Diving the Great Blue Hole in Belize: A New Diver’s Experience

The Great Blue Hole—one of the most iconic dive sites in the world—is often the subject of debate among divers. Some say it's a marvel, while others question if it’s worth the effort of a 2.5-hour boat ride to reach it from San Pedro. What makes this massive marine sinkhole so captivating, and why is it still drawing divers to its depths? Situated off the coast of Belize, the Great Blue Hole is 1,043 feet wide and 407 feet deep, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. For me, it also marked my deepest dive yet—130 feet.

Learning as much as I could from my PADI dive instructor in Jamaica during my Open Water (OW) certification.

Why I Chose to Dive the Great Blue Hole

As a new diver, I wanted to challenge myself and build my confidence, so I booked a solo diving trip to Belize. It’s relatively close to Texas, it’s an English-speaking country, and I had heard that Belize’s dives are perfect for beginner divers. While researching, the Great Blue Hole caught my attention. With its rich history and striking geological features, I thought, “Why not? YOLO! It’s a UNESCO site, after all.” I’m always up for a good challenge, especially when it’s something as iconic as the Blue Hole.

What I Packed for My First Solo Trip to Belize-5 Days: A New Diver's Guide

Preparing for the Dive: Confidence and Research

Before heading to Belize, I had only completed one or two recreational dives outside of my certification dives. Since I hadn't dived in nearly a year, I enrolled in a refresher course at Gulf Coast Scuba to make sure I felt fully prepared. In addition, I spent time reading through Reddit posts about the Great Blue Hole to learn from others’ experiences. I discovered that the site is generally recommended for Advanced Open Water Divers, while I am a certified Open Water Diver. Naturally, this made me nervous, but after speaking with my dive shop, they assured me that I would be perfectly fine—so I decided to go ahead with the dive.

To further prepare, I did multiple local dives with Belize Pro Dive Center. These dives not only helped me familiarize myself with the local dive conditions but also allowed me to get to know the staff. One of the most helpful resources I found was a video by @blackgirlblueworld, which offered insightful tips and gave me the final push I needed to face my anxiety head-on. Finally, I made sure to take time for mental preparation—praying for a safe and enjoyable dive and practicing positive self-talk.

Holding hands with my buddy—my dive captain—as we descended into the Great Blue Hole.

The Day of the Dive: Nerves, Anxiety, and Excitement

The day of the dive started early—I woke up at 5 a.m. to catch a boat from my hotel to the dive shop. Although I felt confident in the safety measures and training, my anxiety was still real. The boat ride to the Blue Hole took over two hours, crossing open deep-sea waters that were sometimes rough, which added to the anticipation. Along the way, we were told that we could opt to snorkel instead of diving, but there was no turning back for me. After putting in all this effort to get here, I was determined to dive.

As we neared the Blue Hole, our captain gave us a final briefing. We were told we would dive as buddies, and I couldn’t help but feel a rush of mixed emotions—excitement, anxiety, and wonder. I gazed at the hole from the boat and reminded myself, “You’re here now, Jhanielle. You got this, cant give up now!”

Entering the Great Blue Hole: An Otherworldly Experience

One of the many stalactites throughout the Great Blue Hole.

The descent into the Blue Hole was unlike any dive I had experienced. As I descended into the water, I encountered several thermocline changes—sudden shifts in temperature that made the dive even more unique. At 130 feet, I could finally grasp the immense depth of the hole, believed to have formed over thousands of years as a limestone cave that eventually collapsed.

While the Blue Hole is not rich in marine life compared to other dive sites, it offers a haunting beauty in its stillness. I spotted a few Caribbean Reef Sharks and Black Tip Sharks circling lazily, but the focus was not on vibrant schools of fish or colorful reefs. Instead, the stalactites and stalagmites—massive underwater formations that once hung from the cave ceiling—stood out in their eerie, almost surreal beauty. They looked like ancient sculptures, coated with layers of calcium deposits. The deep, haunting blue of the water contrasted sharply with the pale, ghostly rock formations, creating a scene that felt almost cinematic.

Diving through the Blue Hole felt like stepping into another world. I couldn’t help but marvel at the scale of everything around me. My buddy’s calm presence helped me stay composed, and at one point, I was so awe-struck by my surroundings that I asked him to let go of my hand so I could explore on my own. As I swam through the cool depths, I reminded myself that this was my moment to push my limits and take in the beauty of this unique, otherworldly dive.

Showing the “ok” symbol in the Great Blue Hole.

Reflections: A Confidence-Building Dive

This dive was my favorite by far because of the otherworldly beauty that surrounded me. The Great Blue Hole isn’t just a dive; it’s an experience that challenges you, making you confront your fears and ultimately leave with a sense of accomplishment.

Diving the Blue Hole is not for the faint of heart of a beginner, but it’s a remarkable experience for anyone seeking a challenge or a story to tell. The dive wasn’t about colorful reefs or schools of fish. It was about exploring the unknown and finding beauty in the simplicity of the site’s geological features. For me, it was a reminder of how far I’ve come as a diver and a personal milestone in my journey.

If you’re looking for a dive that pushes you outside your comfort zone, the Great Blue Hole is worth it. It’s not flashy, but it’s unforgettable—a humbling and breathtaking reminder of the power of nature.