Belize is a small Central American nation nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, with its eastern coast opening onto the Caribbean Sea. It’s the only English-speaking country in Central America and is known for its lush rainforests, Mayan ruins, and one of the world’s most stunning marine ecosystems. Belize’s barrier reef — the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is the second largest in the world, teeming with coral gardens, tropical fish, and crystal-clear waters ideal for diving and snorkeling. Inland, visitors can explore ancient Mayan cities such as Caracol and Xunantunich, float through underground cave systems, or trek through wildlife-filled jungles that are home to jaguars, howler monkeys, and exotic birds. The laid-back culture, Creole and Garifuna influences, and eco-conscious tourism make Belize a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
I went on this trip with Bill Gilmore, Chip Mann, Michael Smitherman, & Turgay Uzer and we were celebrating my 40th Birthday!
Diving the Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole, located off the coast of Belize near Lighthouse Reef, is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. This massive marine sinkhole measures about 300 meters (984 feet) across and over 120 meters (394 feet) deep. It was formed thousands of years ago during the last Ice Age, when rising sea levels flooded a vast limestone cave system. Today, it presents a perfectly circular deep-blue void surrounded by lighter turquoise shallows — a breathtaking sight both from the air and underwater. For scuba divers, it offers a surreal experience descending past dramatic stalactites and limestone formations, often in the company of reef sharks and groupers. While the deeper levels are mainly for advanced divers, scenic flights and snorkeling excursions from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker allow everyone to witness its beauty.
