Great Blue Hole - Lighthouse Reef

The Great Blue Hole, smack in the middle of Lighthouse Reef, is one of those places you just have to tick off. We're talking serious bragging rights here, but honestly, it’s more than just a bucket list item. Dropping in, the sheer scale hits you – a perfect circle of deep blue in a sea of turquoise. The real show starts around 40 metres. That’s where you’ll find the giant stalactites, remnants from when this was a dry cave during the last ice age. We love the feeling of swimming amongst these massive ancient formations, they just dwarf you. It’s dark down there, the light fading fast, and it feels genuinely prehistoric. Keep an eye out for the reef sharks that cruise through the deeper sections; they’re often curious, though not overly interested in divers. Visibility is usually good, but the light changes dramatically as you descend, shifting from vibrant blue to a deep, inky indigo. It’s a dive for those who appreciate geology as much as marine life, and it definitely suits divers comfortable with depth and a bit of overhead environment. Our insider tip? Go early in the morning to beat the crowds, and try to time your descent to catch the best light filtering through the opening.

Location
Lighthouse Reef, Belize, Central America
Coordinates
17.316100, -87.534700
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Blue Hole

Best Time to Dive in Lighthouse Reef

The warmest water temperatures in Lighthouse Reef occur in September, averaging 30.0°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.2°C
  • February: 27.1°C
  • March: 27.2°C
  • April: 27.8°C
  • May: 28.6°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 29.3°C
  • August: 29.7°C
  • September: 30.0°C
  • October: 29.9°C
  • November: 28.9°C
  • December: 28.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Lighthouse Reef

Nearest Dive Centres to Great Blue Hole

Marine Life in Lighthouse Reef

Home to 216 recorded species including 175 reef fish, 20 hard corals, 9 other, 6 sharks & rays, 2 jellyfish, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Great Blue Hole

Based on average water temperature of 28.6°C, currents 22 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep do you go when diving the Great Blue Hole, and what will you see at that depth?
When diving the Great Blue Hole, divers typically descend to about 40 metres. At this depth, you will encounter enormous stalactites hanging from the cavern walls. These impressive geological formations are remnants from the last ice age, offering a unique underwater experience.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to encounter in and around the Great Blue Hole?
Divers exploring the deeper sections of the Great Blue Hole can expect to encounter Caribbean reef sharks. These magnificent creatures are known to circle within the sinkhole's depths. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is diving the Great Blue Hole considered difficult, and what level of experience is recommended?
Diving the Great Blue Hole is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. This means it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications. Divers should be comfortable with deeper dives and cavern environments.
What is the best time of year to dive the Great Blue Hole for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the Great Blue Hole for optimal conditions and visibility is not available in our current data. We recommend checking our When to Dive section for general guidance on dive seasons in Belize.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Great Blue Hole?
Specific scuba diving certifications required to dive the Great Blue Hole are not detailed in the provided data. Given its intermediate difficulty and cavern environment, advanced certifications like Advanced Open Water or Cavern Diver are often recommended or required by dive operators. Please consult with local dive centers for precise requirements.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like when diving the Great Blue Hole?
Details regarding typical water conditions and currents within the Great Blue Hole are not specified in the available data. As a large sinkhole, it may have different current patterns compared to open ocean sites. Divers should always consult their dive guide for up-to-date information on conditions before entering the water.