There are all kinds of places to go scuba diving or snorkeling in the world, but there are only 10 that made it onto Jacques Cousteau’s top ten list. The Great Blue Hole located off the coast of Belize is one of those places. It’s why scuba diving in Belize is scuba diving in paradise.
The Great Blue Hole is part of the barrier reef that stretches from Cancun to Honduras along the southern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Nearly a perfect circle and blue as a sapphire, the hole is a 400-foot deep sinkhole that is surrounded by reef.
When you swim down into it, you’ll discover stalagmites and stalactites like the ones that grow in caves. When glaciers froze most of the water on the planet, this hole became a cave, but today it’s an extraordinary place to dive and see one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world.
Comprised of both hard and soft corals, the colors of the barrier reef are vibrant and amazing hues of oranges, red, and greens in a sea of blue. Swimming and crawling along are even more brilliant colors as tropical fish that live in the reef go about their daily lives.
There is a huge diversity of fish from sharks to angel fish that swim silently by as you take in all the sights under the sea.  And for those of us who aren’t keen on scuba diving, snorkeling is just as remarkable. The water is warm, so there’s no need for a wet suit.
To best see this magnificent sight, you should make your way to Ambergris Caye in Belize, the only country in Central or South America where English is the official language.
A former British colony, Belize is a welcoming and open place where Mayan, British, Mexican, and Creole cultures blend. Ambergris Caye is a literal stone’s throw from the barrier reef, a place where golf carts and boats are the primary modes of transportation. Â
Where to stay
Stay at the Grand Colony Island Villas, Las Terrazas or Victoria House Resort & Spa for their luxury suites overlooking the beach.
For water lovers, this place needs to be on your trip wish list. Not only is it filled with wonders and beauty, but it’s also a place that is filled with history. Who knows? You might even find some of the pirate treasure that legend says was stashed all over the country to hide it from the Spanish.
Have you done scuba diving in Belize? What was your experience?
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