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.