Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll from the mainland and Belize City. The hole is circular in shape, across and deep. It was formed during several episodes of quaternary glaciation when sea levels were much lower. Analysis of stalactites found in the Great Blue Hole shows that formation took place 153,000; 66,000; 60,000; and 15,000 years ago. As the ocean began to rise again, the cave was flooded. The Great Blue Hole is a part of the larger Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a World Heritage Site of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Blue Hole (Rawley Springs)
The swimming hole has not been developed with a parking area and easy access, although for some this is also the allure. Most people park on the shoulder of Route 33 just past Rawley Springs heading west. A short but steep climb down to the river follows. The path's location is unmarked but worn enough to be noticeable.