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Exploring the Bottom of the Great Blue Hole, Belize

Blue Hole Belize

History was made on Dec 2, 2018 when multiple submersibles dove to the bottom of the deepest sinkhole in the world, the 407ft/124m deep Blue Hole in Belize.  Located in Lighthouse Reef, approx 70 kms off the coast of Belize, the Great Blue Hole is part of the Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Great Blue Hole was made famous by French ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau. He brought his renowned research ship, the Calypso, to investigate the depths of the sinkhole in 1972.  This was until now, the last time the Blue Hole in Belize has been scientifically explored and recorded.

This expedition was lead by Aquatica Submarines, a Vancouver Canadian-based company that provided the manned submersibles and subsea support technologies. They were joined on the expedition with Jacques Cousteau's grandson, Fabien Cousteau and entrepreneur and marine-conservation activist Richard Branson. One of the main aims of the expedition is to raise awareness of marine conservation.

Learn more about the Great Blue Hole Expedition with Aquatica Submarines


Vessels will continue to monitor and explore the site for two weeks, collecting data that will allow experts to construct real-life models of the Blue Hole's geography.

Join us at our Lighthouse Reef Basecamp 

We have four trips that include a stay at our Lighthouse Reef Basecamp on Half Moon Caye in Belize. 

One of the highlights for guests staying at our Lighthouse Reef Basecamp on Half Moon Caye is snorkeling and kayaking around the rim of the legendary Blue Hole. 

Contact us today and let one of our Belize vacation specialists plan your trip to the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. You can reach us by email at info@islandexpedtions.com or call 1.800.667.1630