5Blue Hole, Belize

Not to be confused with the Blue Hole in Dahab, the Great Blue Hole in Belize is another challenging and dangerous dive site. This massive underwater sinkhole, located off the coast of Belize, is over 300 meters (984 feet) wide and 125 meters (410 feet) deep. Its dark, seemingly bottomless depths and complex underwater formations make it a tempting but risky destination for divers.

The primary dangers at the Great Blue Hole are its depth and the potential for nitrogen narcosis, which can cause divers to become disoriented. The deeper sections of the Blue Hole also have limited visibility, making it easy to lose one’s bearings. Although Jacques Cousteau famously declared it one of the best dive sites in the world, the Blue Hole demands careful preparation and respect from those who attempt to explore it.