Exploring the majestic Nice Blue Gap on a scenic flight is an journey of a lifetime. Whereas the Nice Blue Gap is known within the scuba diving group, it’s much more spectacular to see from the sky. Hovering above an immense, deep blue abyss standing out in opposition to the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea appears unreal.
Discovery Channel named the Nice Blue Gap in Belize some of the superb locations on earth, and when you see it, you’ll perceive why. We took a one-hour personal constitution scenic flight over the Nice Blue Gap with Tropic Air, On this article, we are going to share all the pieces it is advisable to learn about visiting the Nice Blue Gap.
The Attract of the Nice Blue Gap
The Nice Blue Gap is a big marine sinkhole, about 300 meters (984 ft) throughout and 124 meters (407 ft) deep. Situated off the coast of this lovely Central American nation The Blue Gap is famend for its almost excellent round form and deep blue coloration, seen from above. It’s acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and was popularized by Jacques Cousteau, who declared it one of many prime scuba diving websites on the earth. Since then, tourism has expanded to incorporate scenic flights, snorkeling journeys, and boat excursions.
Initially, The Nice Blue Gap was a part of a limestone cave system over the past ice age. Because the ice caps started melting and sea ranges rose, the caves had been flooded, and their roofs collapsed, resulting in the formation of this round, deep blue void. The Nice Blue Gap is a must-visit when touring to Belize.
Location and Tips on how to Get to the Blue Gap
Situated within the middle of Lighthouse Reef, a tiny atoll some 70 km (43 miles) from the mainland of Belize, the Nice Blue Gap is accessible by boat and air.
After we first visited Belize 20 years in the past, the one solution to see the Nice Blue Gap was on a scuba diving journey, however issues have modified and even non-divers can now expertise this pure world surprise.
We booked a flight from San Pedro on Ambergris Caye for our scenic flight to the Blue Gap which lasted for one hour. This flight to the Nice Blue Gap was certainly, the perfect scenic flight we’ve ever taken. And we’ve achieved quite a bit!
Most individuals go to the Nice Blue Gap in Belize by boat or when scuba diving. Journeys to the Blue Gap may be booked from Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Belize Metropolis. Whereas boat journeys supply a sea-level view, and scuba divers can dive deep into the depths of the darkish cavern for bragging rights, aerial excursions supply probably the most breathtaking perspective of this pure surprise.
The Expertise of Flying Over the Nice Blue Gap
Flying over the Nice Blue Gap is nothing wanting spectacular. We left Ambergris Caye in our personal four-seater aircraft and spent an hour within the air overlooking the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Belize is one other jewel in Belize’s crown of pure wonders. This marine sanctuary was established in 1987 and spans roughly 18 sq. kilometers (7 sq. miles). It’s a haven for an astonishing number of marine life, particularly, swish sea turtles, manta rays, and mild nurse sharks.
The title ‘Hol Chan’ comes from the Mayan language, that means ‘Little Channel’, which aptly describes the reserve’s pure break within the Belize Barrier Reef. This break creates a great surroundings for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Our Nice Blue Gap Flight
The journey started from San Pedro airport and took us over Ambergris Caye to see the town, its shoreline, and a few gems like Secret Seaside.
We then continued to fly over neighboring Caye Caulker, the place we had a chook’s eye view of the well-known Caye Caulker Break up. Caye Caulker was break up into two components by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The fierce storm carved a slim channel often called The Break up, creating a definite north and south division of the island. In the event you go to Belize, we extremely suggest spending a number of days on Caye Caulker.
We then flew out over the Belize Barrier Reef to see a few of its 400+ cayes and atolls. We noticed a personal island that’s being reworked right into a luxurious five-star retreat that shall be a personal escape for the wealthy and well-known and we noticed different personal islands scattered between the Belize mainland and the Blue Gap throughout our 70 km flight.
The Belize Barrier Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef is a spectacular pure surprise. It’s the largest barrier reef within the Northern Hemisphere and the second largest on the earth after the Nice Barrier Reef. We’ve got taken a scenic flight over the Nice Barrier Reef in Australia as properly and located the Belize Barrier Reef to be simply as lovely (if no more) than its extra well-known cousin. ,
Spanning over 300 kilometers (190 miles), this UNESCO World Heritage Web site is residence to over 500 species of fish, quite a few kinds of corals, and an array of marine mammals. We even noticed big rays from the aircraft throughout our scenic flight.
