Belize National Park: Blue Hole and St. Herman’s Cave

St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park.

Blue Hole National Park Map.

One of the easiest and most affordable tours in Western Belize is the Blue Hole National Park and the adjacent St. Herman’s Cave. Both can be accessed by bus between the major cities of Belmopan and Dangriga. It is only $8BZE to enter the parks, and make sure you keep your receipt so you can enter both.

Inside St. Herman's Cave looking up the entrance.

We suggest going to St. Herman’s Cave first. Headlights are a must have while traveling in Belize, especially when caving. It’s easily the most recommended thing to bring for travelers as well as the most forgotten. It’s a short 30 minute walk on the low-ground trail to the cave entrance from the ranger station. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, a slightly more challenging 30 minute hike up the ridge overlooking the valley is also possible.

Heading into St. Herman's Cave

Once inside, it is possible to go about 200 yards along a well identified path along the edge of the cave. All self guided tours are instructed to stop at the well marked sign. At the sign, you can enter the creek that runs through the cave to wash your hands or splash a friend. While there, be sure to have everyone turn off their headlights to really experience the darkness of the cave.

Caves are dark! Looking into the creek at St. Herman's Cave.

Heading back to the entrance of St. Herman's Cave.

If traveling by bus, it might be better to just hike the short 3/4 of mile nature trail to the Blue Hole. The park is managed by the Belize Audubon Society, and which claims to have identified 200 bird species within park boundaries. If you’re into birding, don’t forget your binoculars. If you don’t feel like trekking the jungle trail, you can walk along the highway or try and hail a bus, although it’s only 1 mile to the Blue Hole from St. Herman’s Cave.

The Blue Hole at Blue Hole National Park

The inland Blue Hole is a sinkhole created by the collapsed remains of the St. Herman’s cave system. The water flows from the 30 foot deep pool for 50 yards before it enters St. Herman’s Cave. It is possible to have a picnic and swim here, but it always seems like the mosquitos are biting, so be sure to bring your repellant. Also, be warned that if it has been raining hard, the Blue Hole can actually be a “brown hole” so plan your trip accordingly.