Cenotes in Belize
Belize's most famous 'cenote' is the Great Blue Hole, a marine sinkhole on Lighthouse Reef about 300 m across and roughly 125 m deep (reported). It formed as a dry cave in the Ice Age and flooded when sea levels rose. Belize also has inland blue holes like St. Herman's.
Does Belize have cenotes?
Yes, but not like Mexico's Yucatán. Belize has much more hilly limestone, rivers and huge cave systems, so its 'cenotes' are mostly called blue holes, sinkholes or caves. The most famous is the Great Blue Hole, out at sea. Inland, there are swimmable blue holes and a few deep, little-known cenotes.
The Great Blue Hole
- A round marine sinkhole on Lighthouse Reef, about 300 m across and roughly 125 m deep (reported).
- Formed as a dry cave during the Ice Age, when sea levels were much lower, then flooded as seas rose.
- Made famous by Jacques Cousteau in 1971.
- Part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Divers see huge stalactites at around 40 m (reported); it's for experienced divers.
- Snorkelers stay on the shallow reef rim; scenic flights show its perfect circle from above.
- Day trips leave by boat from Belize City, Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) and Caye Caulker, roughly 2 to 3 hours each way (reported).
St. Herman's Blue Hole (inland)
In St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park on the Hummingbird Highway, near Belmopan. A small collapsed sinkhole with a turquoise pool fed by an underground river, plus St. Herman's Cave nearby. It's the closest thing in Belize to a Mexican swimming cenote. Bring water shoes and a flashlight for the cave.
Cara Blanca pools
In western Belize, a chain of about 25 water-filled sinkholes (reported) at Cara Blanca. Underwater archaeologists have found Maya pottery and Ice Age animal bones there, suggesting the Maya treated them as sacred, much like cenotes in Mexico. Access is limited and they are not a normal tourist stop.
Maya caves in Belize
- Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave): a river cave with Maya skeletons and pottery, visited only with licensed guides.
- Barton Creek Cave: canoe through a flooded cave with ritual remains.
- These caves show the same Maya belief as cenotes: water and caves led to the underworld (Xibalba).
Belize vs Mexico for cenotes
- For many swimmable cenotes: choose Mexico's Yucatán (thousands of cenotes, easy day trips).
- For one iconic dive: the Great Blue Hole in Belize.
- For caves and Maya ritual sites: Belize's ATM and Barton Creek.
- From northern Belize, Bacalar's Cenote Azul in Mexico is a few hours away.
When to visit
The dry season, roughly December to May, gives calmer seas and better visibility for the Great Blue Hole. Inland blue holes can turn murky after heavy rain.
How the Blue Hole formed
The Great Blue Hole on Lighthouse Reef is about 318 m wide and 124 m deep. It formed as a dry limestone cave during the last Ice Age, when the sea was much lower, and flooded as the sea rose. It is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Diving the Blue Hole
Day trips leave from Belize City, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The dive goes to around 40 m to see huge stalactites, so it is for experienced divers. Snorkelers usually stay on the reef edge and visit Half Moon Caye on the same trip.
New to cenotes? Start with our main guide: what is a cenote. Ready to visit? See the best cenotes in Tulum.
Cenotes in belize: frequently asked questions
Is the Great Blue Hole a cenote?
It's a marine sinkhole. It formed the same way as a cenote, but is now in the sea and filled with saltwater.
Can you swim in the Great Blue Hole?
Yes, on snorkel and dive trips. It is open sea, and deep diving is for certified divers.
How deep is the Great Blue Hole?
Roughly 125 m (reported), and about 300 m wide.
Where can you swim in a cenote-like pool in Belize?
St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park on the Hummingbird Highway is the easiest option.
Does Belize have as many cenotes as Mexico?
No. Mexico's Yucatán has thousands, while Belize has a handful of blue holes and sinkholes.