A feature attraction of Diving in Belize, is the opportunity to explore the famed Blue Hole. Part of the Lighthouse Reef System, it lies approximately 60 miles off the mainland out of Belize City. It is one of the most astounding dive sites to be found anywhere on earth, right in the center of Lighthouse Reef is a large, almost perfectly circular hole approximately one quarter of a mile (.4 km) across. Inside this hole the water is 480 feet (145 m) deep and it is the depth of water which gives the deep blue color that causes such structures throughout the world to be known as "blue holes."
Like a giant pupil in a sea of turquoise, The Blue Hole is a perfectly circular limestone sinkhole more than 300 feet across and 412 feet deep. The array of bizarre stalactites and limestone formations which mould its walls seem to become more intricate and intense the deeper one dives. Near to The Blue Hole, one of Belize's largest protected areas, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, encompasses 10,000 acres of the atoll and 15 square miles of surrounding waters.
The walls of The Blue Hole are sheer from the surface until a depth of approximately 110 feet where you will begin to encounter stalactite formtions which actually angle back, allowing you to dive underneath monstrous overhangs. Hovering amongst the stalactites, you can't help but feel humbled by the knowledge that the massive formation before you once stood high and dry above the surface of the sea eons ago.
When you are diving the Blue Hole, you always have the chance of seeing a curious blacktip, tiger or hammerhead shark, but on most dives you won't see anyone except your dive buddy. Little light reaches the depths of the Hole and water does not circulate freely. As a result, the deeper areas inside the Blue Hole don't have the profusion of life
associated with most drop-offs. But as you venture into the shallows around the rim of the Blue Hole you will discover a wonderful area filled with life.
Just think, all of this is right in your backyard when You Own In Belize!!!
Dennis Kay II
RE/MAX Islalnd Real Estate
www.BelizeIslandsRealEstate.com
P.S. - Go to my facebook page and register to receive a free snorkel trip for 2 the next time you're down in paradise.
www.facebook.com/BelizeIslandsRealEstate
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