Sinkholes are natural holes in the Earth's surface caused by a ground depression and the resulting collapse of the weakened surface. A sea sinkhole is similar to a sinkhole on land, except it is located in the sea and filled with fresh water. Off the coast of the beautiful country of Belize, close to Belize City, there is a giant sea sinkhole called the Blue Hole, which has attracted visitors from around the world.

  • Where is the Blue Hole located?
    • The Blue Hole lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, located approximately 60 miles from Belize City.
    • The barrier reefs scattered around the Blue Hole can be found about half a mile offshore from San Pedro.
  • How deep and wide is the Blue Hole?
    • The Blue Hole has a depth of over 450 feet and a diameter that reaches almost 1,000 feet.
  • How was the Blue Hole formed?
    • The Blue Hole was not made by man; it took thousands of years to form.
    • Several ice ages contributed to its formation by lowering sea levels, allowing rain and weathering to erode the landscape.
    • The ice ages that contributed to the formation of the Blue Hole occurred 153,000, 66,000, 60,000, and 15,000 years ago.
  • When was the Blue Hole discovered?
    • The discovery and fame of the Blue Hole occurred in 1972 when the famous scientist, researcher, and naval officer Jacques Cousteau visited the area.
  • Is the Blue Hole a protected site?
    • Yes, in 1996, the Blue Hole was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System.
    • It was also declared a National Monument in 1999.
  • Why is the Blue Hole famous for scuba diving?
    • Jacques Cousteau named the Blue Hole one of the top ten scuba diving locations in the world.
    • Divers from around the world visit the Blue Hole to admire its beauty and explore the unique geological formations.
    • There are several dive sites scattered throughout the Blue Hole, allowing divers to experience its breathtaking geography.
  • What can visitors expect when diving in the Blue Hole?
    • Divers will see a stunning contrast between the bright turquoise water and the darker depths of the sinkhole.
    • As they descend, divers will encounter multicolored rock formations and incredible underwater structures.
  • Is snorkeling allowed at the Blue Hole?
    • Yes, snorkeling is a great way to observe the Blue Hole’s marine life and formations from a different perspective.
    • It offers a less intense experience than diving while still showcasing the beauty of the Blue Hole.
  • Who can scuba dive in the Blue Hole?
    • For safety reasons, diving instructors at the Blue Hole only allow intermediate and advanced divers to take the plunge into the abyss.
  • Are there aerial tours of the Blue Hole?
    • Yes, visitors can book aerial tours with local airlines to admire the Blue Hole from above.
  • What marine life can be found in the Blue Hole?
    • The Blue Hole is home to an abundance of marine life, including:
      • Colorful reef fish
      • Reef sharks
      • Nurse sharks
      • Bull sharks
      • Hammerhead sharks
      • Blacktip sharks
  • Where can I find a map of the Blue Hole?
    • You can explore the Blue Hole location on this Map.

Map:


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