll need your Advanced PADI Certification to complete it, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Ultimately, it’s all about finding a dive company that you are comfortable with and having a good dive partner.

The Lighthouse Reef surrounding the Blue Hole is dense with coral and marine life and, in my opinion, is the unexpected highlight of a trip to the Great Blue Hole in Belize.

Because of its amazing reefs and natural beauty, Belize as a whole is one of my favorite diving destinations on the planet!

Have you gone scuba diving in Belize? Let me know about your experience in the comments below!

Shop My Style Essentials!

Related Posts

Join over 1 million people and get exclusive travel tips, giveaways and more!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a comment

    1. Steve

      Hey Kiersten!

      Love your blog!

      I’m in a bit of a conundrum. I’m visiting Belize in April and as much as I want to check out the Great Blue Hole, it may not be a feasible option due to price and logistics since I’m traveling with a 2 yr old.

      Do you have any recommendations for inexpensive (wishful thinking) air tours? Paying $400-500/pp is a little steep for me and of course I’m sure it’s worth every penny.

      Or any other recommendations for checking it out?

      Thanks!

      Steve

      January 14, 2019 at 9:00 am · Reply
      • Kiersten Rich

        I only know the aerial flight with Tropic Air I took so you’d have to research other options! It’s definitely amazing, however, it’s VERY weather dependent. I do think it’s very cool to see it. If you’re with a 2-year-old, the flight is probably more exciting as I’m not sure it’s worth actually visiting. It’s a pretty far boat ride and there’s not a ton to see AT the actual Blue Hole. Assuming they can’t snorkel, it might be a bit uneventful.

        January 23, 2019 at 9:50 am · Reply
    2. Jennifer Abbey

      Hi Kiersten!

      I am visiting Belize at the end of the month. Sadly, I am not scuba certified but would still love to see the Blue Hole. Is there a point to going without certification? Will I see anything if I just snorkel?

      Thank you for all your great info!!

      Jenn

      February 12, 2019 at 12:07 pm · Reply
      • Kiersten Rich

        Hey babe! I think it’s a destination that will offer more to divers than snorkelers. That being said, it doesn’t mean you won’t see anything, but you’ll definitely have a more ‘wow’ experience if you dive.

        February 22, 2019 at 12:52 pm · Reply

    Instagram

    These might just be the best travel bags ever ✨
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
    Ollie and I recently traveled to Washington and brought the @noreceptionclub travel bags along. And I have to say, these bags have completely changed how I pack with a toddler. Traveling with a little one means not only making sure you have every snack, every toy, and every detail covered — but also making sure you have it all within reach. And if it can look good too? All the better.

    We brought with us:

    • The Getaway Bag, which works as a diaper bag when your kids are extra little (and as a family travel backpack for bigger kids), includes customizable compartments, an insulated lunch bag and even stroller clips!
    • The Hideaway Carry-On Duffel with a cubby system and dividers that you can pull out and hang in hotel closets for optimal convenience. It even has backpack straps and a luggage pass-through for other carrying options!
    • The Sidekick V2 has its own compartment in the Getaway Bag and is great for small day trips and hands-free storage. The mesh pockets hold smaller items while the magnetic flap in the back makes it easy to grab baby wipes fast!
    • The Dopp Kit, made with parents in mind, keeps personal care essentials organized and accessible.
    •The Sliders Complete Set with clear windows and smart compartments making it easy to see and grab everything you need!

    Pack smarter for family adventures and get your hands on the @noreceptionclub bag that speaks to you! Use BLONDEABROAD20 for $20 off purchases of $150 or more
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
    #noreceptionclub #familytravel #travelwithkids #noreceptionclubpartner #travelbags #travelpacking

    343 15
    Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18077170007472189
    These might just be the best travel bags ever ✨ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠ Ollie and I recently traveled to Washington and brought the @noreceptionclub travel bags along. And I have to say, these bags have completely changed how I pack with a toddler. Traveling with a little one means not only making sure you have every snack, every toy, and every detail covered — but also making sure you have it all within reach. And if it can look good too? All the better. We brought with us: • The Getaway Bag, which works as a diaper bag when your kids are extra little (and as a family travel backpack for bigger kids), includes customizable compartments, an insulated lunch bag and even stroller clips! • The Hideaway Carry-On Duffel with a cubby system and dividers that you can pull out and hang in hotel closets for optimal convenience. It even has backpack straps and a luggage pass-through for other carrying options! • The Sidekick V2 has its own compartment in the Getaway Bag and is great for small day trips and hands-free storage. The mesh pockets hold smaller items while the magnetic flap in the back makes it easy to grab baby wipes fast! • The Dopp Kit, made with parents in mind, keeps personal care essentials organized and accessible. •The Sliders Complete Set with clear windows and smart compartments making it easy to see and grab everything you need! Pack smarter for family adventures and get your hands on the @noreceptionclub bag that speaks to you! Use BLONDEABROAD20 for $20 off purchases of $150 or more •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠ #noreceptionclub #familytravel #travelwithkids #noreceptionclubpartner #travelbags #travelpacking

    #EGAmbassador Wondering where to plan next year’s adventures? 🗺️
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
    If you’re looking for a different kind of vacation destination, one that’s not all over your feed or overrun with tourists, then @expedia’s got you covered!

