The Blue Hole Natural Monument
"Only a short distance from Half Moon Caye is the Blue Hole - the diving trip of a lifetime. The Great Blue Hole lies within the Atoll’s lagoon about 8km north of Half Moon Caye Natural Monument. This large almost circular sinkhole has a diameter of approximately 318m and a maximum depth of 125m. Jacques Cousteau studied this underwater cave in the late 60’s.
This sinkhole has been for many years been a major attraction for scuba divers and is the most famous destination in Belize. The Blue Hole attracts expert divers enjoy diving among the stalactites; as well as beginners who are able to see the coral walls, the sharks, Pederson's Cleaner Shrimp, schools of Jacks, butterfly fishes or maybe even the rumored Giant Sea Serpent – spotted in the late 1960’s.
The Blue Hole has a unique geological history and formation, as a result, like Half Moon Caye the Blue Hole was inscribed upon the World Heritage Sites List in March 1996 and later declared a Natural Monument in February 1999.
Blue Hole Natural Monument covers an area of approximately 3,000 acres and consist of the Great Blue Hole, surrounding coral patch reef and shallow seagrass lagoon.
Like Half Moon Caye the Blue Hole is usually accessed by organized boat trips. Operators in San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Belize City operate snorkel or dive trips in this area. Scenic flights over the Blue Hole are also available.
Entrance Fees: Nationals - $2.50BZ and Non-nationals - $10 BZ or $5 US
Park Regulations:
• Register with the Park Wardens
• Please bring your own water
• Please do not disturb, collect or remove any shells, plants or trees.
• No fishing or hunting is allowed
• Do not litter. Please take litter with you when you leave.
• Cooking is only allowed in designated areas.
• Please do not bring pets onto the island.
• Stay on the trails when going on walks.
• No firearms are allowed." The Belize Audubon Society.
Belize Protected Areas
Belize protected areas include Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Blue Hole National Park, Blue Hole Natural Monument, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, Guanacaste National Park, Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and Victoria Peak Natural Monument, etc.
"The Government of Belize has fixed entrance fees for the parks. These fees are collected by the Belize Audubon Society, and are used towards the costs of maintaining and protecting these areas. The fees are discounted for Belizeans to encourage local people to visit the parks." http://www.belizeaudubon.org
To become a member of the Belize Audubon Society and pledge your support, fill out the Membership Form and email membership@belizeaudubon.org or fax the Audubon at: 501.223.4985, or send it to: Belize Audubon Society, P.O. Box 1001, Belize City, BELIZE, along with a check or money order payable to: Belize Audubon Society.
Responsible Travel
In 2003, 575,196 cruise ship passengers were offered primarily the following shore excursions in Belize: Altun Ha Mayan Temple, Belize Zoo, Nohoch Che'en cave tubing, Goffs Caye, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Lamanai Mayan Temple, Shark Ray Alley and Xunantunich Mayan Temple. 2008, there are no quota restrictions.
The Audubon Society’s environmental agenda for 2008 to 2013 proposes that the government should establish a visitor capacity for all tourism sites and enforce these limits.
Support sustainable development of Belize's tourism industry. Contribute positively on your Belize vacations by booking responsible excursions and tours in Belize. Book alternative (off-track) Belize cruise excursions and directly with local Belizean tour operators. Below are alternative mayan temple, snorkeling and caving excursions.
In addition, submit reviews to the BTIA and BTB (Belize Tourism Board and the Belize Tourism Industry Association), Tripadvior and other review sites.
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Belize Snorkeling : Calson Caye , Gladden Spit, Laughing Bird Caye, Moho Caye, Ranguana Caye, Rendezvous Caye, Sapodilla Cayes, Scipio Caye, Silk Caye, Snake Cayes, Belize Barrier Reef
Belize Mayan Ruins : Chau Hiix Mayan Temple, Cahal Pech Mayan temple, Caracol Mayan Temple, Lamanai Mayan Temple, Lubaantun Mayan Temple, Nim Li Punit Mayan Temple, Tikal Mayan Temple, Uxbenka Mayan Temple |
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Belize Caving : Actun Tunichil Muknal, Che Chem Ha Caves, Gibnut Caves, Hokeb Ha Cave, Laguna Cave, Nohoch Che'en, Rio Frio Caves, St. Herman's Caves, River Tubing , Tiger Cave
Other Belize Excursions : Bacab Eco Park, Belize ATV, Beer & the City, Belize City and Old Belize, Belize Zoo & Old Belize, Buggy Ride & Baboon Sanctuary, Crooked Tree Wildlife, Jungle Horseback Riding , Mayan Equestrian Affair, Sibun Bike Hike & Cave |
Below are links to the University of Belize, Central Farm sustainable agriculture program. Information onordering Belize cashew and chocolate, as well as booking excursions in Belize.
Central Farm, UB
Belize Agriculture
Belize Cashews & Chocolate
Cashews, cashew nuts and other cashew products can be ordered directly from Crooked Tree Village Villagers. Organic Chocolate, 100% organicaly grown chocolate from San Felipe's Village can also be ordered.
Belize Excursions
To book responsible excursions from Southern Belize locations like Placencia, Southern Belize, Mountain Pine Ridge, San Ignacio Belize, Cayo District, and other locations in Belize like Corozal, Belize City, Toledo, etc., see operators below.
Departing from Belize City, Belize District: Tour-belize.net
If you offer responsible excursions in Belize and would like to be listed email info@ecoroute.org with your request.
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