The Great Blue Hole In Belize: How To See This Natural Wonder

Exploring the majestic Nice Blue Gap on a scenic flight is an journey of a lifetime. Whereas the Nice Blue Gap is legendary within the scuba diving neighborhood, it’s much more spectacular to see from the sky. Hovering above an immense, deep blue abyss standing out in opposition to the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea appears unreal.

Discovery Channel named the Nice Blue Gap in Belize one of the crucial superb locations on earth, and when you see it, you’ll perceive why. We took a one-hour non-public constitution scenic flight over the Nice Blue Gap with Tropic Air, On this article, we’ll share every part it is advisable learn about visiting the Nice Blue Gap.

The Attract of the Nice Blue Gap

The Nice Blue Gap is a big marine sinkhole, about 300 meters (984 ft) throughout and 124 meters (407 ft) deep. Situated off the coast of this lovely Central American nation The Blue Gap is famend for its almost good round form and deep blue shade, seen from above. It’s acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Website and was popularized by Jacques Cousteau, who declared it one of many prime scuba diving websites on the earth. Since then, tourism has expanded to incorporate scenic flights, snorkeling journeys, and boat excursions.

Initially, The Nice Blue Gap was a part of a limestone cave system over the past ice age. Because the ice caps started melting and sea ranges rose, the caves have been flooded, and their roofs collapsed, resulting in the formation of this round, deep blue void. The Nice Blue Gap is a must-visit when touring to Belize.

Location and Learn how to Get to the Blue Gap

Situated within the heart of Lighthouse Reef, a tiny atoll some 70 km (43 miles) from the mainland of Belize, the Nice Blue Gap is accessible by boat and air.

Once we first visited Belize 20 years in the past, the one option to see the Nice Blue Gap was on a scuba diving journey, however issues have modified and even non-divers can now expertise this pure world marvel.

We booked a flight from San Pedro on Ambergris Caye for our scenic flight to the Blue Gap which lasted for one hour. This flight to the Nice Blue Gap was undoubtedly, the most effective scenic flight we’ve ever taken. And we now have completed loads!

Most individuals go to the Nice Blue Gap in Belize by boat or when scuba diving. Journeys to the Blue Gap will be booked from Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Belize Metropolis. Whereas boat journeys supply a sea-level view, and scuba divers can dive deep into the depths of the darkish cavern for bragging rights, aerial excursions supply probably the most breathtaking perspective of this pure marvel.

The Expertise of Flying Over the Nice Blue Gap

Flying over the Nice Blue Gap is nothing in need of spectacular. We left Ambergris Caye in our non-public four-seater aircraft and spent an hour within the air overlooking the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Belize is one other jewel in Belize’s crown of pure wonders. This marine sanctuary was established in 1987 and spans roughly 18 sq. kilometers (7 sq. miles). It’s a haven for an astonishing number of marine life, particularly, sleek sea turtles, manta rays, and delicate nurse sharks.

The title ‘Hol Chan’ comes from the Mayan language, that means ‘Little Channel’, which aptly describes the reserve’s pure break within the Belize Barrier Reef. This break creates a super setting for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Our Nice Blue Gap Flight

The journey started from San Pedro airport and took us over Ambergris Caye to see the town, its shoreline, and a few gems like Secret Seaside.

We then continued to fly over neighboring Caye Caulker, the place we had a chicken’s eye view of the well-known Caye Caulker Break up. Caye Caulker was break up into two elements by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The fierce storm carved a slender channel often called The Break up, creating a definite north and south division of the island. In the event you go to Belize, we extremely suggest spending just a few days on Caye Caulker.

We then flew out over the Belize Barrier Reef to see a few of its 400+ cayes and atolls. We noticed a non-public island that’s being remodeled right into a luxurious five-star retreat that can be a non-public escape for the wealthy and well-known and we noticed different non-public islands scattered between the Belize mainland and the Blue Gap throughout our 70 km flight.

The Belize Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef is a spectacular pure marvel. It’s the largest barrier reef within the Northern Hemisphere and the second largest on the earth after the Nice Barrier Reef. We’ve got taken a scenic flight over the Nice Barrier Reef in Australia as properly and located the Belize Barrier Reef to be simply as lovely (if no more) than its extra well-known cousin. ,

Spanning over 300 kilometers (190 miles), this UNESCO World Heritage Website is residence to over 500 species of fish, quite a few varieties of corals, and an array of marine mammals. We even noticed big rays from the aircraft throughout our scenic flight.

