Are you ready to dive into the depths of the Great Blue Hole in Belize?
It is impossible not to be intrigued in the sight of this Great Blue Hole in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. What is hidden in its depths? How did it appear? Our secret place of the day is filled with mysteries, yet it is one of the ten major diving sites in the world.
A diving expert or a perfect novice, discover in this article everything you need to know about the Grand Trou Bleu!
In the footsteps of the Great Blue Hole in Belize
Photo credit: De Wollertz / Shutterstock.com
To know the origin of the Grand Trou Bleu formation, you have to go back to the last glacial period. The analysis of the stalactites found in its depths showed that it gradually formed 153,000 years ago until 15,000 years before our era. At that time, the sea level was much lower and this site was a limestone cave.
When the level of the ocean rose, the underground cavities were flooded and the roof of the cave collapsed, leaving this magnificent underwater scarf.
Located off the coast of Belize, a small country in Central America, the Grand Trou Bleu was made famous by Jacques-Yves Cousteau , who declared it as one of the ten major diving sites in the world. In 1971, the illustrious explorer discovered this unique place with his boat Calypso.
He drew a map of his depths, determining a depth of 125 metres . It is on this occasion that the stalactites and stalagmites that have made it possible to define the dating and origin of the Great Blue Hole were raised to the surface. In 2012, Discovery Channel placed first place in its "The 10 Most Amazing Places on Earth" ranking at the Grand Trou Bleu, located in Belize .
What is hidden in the depths of the Great Blue Hole?
The Great Blue Trou is in the Reef Lighthouse , a protected site within the Belize Coral Barrier listed in UNESCO World Heritage.
Today it is a very popular diving and snorkeling spot. A diving session in the Grand Trou Bleu will necessarily include a discovery of rock formations, stalactites and other underwater cavities. Dividers, be warned: the site itself is not very colorful, but its depths are old and impressive!
Unfortunately, the Great Blue Trou is not not accessible to novices . It is necessary to have completed more than 24 dives to dive into the heart of this exceptional natural site. Fortunately, non-experienced divers will enjoy the wonders surrounding the Great Blue Hole. For example, it is possible to practice snorkeling above the Great Blue Trou and its surroundings, which are full of colorful fish and reef sharks!
A trip to the Grand Trou Bleu lasts in general a whole day , with an exceptional stop on site as well as various snorkeling or diving spots. It is also possible to book helicopter excursions to admire the Grand Trou Bleu from the air!
To go
How?
The first step to visit the Grand Trou Bleu is to go to the former capital of Belize, Belize City . The best way to reach Belize City is obviously the aircraft . You will find many flights from Paris with at least one stopover at an American airport (usually Miami). It usually takes at least 550 euros to make the return trip. To be sure to find a flight at the best price, help yourself Ulysses , which is a comparison of flights.
Once arriving in Belize City, it will be necessary to go to the island Caye Caulker or possibly San Pedro . From these destinations, it is easy to find a day trip to visit the Grand Trou Bleu as well as other snorkeling or diving spots.
To reach Caye Caulker or San Pedro from Belize City, you can borrow one ferry of one of its two companies: Ocean Ferry Belize ($15 on average for low-frequency departures) and San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi (18$ on average with many departure times).
By plane, you can also reach Caye Caulker with local companies Maya Air and Tropical Air, which serve the small local airport.
When?
The best season to visit the Great Blue Trou and Belize is certainly during the dry period, November to mid-April . It is also the period of the year that sees the arrival of many tourists. To avoid them and if the rain doesn't scare you, prefer the months September and October .
At what price?
Whether by boat or by air, count between $200 and $300 to discover the Great Blue Trou. By boat, the rate depends on your starting point as well as on the proposed activities and duration: full day, 2-day trip, meals, etc. Do not hesitate to consult several companies in your departure city before booking a trip.
For a visit from the air, you can consult local airlines such as Maya Air or Tropical Air.
To sleep
Photo credit: Flickr – The TerraMar Project
On site
He is impossible to sleep at the Grand Trou Bleu . Some tours sometimes offer a night on an uninhabited island of the region in their excursions: a unique and fantastic experience!
The nearby addresses
To sleep near the Grand Trou Bleu, you can obviously choose to stay on the island of Caye Caulker, in the city of San Pedro or on other islands of Belize. You will find in Caye Caulker and San Pedro many options for your accommodation.
If you opt for a tour from the air, know that you can stay in Belize City and book a flight to discover the Grand Trou Bleu. To help you, we have a guide on the best areas to sleep in Belize City .
To eat
Photo credit: De Wollertz / Shutterstock.com
On site
A day trip usually includes a lunch or breakfast. It is also possible to take with you a snack snack . However, we recommend that you consult the tour organizer beforehand to be certain.
The nearby addresses
In Belize, seafood and fish are in the spotlight in local restaurants! In Caye Caulker, we particularly recommend the following addresses:
- Little KitchenLuciano Reyes Street, Caye Caulker
- Chef Juan’s Kitchen and Pastries, 64 Crocodile Street, Caye Caulker
- The Lazy Lizard, at the northern tip of the city
To take in my backpack
Photo credit: Unsplash – Pierre-Etienne Bordeleau
In Belize, he does very hot any period of the year. Better to equip yourself to avoid sunburn or insolation! We recommend that you take a boat trip to the Grand Trou Bleu:
- A bottle of water or a gourd,
- Clean sun cream is better to respect the environment and the reefs in the region!
- A hat or a cap to protect you from the sun,
- From your swimsuit and beach towel,
- A camera (and a hermetic pouch).
Material for snorkeling or diving should be provided to you. However, check with the organizers if it is well included in the tour. You can also bring your own snorkeling or diving equipment.
What I can discover in the region
Photo credit: Unsplash – Melanie Magdalena
Belize is a wonderful country. If you have chosen a home in Caye Caulker or San Pedro, your trip to the Grand Trou Bleu will probably include visiting various snorkeling spots or diving from the Récif Lighthouse. You can also enjoy your stay to discover more or simply enjoy the beach! During your stay in Belize, you can also:
- Discover the Hol Chan Marine Reserve,
- Visit the Belize Museum and Belize City,
- Admire the wild and endemic species of the country in the Belize Zoo,
- Discover the archaeological sites of Caracol and Lamanai, remains of a Maya city in the heart of the jungle!
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