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Experience the Blue Hole

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Scuba dive in the Caribbean waters of the Belizean Cayes, which shelter a vast barrier reef, coral atolls and the famous Blue Hole.

Little laid-back Belize hides a bustling underwater world, from coral reefs replete with colourful fish to divers exploring the otherworldly depths of the Blue Hole.

Tracing the coastline in a continuous stripe of coral, a 300km barrier reef provides a habitat for at least 500 species of fish. It’s the greatest reef of its kind in the western hemisphere, and when combined with the three huge coral atolls to be found farther offshore it’s no wonder that these teeming seas attract divers from all over the world.

Sightings of rays, sharks, turtles, moray eels, grouper, barracuda and king mackerel are common all along the Southern Barrier Reef, while in the atolls beyond, snappers, jacks and spadefish swim in shoals often numbering in the thousands.

As if that wasn’t enough, experienced divers can also explore the Blue Hole, a perfectly circular cave plunging vertically into the sea bed. Seen from above this cavernous sinkhole is a dark disk in a bright aquamarine ocean, seemingly swallowing the light into its underwater reaches. There are extraordinary underwater stalactites to be seen on the sheer walls, which descend to a depth of 125m, while a number of shark species roam around inside.

Activity Rating: easy

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  • Charlotte
    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

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    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Alex
    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

  • Finn Clennett
    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

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