    Expedia just launched Unpack ’26, their definitive guide to emerging travel trends for the year ahead, powered by first-party data from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, and enriched by global insights, Unpack is designed to help travelers explore more consciously and creatively.

    Some of these were a HUGE surprise, but I wasn’t shocked to see The Cotswolds made the cut! I traveled there last fall and fell in LOVE! So much so that I’m planning a month-long stay with Ollie so he can enjoy all of the cute lambs and cozy cottages too!

    The Cotswolds are a region in the UK compromising of over 100 villages and 300 towns! There’s so much to be discovered here, but these are the 7 villages you have to visit if you’re planning a trip to The Cotswolds this fall and beyond:

    •Castle Combe
    •Bourton-on-the-Water
    •The Slaughters
    •Stowe-on-the-Wold
    •Broadway
    •Snowshill
    •Bibury

    For more amazing, best-kept travel secrets, check out @expedia’s Unpack ‘26 list (in my stories) and hurry to book your travels before these less-explored gems become part of the beaten path!

    Have you been to The Cotswolds? Which were your favorite villages?
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
    #UnpackTravelTrends #autumn #TheCotswolds

    794 42
    Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18141583144435117
    #EGAmbassador Wondering where to plan next year’s adventures? 🗺️ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠ If you’re looking for a different kind of vacation destination, one that’s not all over your feed or overrun with tourists, then @expedia’s got you covered! Expedia just launched Unpack ’26, their definitive guide to emerging travel trends for the year ahead, powered by first-party data from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, and enriched by global insights, Unpack is designed to help travelers explore more consciously and creatively. Some of these were a HUGE surprise, but I wasn’t shocked to see The Cotswolds made the cut! I traveled there last fall and fell in LOVE! So much so that I’m planning a month-long stay with Ollie so he can enjoy all of the cute lambs and cozy cottages too! The Cotswolds are a region in the UK compromising of over 100 villages and 300 towns! There’s so much to be discovered here, but these are the 7 villages you have to visit if you’re planning a trip to The Cotswolds this fall and beyond: •Castle Combe •Bourton-on-the-Water •The Slaughters •Stowe-on-the-Wold •Broadway •Snowshill •Bibury For more amazing, best-kept travel secrets, check out @expedia’s Unpack ‘26 list (in my stories) and hurry to book your travels before these less-explored gems become part of the beaten path! Have you been to The Cotswolds? Which were your favorite villages? •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠ #UnpackTravelTrends #autumn #TheCotswolds

    Raise your hand if Autumn is your favorite 🤚
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
    I don’t know what it is about the magic of Fall foliage, but the whimsy of apple picking and leaf peeping is just too strong to resist!

    If you find yourself wanting a similar adventure, I have something just for you: My New England Map & Autumn Travel Guide 🍂

    Last year, I did a ton of research in anticipation of my dream road trip across this area for the best of the best when it comes to fall foliage, farms, orchards, scenic drives, tasty eateries, cozy inns and picturesque towns. And I want to pass that knowledge onto you!

    Let me know below if you’re interested with ‘MAP’ and I’ll make sure to send it your way 🍁
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
    #fallfoliage #newengland #autumn

    422 89
    Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18099026854675939
    Raise your hand if Autumn is your favorite 🤚 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠ I don’t know what it is about the magic of Fall foliage, but the whimsy of apple picking and leaf peeping is just too strong to resist! If you find yourself wanting a similar adventure, I have something just for you: My New England Map & Autumn Travel Guide 🍂 Last year, I did a ton of research in anticipation of my dream road trip across this area for the best of the best when it comes to fall foliage, farms, orchards, scenic drives, tasty eateries, cozy inns and picturesque towns. And I want to pass that knowledge onto you! Let me know below if you’re interested with ‘MAP’ and I’ll make sure to send it your way 🍁 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠ #fallfoliage #newengland #autumn

    FALL-ing in love with New England one leaf at a time 🍂 🍎🍁
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
    Last year, I took my dream trip to New England to experience some exquisite leaf-peeping and all of the fall things with my mom and son and it was truly one of the most magical trips I’ve taken.

    I did a ton of research and scoured the internet for the best of the best when it comes to fall foliage, farms, orchards, scenic drives, tasty eateries, cozy inns, and picturesque towns. And I want to pass that knowledge onto you!

    If you’ve been dreaming of a trip across New England during the fall season, I created a New England travel guide and map, including my itinerary, a packing list, and a downloadable map of the region.

    Let me know below with ‘MAP’ and I’ll make sure to send it your way.
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
    #fallfoliage #newengland #autumn

    602 237
    Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18298915438268787
    FALL-ing in love with New England one leaf at a time 🍂 🍎🍁 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠ Last year, I took my dream trip to New England to experience some exquisite leaf-peeping and all of the fall things with my mom and son and it was truly one of the most magical trips I’ve taken. I did a ton of research and scoured the internet for the best of the best when it comes to fall foliage, farms, orchards, scenic drives, tasty eateries, cozy inns, and picturesque towns. And I want to pass that knowledge onto you! If you’ve been dreaming of a trip across New England during the fall season, I created a New England travel guide and map, including my itinerary, a packing list, and a downloadable map of the region. Let me know below with ‘MAP’ and I’ll make sure to send it your way. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠ #fallfoliage #newengland #autumn
    Share
    Tweet
    Pin