This magnificent reef system, which incorporates a number of offshore atolls, tons of of sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons, and estuaries, performs an important ecological function. It acts as a pure barrier in opposition to robust waves, defending Belize’s shoreline and supporting the nation’s fishing trade.
It was fascinating to see the distinct divide between the barrier reef and the Belize coast speak in confidence to large open blue waters.
Approaching the Blue Gap
As our aircraft circled the location, we had been giddy with pleasure. Our captain made 4 passes across the Blue Gap – two on both facet of the aircraft, so Dave and I each had ample views of the pure surprise.
The stark distinction between the darkish blue of the outlet and the lighter blue and vibrant turquoise of the encircling shallow waters was magnificent. We had been fortunate as there have been no boats inside the outlet once we arrived, so we had pristine views of the outlet all to ourselves.
Planning Your Journey
Plan your journey throughout Belize’s dry season to expertise the perfect of the Nice Blue Gap from above.
Gentle clothes, sun shades, and cameras are must-haves for this journey. It was sizzling inside our aircraft and we had been completely satisfied to be in shorts and a light-weight T-shirt.
Most, importantly, guarantee your digital camera has sufficient reminiscence and an additional battery, as you’ll need to seize each second of this unimaginable expertise. We didn’t get to the Blue Gap till about half-hour into our flight and we already took a ton of images because the coast and waters of Belize are lovely in their very own proper!
Flights usually final round one hour, providing ample time to marvel at this surprise. The very best occasions for flights are throughout the dry season, from late November to mid-April, when skies are clear and the visibility is unparalleled.
Value and Reserving Suggestions
The price of flying over the Nice Blue Gap varies, usually starting from $200 to USD 500 per individual, relying on the tour operator and the plane used. Non-public charters can run usually round USD 1200. The associated fee is totally value it. We’ve taken a number of scenic flights all over the world that final solely ten to twenty minutes. An hour over these lovely waters is like nothing you’ve ever seen.
You’ll be able to examine the Tropic Air Web site for charges and availability. Ensure to reach half-hour earlier than your flight to examine in and have a photograph ID along with your Passports.
We suggest reserving your flight prematurely, particularly throughout peak vacationer season, to safe your spot. Some tour operators supply bundle offers that embody different sights in Belize, so be looking out for these to benefit from your journey.
Different Methods to See the Nice Blue Gap
Scuba Diving
The Nice Blue Gap is a world-renowned diving website. Diving right here permits you to discover the crystal-clear waters, see the huge underwater stalactites and stalagmites, and presumably encounter marine life like sharks and different fish species. Be aware that diving within the Nice Blue Gap is beneficial for skilled divers because of its depth and distinctive circumstances. Dive retailers would require proof of deep and superior open-water diving expertise.
Snorkeling
In the event you’re not a diver, snorkeling across the edges of the Nice Blue Gap is a incredible various. You received’t see the deep, darker depths, however the surrounding reef areas are teeming with vibrant marine life. There are a lot of snorkeling excursions obtainable that present tools and steerage, making it a protected and informative expertise.
Day Journeys
A number of firms supply boat excursions to the Nice Blue Gap, usually mixed with stops at close by sights just like the Half Moon Caye or the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. These excursions often cater to divers and snorkelers, making them a sensible choice for teams with blended pursuits.
Liveaboard Journeys
Belize is among the prime scuba diving locations on earth and there are various firms that over in a single day journeys. For a extra immersive expertise, take into account a liveaboard journey which incorporates a number of dives within the Nice Blue Gap and surrounding areas over a number of days. These journeys usually embody different prime dive websites in Belize,
Mixture Excursions
Some excursions mix a go to to the Nice Blue Gap with different actions in Belize, akin to river tubing, jungle treks, or visits to Mayan ruins. You probably have a short while in Belize and need to see the perfect of the seashores and jungle, this can be a nice selection offering a well-rounded expertise of the nation’s numerous sights.
Situated off the coast of this Central American paradise, the Nice Blue Gap affords a novel aerial spectacle not like some other on the earth. A flight over the Nice Blue Gap is extra than simply an aerial tour; it’s an encounter with one of many world’s most beautiful pure wonders. This journey guarantees awe-inspiring views and unforgettable reminiscences. Belize awaits with its open skies and the enchanting Nice Blue Gap at its coronary heart. Embrace the journey!