The Great Blue Hole of Belize is arguably one of the most iconic travel photographs. It stands as the largest underwater sinkhole in the world, and its grandeur is even more breathtaking when seen in person!

A visit to the Blue Hole is undeniably one of the top things to do in Central America. You can opt to soar over the coral reefs via a small plane or helicopter, capturing snapshots from above, or dive into the abyss with a boat for an underwater adventure.

Recently, I had the privilege of taking a small propeller plane ride over the Great Blue Hole, and it was an exhilarating experience! We circled the Blue Hole at low altitude, observing its mesmerizing form up close before flying over other Caribbean Sea attractions.

In this travel blog, I will share my experience on the Belize Blue Hole flight, including which tour company I chose, the cost of the flight, safety precautions, and all other pertinent information you need to know before departure. Additionally, I will delve into some fascinating facts about this natural wonder of the Caribbean!

What is the Great Blue Hole?

The Great Blue Hole is an underwater sinkhole. It is believed that during lower water levels, it was once a cave, but as the water level rose, it was submerged.

The Blue Hole resembles a natural well in Central America, albeit underwater rather than on land, filled with seawater instead of freshwater.

Where is the Great Blue Hole of Belize?

The Great Blue Hole is located in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of Belize, a small country nestled between Mexico and Guatemala in Central America.

The Blue Hole is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, which is actually the second-largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

More specifically, the Blue Hole sits within a marine atoll known as Lighthouse Reef, approximately 75 kilometers (45 miles) from the city of Belize City. Therefore, you'll need to take a boat, plane, or helicopter to reach it.

Belize Blue Hole Flight: What to Expect

Blue Hole sightseeing flights operate daily from Belize City Municipal Airport, Caye Caulker, or San Pedro. Currently, three major companies offer such services: Tropic Air, Maya Island Air, and Astrum Helicopters.

I flew with Tropic Air, and the check-in process was swift and convenient. I was handed a unique and exquisite plastic boarding pass adorned with intriguing information about the Great Blue Hole. I wished I could keep it as a souvenir from my flight!

After a brief wait in the lobby, a pilot approached and briefly showed me on a map the attractions we would see in Belize during our journey and our destinations. Then, we headed to the tarmac for takeoff.

The boarding pass for my Belize Great Blue Hole flight was truly unique.

If this is your first time flying in a small plane, you're in for a thrilling ride. It was the smallest propeller plane I've ever seen! It only had four seats: two pilot seats in front and two passenger seats in the back.

Later, I found out that some Tropic Air tour groups also use 11-seater planes, so it may depend on the group size. As it turned out, I was the only passenger this time.

I had booked a shared tour but ended up with a private tour since I was the only one there. Consequently, a student pilot practiced the route with the help of a more experienced co-pilot.

I must admit, taking off in such a small plane was a bit daunting initially, but once you're airborne, you forget about it.

We immediately saw breathtaking views of Belize City, followed by small islands, mangrove forests, coral reefs, and the emerald-green waters of the Caribbean Sea.

I've seen such sights from above multiple times with today's drones, so it wasn't entirely new to me, but seeing it in person made a difference.

After flying over the ocean for about 20 minutes, we arrived at the Great Blue Hole of Belize. Seeing it in person was truly awe-inspiring! My photos couldn't capture its true charm. Every seat on the plane offered a stunning view through the window.

The pilot flew low and circled the Blue Hole several times, allowing me to observe and take photos up close. It was perfect.

After leaving the Blue Hole, we passed by a rusted shipwreck stranded on the coral reef, which also provided a great photo opportunity.

From takeoff to landing, our flight lasted only about an hour, but it didn't feel rushed at all. We saw so much during the flight, and I took numerous photos.

My only gripe was the plane's windows, which were too thick, scratched, and dirty for serious photography. I had inquired about doorless flights (or at least opening a small window) beforehand, but the two propeller plane companies I asked couldn't accommodate this.

I didn't consult Astrum Helicopters, but they might offer such an option. Perhaps I'm being too picky. I just feel that a magnificent place like the Blue Hole deserves an open door or window for the best photos.

But overall, it wasn't a big issue. I still got some decent shots, and the flight itself was fantastic!