Lighthouse Reef Atoll - Blue Hole Natural Monument

The Blue Hole Natural monument is found in the center of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll and is one of the most astounding dive sites to be found anywhere on earth. It is a circular limestone sinkhole of vivid blue water measuring 412ft/126m deep and 1,000ft/305m across. The water appears to be such a deep blue color because of the hole's depth and is the reason such structures throughout the world are known as "blue holes".

The most popular dive site in all of Belize, the Great Blue Hole offers divers interesting observation of bizarre limestone formations that mold its walls. These formations are stalactites, calcium carbonate "dripping rocks" which resemble icicles and become more intricate as the depth increases. A school of reef sharks can also be seen when diving in the Blue Hole. In 1996, UNESCO designated the Great Blue Hole as a World Heritage Site and Natural Monument.