If you’ve Googled “Belize Blue Hole,” chances are you’ve seen stunning photos of a massive sapphire circle in the middle of the Caribbean Sea—the iconic Great Blue Hole. It’s jaw-dropping, it’s world-famous, and yes, it’s on every diver’s bucket list.
But what if we told you… there’s another Blue Hole in Belize? One that you can hike to, swim in, and actually touch without scuba gear or a charter boat? Welcome to St. Herman’s Blue Hole — a hidden inland gem that offers a completely different kind of Belize adventure.
Wait… There Are Two Blue Holes in Belize?
Yep. Belize is home to both the Great Blue Hole and St. Herman’s Blue Hole, and they couldn’t be more different. Here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | Great Blue Hole | St. Herman’s Blue Hole |
| Location | Lighthouse Reef Atoll (offshore) | Inland, near Belmopan |
| Type | Marine sinkhole | Freshwater cenote/sinkhole |
| Access | Boat + scuba tour | Easy walk + swim access |
| Activities | Scuba diving, snorkeling | Swimming, hiking, picnicking, caving |
| Depth | Over 400 feet | Approx. 25 feet deep |
While the Great Blue Hole gets all the fame, St. Herman’s Blue Hole is the secret locals know and love. It’s accessible, refreshing, and surrounded by lush Belizean jungle. Best of all? You don’t need to be a diver or spend hundreds to enjoy it.
What Is St. Herman’s Blue Hole?
St. Herman’s Blue Hole is a sapphire-colored natural pool nestled inside Blue Hole National Park. It’s located just off the Hummingbird Highway in Cayo District, about 12 miles southeast of the capital, Belmopan.
The “hole” itself is about 25 feet deep and sits at the bottom of a collapsed limestone cave system. Fed by underground rivers, it stays cool and crystal-clear year-round—a perfect jungle swimming hole.
How to Get There
The inland Blue Hole is located inside St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, which is managed by the Belize Audubon Society. It’s just a 1.5-hour drive from Belize City and less than 40 minutes from Hopkins or Dangriga.
Entry Fee:
- $4 USD / $8 BZD per person
Getting Around:
- The park includes:
- Herman’s Blue Hole (the swimming sinkhole)
- Herman’s Cave (dry cave exploration)
- Mountain trails and lookouts
You can easily do all three in a few hours—or better yet, make it a half-day tour with Uncharted Jewel Tour Company.
What to Expect
Swimming in the Blue Hole
This is what everyone comes for. The pool is about 30 feet wide, with rocky ledges and shaded spots to relax. You can walk right in, or jump from the side if you’re feeling bold.
The water is fresh, cool, and perfect after a warm jungle hike. Surrounded by dense forest and chirping birds, it feels like your own personal jungle oasis.
Cave Exploration
St. Herman’s Cave is a dry cave you can walk through (no swimming required). With a headlamp and a guide, you’ll venture into ancient Maya underworld territory—archaeologists have found artifacts and pottery left by Maya people over 1,000 years ago.
Jungle Trails
Multiple short trails lead to lookouts, cave entrances, and forested hideaways. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys, motmots, toucans, and butterflies.
Why Most Tourists Miss It
Because the Great Blue Hole steals all the attention. It’s more famous, it’s on brochures, and it pops up on travel bucket lists around the world. But the truth is:
- The Great Blue Hole is expensive to reach (boat charters from San Pedro or Belize City)
- You must be a certified diver to go deep inside
- Snorkeling on the edge is cool, but not the main experience
St. Herman’s Blue Hole, on the other hand, is affordable, accessible, and relaxing. You don’t need gear, training, or even strong swimming skills. Just bring a towel and a sense of wonder.
Who Should Visit St. Herman’s Blue Hole?
- Families with kids
- Couples looking for a romantic nature escape
- Eco-travelers and photographers
- History lovers (hello, ancient Maya cave!)
- Locals and repeat travelers looking for something new
And if you’re staying in Hopkins, Placencia, Dangriga, or anywhere in southern Belize, this is a must-do inland tour.
Soft Sell: Why Go With Uncharted Jewel Tour Company
Let’s be real: you can visit on your own—but having a local guide turns a cool swim into a legendary jungle experience.
Here’s what you get with Uncharted Jewel (unchartedjewelbelize.com):
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Entrance fees covered
- Insider stories about the caves and Maya rituals
- Optional combo with tubing, waterfalls, or ziplining
- Snacks, water, and towel service
- Small group sizes (or private if you want it)
They’ll even show you secret photo spots and help you get that perfect underwater selfie.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Bring a swimsuit and towel
- Wear water shoes or sandals with grip
- Apply bug spray and sunscreen (reef-safe)
- Take your trash with you
- Ask your guide questions!
DON’T:
- Jump into unknown water depths
- Touch cave formations
- Play loud music in the park
- Feed wildlife
Final Thoughts: The Other Belize Blue Hole
Let the crowds chase the famous one.
The real hidden treasure? It’s tucked away in the jungle, whispering stories of ancient rituals, cooling off travelers in its sapphire waters, and offering peace, quiet, and just the right amount of adventure.
So the next time someone asks if you’ve seen the Belize Blue Hole, you can say, “Which one?”