Blue Hole National Park
"This 575-acre Blue Hole National Park (BHNP) was established when S.I. No. 109 of 1986 was signed by Hon Dean Lindo, the Minister of Agriculture, on November 23rd, 1986. The BHNP has been managed by the Belize Audubon Society ever since and includes the Blue Hole, a sapphire-coloured natural swimming spring (Picture) and the almost half mile long St. Herman’s Cave. That same year a landscape a landscape artist from Pomona, sponsored by CATIE assisted in the design of the visitor used areas and a trail system for BHNP.

In 1988 funds from the MacArthur Foundation were used to construct a retaining wall to prevent erosion around the concrete stair way. The first trail form the Blue Hole to the opening of the St. Herman’s Cave was also cleared. This trail is no longer in use. The visitor’s center was opened on May 8th 1996.

Blue Hole National Park Features
Refresh your mind and body in this unique park with a swim in the sapphire waters of the Blue Hole, a visit to the subterranean depths of St. Herman’s Cave or a hike on the nature trails with their breathtaking views. The park can be found 12 miles southeast of Belmopan on the Hummingbird Highway and encompasses 575 acres of riverine forest. The karst topography of the park is a source of wonder with numerous underground streams, sinkholes and extensive cave systems.

Above ground, we see a rugged landscape with heights in excess of 200 meters, supporting a myriad of plant and wildlife. The Blue Hole is a 25ft deep pool, (Picture 2) so named because of the color of the water. Changing facilities are close by, as is a scenic picnic area which is also a great spot for birding. Running through the jungle surrounding the Pool is the Hummingbird Loop, an attractive interpretive trail with accompanying guidebook. Unguided, the visitor is able to walk 300 yards into St Herman’s Cave to see the awesome stalactites, stalagmites and curious rock formations. Flashlights can be rented from the Visitor Center. There are over 5 miles of trails in the park –ranging easy to difficulty. There are also several picnic spots and a campsite for the more adventurous.

Blue Hole National Park Fauna and Flora
The Park is home to well over 200 species of birds and the park in ideal for birding with a variety of open spaces attracting a wide variety of bird life.

Three of the five species of wild cats found in Belize - The Jaguar, Ocelot and Jaguarondi, have been sighted in Blue Hole National Park. (Animal List) Several other resident mammals including the Baird’s Tapir and Nine Banded Armadillo have also been seen. The park is easily accessed by car since it is located only twelve (12) miles southeast of Belmopan on the Hummingbird Highway. The park has two entrances, one to the Visitor Center, St. Herman’s Cave, Camping Site, Observation Tower and the Crystal Cave. The other entrance leads to the Blue Hole, Picnic Area and Humming Bird Loop. A new trail has been opened, “the Dusky Ant bird Trail”, which allows visitors a picturesque, safe walk from the Visitor Center to the Blue Hole, without having to use the Highway.

The Crystalline Cave
The Crystalline Cave is located in the Blue Hole National Park. A guided exploration into this very spectacular cave system will take you miles through huge caverns that is adorned with spelotems and crystalline formation. Take a walk down the footpath and staircase of the Mayan shamans and priest as they journeyed into the underworld Xibalba (a place of fright) where they used the chambers deep within the cave for their ceremonies. See the artifacts of potteries, beads, obsidian knives, and human skeletons that have been calcified in the limestone floor that date back 2000 years.
It is unfortunate however, that while all these intricate cave formations have been known to take thousands of years to develop, and the historical remnants of the Mayan People hold the key to unraveling the past of this once flourishing civilization, they can be very easily destroyed. Once they are gone, you will never see them again.

To protect these treasures, the Belize Audubon Society has instituted the following guidelines:
• Person/s entering the cave MUST be accompanied by an approved guide, and in possession of a hardhat and a flashlight or headlight with two (2) changes of batteries at all times.
• A maximum of (5) five persons including the guide are allowed to enter the Crystal Cave at any one time.
• At all times stay on the designated path/s and keep voices to a minimum to avoid unnecessary impact or disturbance to the Protected Area
• Do Not Touching, Breaking or Leaning on any cave formation
• The lighting of Fires or Smoking of any form is strictly prohibited within the cave
• Take only pictures and memories of you visit inside the cave
• Leave nothing behind, but footprints

Safety Precautions:
• Read waiver form thoroughly and supply the guide with the necessary information or request clarification before signing form
• Keep your lights and hardhat on at all times, and stay together
• Watch your heads for low ceiling and hanging cave formations
• Avoid jumping, which may cause stones to roll
• Take plenty of water

Park Fees
Park Entrance Fee:
Foreigner - $4.00usd
Belizean - $1.00usd

Cave Entrance Fee:
Foreigner- 10.00usd
Local – 5.00usd
(Other fees applies for spelunking and other guided tours)

What to Bring
• Recommendations
Bring sturdy shoes, long sleeved shirt, long pants, flashlight, insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of water. All school groups are welcome, please register with the Belize City office, prior to you visit." 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.