Great Blue Hole

Great Blue Hole

Belize · Caribbean Sea
OVERVIEW

Why dive in the Great Blue Hole?

The Great Blue Hole is a world-renowned marine sinkhole located off the coast of Belize, famous for its perfectly circular shape and impressive geological formations. Plunging to a depth of over 120 meters, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique diving experience with massive stalactites and stalagmites formed during ancient ice ages. Made famous by Jacques Cousteau, it's a geological marvel that attracts divers seeking an otherworldly underwater adventure.

WATER TEMPERATURE -
VISIBILITY -
CURRENT STRENGTHLight

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LOCAL MARINE LIFE IN GREAT BLUE HOLE

Featured Animals 9

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Blacktip SharkFrequent sightings

Blacktip Shark

Carcharhinus limbatus

The Blacktip Shark is easily recognized by the dark tips on its fins. It is a fast and energetic predator, often seen leaping out of the water. Blacktip sharks can be found in warm coastal waters around the world.


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Caribbean Reef SharkFrequent sightings

Caribbean Reef Shark

Carcharhinus perezi

The Caribbean Reef Shark is a robust, streamlined requiem shark commonly found in tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly around coral reefs. It is an apex predator, primarily feeding on bony fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Known for its unique ability to rest motionless on the seabed or inside caves, this species typically reaches lengths of 2-2.5 meters and can weigh up to 70 kg.


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Great BarracudaFrequent sightings

Great Barracuda

Sphyraena barracuda

The Great Barracuda is a large predatory fish known for its fearsome appearance and speed. It has an elongated body, pointed head, and large teeth, making it a proficient hunter in coastal and open waters.


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Great Hammerhead Shark

Great Hammerhead Shark

Sphyrna mokarran

The great hammerhead is the largest hammerhead species, recognizable by its wide, flat head and tall, curved dorsal fin. As a migratory apex predator, it uses its unique head for enhanced sensing and pinning down prey.


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Hawksbill Sea TurtleFrequent sightings

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Eretmochelys imbricata

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is a medium-sized marine turtle recognizable by its distinctive hawk-like beak and overlapping scutes, which create a serrated edge on its carapace. Primarily found in tropical coral reefs, it plays a crucial role in these ecosystems by feeding mainly on sponges, which are toxic to most other animals. This species is critically endangered due to historical exploitation for its beautiful shell and ongoing threats like habitat loss and bycatch.


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Nurse SharkFrequent sightings

Nurse Shark

Ginglymostoma cirratum

The Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) is a slow-moving, bottom-dwelling shark typically found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters, including coral reefs and mangrove channels. It is a nocturnal carnivore, primarily feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish using a powerful suction-feeding mechanism. During the day, they are often observed resting in large aggregations, sometimes piled together in caves or under ledges.


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Southern StingrayFrequent sightings

Southern Stingray

Hypanus americanus

The Southern Stingray is a graceful, diamond-shaped ray known for its broad, flat body and pointed pectoral fins. It can be found over sandy or muddy seabeds in warm, shallow waters of the western Atlantic Ocean.


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Spotted Eagle RayFrequent sightings

Spotted Eagle Ray

Aetobatus narinari

The Spotted Eagle Ray is known for its distinctive spots and elongated snout, which resembles a bird-like beak. It thrives in tropical waters, especially around coral reefs and coastal zones. The ray is a powerful swimmer and can often be seen leaping out of the water.


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Whale SharkFrequent sightings

Whale Shark

Rhincodon typus

The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and a gentle filter feeder.


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ALSO IN Great Blue Hole

More marine life 30

LOCATION

Where is Great Blue Hole

Caribbean Sea · Belize