This magnificent reef system, which incorporates a number of offshore atolls, tons of of sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons, and estuaries, performs a vital ecological position. It acts as a pure barrier in opposition to robust waves, defending Belize’s shoreline and supporting the nation’s fishing trade.

It was fascinating to see the distinct divide between the barrier reef and the Belize coast divulge heart’s contents to vast open blue waters.

Approaching the Blue Gap

As our aircraft circled the positioning, we have been giddy with pleasure. Our captain made 4 passes across the Blue Gap – two on both facet of the aircraft, so Dave and I each had ample views of the pure marvel.

The stark distinction between the darkish blue of the opening and the lighter blue and vibrant turquoise of the encircling shallow waters was magnificent. We have been fortunate as there have been no boats inside the opening after we arrived, so we had pristine views of the opening all to ourselves.

Planning Your Journey

Plan your journey throughout Belize’s dry season to expertise the most effective of the Nice Blue Gap from above.

Mild clothes, sun shades, and cameras are must-haves for this journey. It was scorching inside our aircraft and we have been pleased to be in shorts and a light-weight T-shirt.

Most, importantly, guarantee your digital camera has sufficient reminiscence and an additional battery, as you’ll wish to seize each second of this unimaginable expertise. We didn’t get to the Blue Gap till about half-hour into our flight and we already took a ton of images because the coast and waters of Belize are lovely in their very own proper!

Flights sometimes final round one hour, providing ample time to marvel at this marvel. One of the best instances for flights are in the course of the dry season, from late November to mid-April, when skies are clear and the visibility is unparalleled.

Price and Reserving Suggestions

The price of flying over the Nice Blue Gap varies, sometimes starting from $200 to USD 500 per particular person, relying on the tour operator and the plane used. Non-public charters can run sometimes round USD 1200. The fee is totally value it. We’ve taken a number of scenic flights around the globe that final solely ten to twenty minutes. An hour over these lovely waters is like nothing you’ve ever seen.

You’ll be able to examine the Tropic Air Web site for charges and availability. Be certain that to reach half-hour earlier than your flight to examine in and have a photograph ID together with your Passports.

We suggest reserving your flight upfront, particularly throughout peak vacationer season, to safe your spot. Some tour operators supply bundle offers that embrace different points of interest in Belize, so be looking out for these to benefit from your journey.

Different Methods to See the Nice Blue Gap

Scuba Diving

The Nice Blue Gap is a world-renowned diving web site. Diving right here lets you discover the crystal-clear waters, see the large underwater stalactites and stalagmites, and probably encounter marine life like sharks and different fish species. Observe that diving within the Nice Blue Gap is advisable for knowledgeable divers resulting from its depth and distinctive circumstances. Dive retailers would require proof of deep and superior open-water diving expertise.

Snorkeling

In the event you’re not a diver, snorkeling across the edges of the Nice Blue Gap is a unbelievable different. You received’t see the deep, darker depths, however the surrounding reef areas are teeming with vibrant marine life. There are lots of snorkeling excursions out there that present tools and steering, making it a secure and informative expertise.

Day Journeys

A number of corporations supply boat excursions to the Nice Blue Gap, usually mixed with stops at close by points of interest just like the Half Moon Caye or the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. These excursions normally cater to divers and snorkelers, making them a good selection for teams with blended pursuits.

Liveaboard Journeys

Belize is without doubt one of the prime scuba diving locations on earth and there are lots of corporations that over in a single day journeys. For a extra immersive expertise, contemplate a liveaboard journey which incorporates a number of dives within the Nice Blue Gap and surrounding areas over a number of days. These journeys usually embrace different prime dive websites in Belize,

Mixture Excursions

Some excursions mix a go to to the Nice Blue Gap with different actions in Belize, corresponding to river tubing, jungle treks, or visits to Mayan ruins. When you’ve got a short while in Belize and wish to see the most effective of the seashores and jungle, this can be a nice alternative offering a well-rounded expertise of the nation’s various points of interest.

Situated off the coast of this Central American paradise, the Nice Blue Gap provides a novel aerial spectacle in contrast to some other on the earth. A flight over the Nice Blue Gap is extra than simply an aerial tour; it’s an encounter with one of many world’s most gorgeous pure wonders. This journey guarantees awe-inspiring views and unforgettable reminiscences. Belize awaits with its open skies and the enchanting Nice Blue Gap at its coronary heart. Embrace the journey!