Dive the Blue Hole in Belize and Follow in Sir Richard Branson’s Fin Kicks
Globetrotters can follow in the footstep… fin kicks (or submersible bubble trail?) of Sir Richard Branson when they dive or snorkel on the world’s second largest barrier reef (after The Great Barrier Reef in Australia). Specifically, they’ll be following Branson’s lead into the world’s second-biggest sinkhole at 124 meters / 406 feet in depth.
The Blue Hole is one of Belize’s main attractions and is the world’s deepest underwater sinkhole, after the Dragon Hole in China.
Located in the heart of the reef and about a 90 minute boat ride form the San Pedro on Ambergris Caye in the north of the country, the Blue Hole is a mecca for divers and snorkelers. Since being featured in a 1971 documentary by Jacques Cousteau, it has only grown in both popularity and mystery.
As reported by IFLScience.com, Richard Branson, known for his curiosity fueled expeditions took on the challenge to see what was at the bottom of this black water pit.
Aerial shots of the hole show a black large dot, in the heart of pristine blues and greens of the surrounding reef. A dive or snorkel into the hole itself does not reveal much, other than a black void occasionally visited by reef sharks. But the surrounding lip and coral reefs offer an amazing contrast of colors and marine life.
At 318 meters in diameter, with a depth of 125 meters, the Great Blue Hole would be capable of hold two Boeing 724 planes with room to spare. Submerging in his mini submarine, Branson joined a team of scientists including Jacque Cousteau’s grandson, Fabien, and marine researchers. Despite a tight fit, they 3D mapped the Blue Hole as they descended.
Though not finding any hidden sea creatures, the team did make a discovery that suggested the sink hole had not always been underwater. The team was able to photograph large stalactites, which only grow in a dry environment.
“Branson’s hope was that his participation in the project would raise public awareness of marine conservation and help protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030,” according to IFLScience.com.
Visit the Blue Hole as a day trip with Goway on one of their many Belize Getaways such as Belize Jungle & Beach Experience, Hamanasi Beach Resort: Belizean Beach Escape or Ramons Beach Resort: Belizean Beach Escape.
