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 neighborhood, it’s much more spectacular to see from the sky. Hovering above an immense, deep blue abyss standing out towards 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 non-public constitution scenic flight over the Nice Blue Gap with Tropic Air, On this article, we’ll share all the pieces that you must find out 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 toes) throughout and 124 meters (407 toes) deep. Positioned off the coast of this lovely Central American nation The Blue Gap is famend for its practically 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 high scuba diving websites on the planet. 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 last ice age. Because the ice caps started melting and sea ranges rose, the caves have 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 traveling to Belize.
Location and Methods to Get to the Blue Gap
Positioned 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 approach 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 unquestionably, the very best scenic flight we’ve ever taken. And now we have finished rather a lot!
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 provide a sea-level view, and scuba divers can dive deep into the depths of the darkish cavern for bragging rights, aerial excursions provide 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 non-public four-seater airplane 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, sleek sea turtles, manta rays, and delicate nurse sharks.
The identify ‘Hol Chan’ comes from the Mayan language, which means ‘Little Channel’, which aptly describes the reserve’s pure break within the Belize Barrier Reef. This break creates an excellent atmosphere 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 cut up into two elements 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. For those who 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 will likely be a personal escape for the wealthy and well-known and we noticed different non-public 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 natural wonder. It’s the largest barrier reef within the Northern Hemisphere and the second largest on the planet after the Nice Barrier Reef. We’ve got taken a scenic flight over the Great 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 forms of corals, and an array of marine mammals. We even noticed big rays from the airplane throughout our scenic flight.
This magnificent reef system, which incorporates a number of offshore atolls, a whole lot of sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons, and estuaries, performs an important ecological function. It acts as a pure barrier towards sturdy waves, defending Belize’s shoreline and supporting the nation’s fishing business.
It was fascinating to see the distinct divide between the barrier reef and the Belize coast speak in confidence to huge open blue waters.
Approaching the Blue Gap
As our airplane circled the location, we have been giddy with pleasure. Our captain made 4 passes across the Blue Gap – two on both facet of the airplane, so Dave and I each had ample views of the pure surprise.
The stark distinction between the darkish blue of the opening and the lighter blue and vibrant turquoise of the encircling shallow waters was magnificent. We have been fortunate as there have been no boats inside the opening after we arrived, so we had pristine views of the opening all to ourselves.
Planning Your Journey
Plan your journey throughout Belize’s dry season to expertise the very best of the Nice Blue Gap from above.
Gentle clothes, sun shades, and cameras are must-haves for this journey. It was sizzling inside our airplane and we have been blissful to be in shorts and a lightweight T-shirt.
Most, importantly, guarantee your digicam has sufficient reminiscence and an additional battery, as you’ll need to seize each second of this unbelievable 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 most effective occasions for flights are throughout the dry season, from late November to mid-April, when skies are clear and the visibility is unparalleled.
Price and Reserving Ideas
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. Personal charters can run usually round USD 1200. The associated fee is totally value it. We’ve taken a number of scenic flights around the globe that final solely ten to twenty minutes. An hour over these lovely waters is like nothing you’ve ever seen.
You possibly can check the Tropic Air Website for charges and availability. Ensure that to reach half-hour earlier than your flight to test in and have a photograph ID together with your Passports.
We suggest reserving your flight upfront, particularly throughout peak vacationer season, to safe your spot. Some tour operators provide bundle offers that embody different sights in Belize, so be looking out for these to profit from your journey.
Different Methods to See the Nice Blue Gap
Scuba Diving
The Nice Blue Gap is a world-renowned diving web site. Diving right here lets you discover the crystal-clear waters, see the large underwater stalactites and stalagmites, and presumably encounter marine life like sharks and different fish species. Observe that diving within the Nice Blue Gap is beneficial for knowledgeable divers attributable to its depth and distinctive situations. Dive retailers would require proof of deep and superior open-water diving expertise.
Snorkeling
For those who’re not a diver, snorkeling across the edges of the Nice Blue Gap is a improbable different. 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 accessible that present gear and steerage, making it a protected and informative expertise.
Day Journeys
A number of firms provide 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 normally cater to divers and snorkelers, making them a good selection for teams with blended pursuits.
Liveaboard Journeys
Belize is likely one of the high scuba diving locations on earth and there are a lot of firms that over in a single day journeys. For a extra immersive expertise, think about 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 high dive websites in Belize,
Mixture Excursions
Some excursions mix a go to to the Nice Blue Gap with different actions in Belize, comparable to river tubing, jungle treks, or visits to Mayan ruins. In case you have a short while in Belize and need to see the very best of the seashores and jungle, this can be a nice alternative offering a well-rounded expertise of the nation’s numerous sights.
Positioned off the coast of this Central American paradise, the Nice Blue Gap presents a singular aerial spectacle in contrast to every other on the planet. 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 gorgeous pure wonders. This journey guarantees awe-inspiring views and unforgettable recollections. Belize awaits with its open skies and the enchanting Nice Blue Gap at its coronary heart. Embrace the journey!
