The expedition, which commenced on 3rd December 2018 was streamed live and broadcasted globally. The data collected during the two-week long mission will revolutionise the mapping of the hole’s unique and largely unknown geographical features and innovate the current understanding of how to safeguard globally significant marine assets.
As part of the Belize’s wider commitment to sustainable tourism, Belize has asserted that this research will be invaluable in lending itself to unlocking the key to sustaining the world’s oceans and preserving Belize’s UNESCO protected barrier reef, which earlier this year was removed from the list of threatened World Heritage Sites thanks to Belize’s visionary steps to conserve and protect it. The Belize government is also working to phase out single-use disposable bags, plastic food utensils and single-use disposable Styrofoam by April 2019. This initiative is a necessary measure to ensure the continued protection of Belize’s environment, including the Belize Barrier Reef, one of the main draws to visitors travelling to Belize.
For 2019, those in search of a holiday destination making strides in sustainability can explore the natural sites of Belize, including the Great Blue Hole. The country also boasts the highest population of jaguars on the planet, unexplored rainforest, stunning nature reserves home to 500+ species of birds as well as ancient remains of the Mayan civilisation and indigenous groups. The diversity in culture and natural wealth are so astounding that the Government of Belize has set aside 28% of national territory to ensure preservation of the landscapes. For a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in the biodiversity of Belize, the Belize Tourism Board has highlighted its top picks for 2019:
Take a scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole
Boasting incredible diving and snorkelling sites, the Blue Hole is Belize’s holy grail of diving, home to hundreds of corals and marine species. Visitors looking to understand the full magnitude of this incredible site can do so during an unforgettable flight over the stunningly-blue water. Spanning more than 300 metres wide and 125 metres deep and visible from space, this world-famous underwater site is located 46 miles off the coast of Belize. The mysterious hole is the largest naturally formed underwater hole on earth and is ranked high on the list of Belize’s must-see sites.
Tropic Air offers scheduled flights on from San Pedro and Belize City.
Jaguar Tracking
Founded in 1990 as the world’s first wilderness sanctuary for the jaguar, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is regarded as a premier jaguar preservation site. Located in south-central Belize, the reserve spans over 128,000 acres of rainforest and makes Belize the most jaguar-populated country on the planet. To try and get a glimpse of a jaguar, puma, ocelot, tapir and some of the 300 different species of birds that call Cockscomb home, visitors can hike through the nature trails and take a swim in one of the spectacular waterfalls on a guided tour of the sanctuary.
Snorkel on the world’s second largest Barrier Reef
Home to the world’s second largest barrier reef, the Belizean version is a haven for marine-life. From schools of fish, to turtles and even the occasional nurse shark, there’s so much going on underwater and there’s ample opportunity to explore the protected reefs and atolls. Snorkel the Hol Chan Marine Reserve off the coast of Ambergris Caye for a chance to be submerged in the colourful underwater world.
Explore Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve
The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a natural reserve in the Cayo District of Belize. The reserve is a beautiful landscape of rolling pine forest and spectacular granite hillsides and is home to orchids, ferns and many endangered bird species such as the orange-breasted falcon and the king vulture. Visitors to the reserve have ample opportunities to hike, swim and spot wildlife and even venture inside the Rio Frio Cave, a natural attraction with a 65-foot arch at its opening. Visitors can enjoy a picnic beside the cascading pools and cool off in the plunge pool beneath Big Rock Falls – a 150-foot waterfall.
Discover ancient Mayan Cities
The jewel of the ancient Maya world, Belize is home to the remains of the sacred temples, palaces and pyramids that once supported the two million inhabitants of the extinct civilisation. The west of Belize is where visitors get a powerful sense on the country’s Mayan heritage. From here, visitors can discover the largest man-made structure in Belize, Caracol located on the western edge of the Mayan Mountains. Nearby Xunantunich, meaning “stone women” is overlooked by the pyramid of El Castillo, an area providing a wonderland of natural attractions. Visitors can explore the Xunantunich by horseback ride.
