Belize District

The Great Blue Hole is a large sinkhole in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, near Ambergris Caye, Belize. It was first discovered by Jacques Cousteau and is a dream location for divers to swim among its giant stalactites and stalagmites that were formed during the last Ice Age.

Almost in a perfect circle, it is about 305 meter (1,000 feet) in diameter, and 125 meter (410 feet) deep. It was formed as a limestone cave system during the last glacial period when sea levels were much lower. As the ocean began to rise, the caves flooded and the roof collapsed. It is believed to be the world’s largest feature of its kind, the Great Blue Hole is part of the larger Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Belize - Belize District