Great Blue Hole
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Why dive in the Great Blue Hole?
BEST SEASON
Featured Animals 9
- Unlikely
- Likely
- Very likely
Diurnal Frequent sightingsBlacktip 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.
BEST SEASON
Nocturnal Frequent sightingsCaribbean 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.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsGreat 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.
BEST SEASON
Crepuscular 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.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsHawksbill 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.
BEST SEASON
Nocturnal Frequent sightingsNurse 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.
BEST SEASON
Crepuscular Frequent sightingsSouthern 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.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsSpotted 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.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsWhale Shark
Rhincodon typus
The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and a gentle filter feeder.
BEST SEASON
More marine life 30
Atlantic Spotted DolphinStenella frontalis
Blue SharkPrionace glauca
Bull SharkCarcharhinus leucas
Butterfly RayGymnura spp.
Caribbean Reef OctopusOctopus briareus
Caribbean Spiny LobsterPanulirus argus
Common Bottlenose DolphinTursiops truncatus
Eagle RayAetobatus spp.
Flying GurnardDactylopterus volitans
Garden EelHeterocongrinae
Giant Oceanic Manta RayMobula birostris
Green Moray EelGymnothorax funebris
Green Sea TurtleChelonia mydas
Lemon SharkNegaprion brevirostris
LionfishPterois spp.
Live SharksuckerEcheneis naucrates
Loggerhead Sea TurtleCaretta caretta
Midnight ParrotfishScarus coelestinus
Ocean SunfishMola mola
Princess ParrotfishScarus taeniopterus
Queen AngelfishHolacanthus ciliaris
Queen ParrotfishScarus vetula
Scalloped Hammerhead SharkSphyrna lewini
Sergeant MajorAbudefduf saxatilis
Silky SharkCarcharhinus falciformis
Smooth Butterfly RayGymnura micrura
Spiny Butterfly RayGymnura altavela
Spot-fin PorcupinefishDiodon hystrix
Stoplight ParrotfishSparisoma viride
Yellow StingrayUrobatis jamaicensis
Where is Great Blue Hole
Caribbean Sea · Belize
Frequently asked questions about Great Blue Hole
When is the best time to dive in Great Blue Hole?
The best time to dive in Great Blue Hole is from April to June. In those months the water is between 22°C and 30°C.
What marine life can you see diving in Great Blue Hole?
Divers can encounter 39 species in Great Blue Hole. Highlights include Blacktip Shark, Caribbean Reef Shark, Great Barracuda, Great Hammerhead Shark, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, and Nurse Shark.
When can you see the Spotted Eagle Ray in Great Blue Hole?
The Spotted Eagle Ray is most often seen in Great Blue Hole from February to October.
When can you see the Whale Shark in Great Blue Hole?
The Whale Shark is most often seen in Great Blue Hole from April to August.
When can you see the Blacktip Shark in Great Blue Hole?
The Blacktip Shark can be seen in Great Blue Hole all year round.
What is the water temperature in Great Blue Hole?
Water temperature in Great Blue Hole ranges from 22°C in January to 30°C in June.
What wetsuit do I need to dive in Great Blue Hole?
Most divers wear a 5 mm wetsuit in January, when the water drops to 22°C, and a rash guard or a 1–3 mm shorty in June, when it reaches 30°C.
What is the visibility like when diving in Great Blue Hole?
Visibility in Great Blue Hole ranges from 15 m to 40 m. The water is clearest from March to May.
What are the currents like in Great Blue Hole?
Divers in Great Blue Hole can expect light currents, depending on the month and the dive site.
What can you see on a night dive in Great Blue Hole?
After dark, Great Blue Hole reveals nocturnal species such as Caribbean Reef Shark, Nurse Shark, Blue Shark, Caribbean Reef Octopus, Caribbean Spiny Lobster, and Green Moray Eel.
Where is Great Blue Hole located?
Great Blue Hole is a dive destination in Belize, in the Caribbean Sea.
Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Great Blue Hole. Spotted something that looks off?
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