How to Visit Belize’s Inland Blue Hole (Cenote)

The Inland Blue Hole is one of the most popular attractions along Belize’s picturesque Hummingbird Highway. It costs only $10 BZE ($5 USD) to visit, and is only a five minute walk from the highway turnoff.

Whether you’re driving to this scenic part of Belize specifically for the Blue Hole, or are considering a stop at this Belizean cenote on a roadtrip through the Hummingbird Highway, this article is for you!

I recently visited this turquoises blue swimming hole during my four-week-long Belize trip and now I’m sharing all my insider tips in this Belize Inland Blue Hole guide!

Belize Inland Blue Hole

Located in St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park along Belize’s famous Hummingbird Highway, the Inland Blue Hole is a striking blue swimming hole.

While there are thousands of cenotes north of Belize on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, the Blue Hole is one of the most accessible cenotes in Belize. It was formed by the collapse of an underground limestone cave. making a shallow, refreshing natural pool.

It is the perfect spot to cool off on a Hummingbird Highway road trip with an easy 5-minute hike from the parking lot.

About St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park

This beautiful protected area is managed by the Belize Audubon Society, and the $10 BZE ($5 USD) entry fee also includes an entry to St. Herman’s Cave and access to lush tropical nature trails.

Other than relaxing in the Blue Hole cenote, some things to do at this Belize national park include:

👙 Cave Tubing at St. Herman’s Cave: Cave tubing is one of the most popular things to do in Belize, and this is the place to do it! Reserve your spot ahead of time here.

🥾 Self-Guided Exploration of St. Herman’s Cave: Venture into the first 200 meters of St. Herman’s Cave without a guide! I share about my experience doing this in my full St. Herman’s Cave travel guide.

💎 Crystal Cave Caving Tour: Discover ancient Maya artifacts and breathtaking natural rock formations deep in Crystal Cave on this highly-rated tour from San Ignacio. Plus, you’ll get time to swim in the Blue Hole!

The turquoise waters of Belize’s Blue Hole make the perfect spot for a refreshing swim!

Best Inland Blue Hole Tours

If you don’t have your own rental car, the best way to visit the Blue Hole is by booking a guided tour from the city you’re staying at in Belize.

While I did have my own car to explore the Hummingbird Highway and visit the Inland Blue Hole, I did some extensive research to figure out the very best tours from the main destinations in Belize.

These are top rated tours that include roundtrip transportation and often other adventures on top of the Blue Hole swim!

PLACENCIA Private Blue Hole & Xunantunich Tour

Book with your own private guide and driver for this day trip from Placencia! This tour includes roundtrip transportation, a guided tour of the ancient Maya city of Xunantunich, and plenty of free time to swim at the Blue Hole.

BELIZE CITY Blue Hole & Belmopan City Tour

If you’re coming from Caye Caulker, San Pedro, or Belize City, this is the tour to book! You’ll get a local guide and roundtrip transportation from Belize City. You’ll have time to relax at the Blue Hole before heading into Belize’s capital city, Belmopan, to learn about the country’s unique history.

SAN IGNACIO Blue Hole & Caving Tour

Adventurers, this is the Belize Blue Hole tour for you! Get roundtrip transportation from San Ignacio with a brilliant local guide. Explore the depths of Crystal Cave, one of Belize’s most fascinating caves, which is located right next to the Blue Hole. Then enjoy a delicious Belizean lunch and take some time to swim in the Blue Hole.

HOPKINS Blue Hole & Xunantunich Tour

If you’re visiting the Blue Hole from Hopkins (my favorite place in Belize), check out this highly-rated tour, which includes roundtrip transportation to the Blue Hole, and to Xunantunich, an impressive Mayan archaeological site. This tour also includes lunch!

How to Drive to the Inland Blue Hole

Directions from San Ignacio, Belize (1 hour drive)

To take a day trip to the Inland Blue Hole from San Ignacio, drive east out of San Ignacio toward Santa Elena town and the George Price Highway.

In Belmopan, turn right at the roundabout toward the Hummingbird Highway. Then follow the Hummingbird Hwy for about 17 kilometers until you reach St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park.

Directions from Hopkins, Belize (1 hour 10 minute drive)

Exit Hopkins and drive west along Hopkins Road. At the fork, turn right onto the Southern Highway and follow it for about 16 miles until you reach the Hummingbird Highway.

Then drive about 58 kilometers along the Hummingbird Highway. St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park will be on the left.

Directions from Belize City (1.5 hour)

To drive to Belize Blue Hole National Park from Belize City, drive along the George Price Highway west toward Belmopan, Belize’s capital city.

In Belmopan, turn left at the main roundabout onto the Hummingbird Highway. Follow the Hummingbird Highway for about 17 kilometers. St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park will be on the right.

What to Pack for St. Herman’s Blue Hole

👙 Swimsuit: Pack a swimsuit and any other clothes you want to wear during the cave tubing experience. It can get a little chilly, so I personally would recommend a wetsuit jacket if you have one, plus shorts. A rash guard is also great!

💦 Travel towel: I love this fast drying, sand resistant travel towel. I bring it everywhere!

🐛 Natural bug repellant: I highly recommend this natural insect repellant balm, it is easy to apply, good for your skin, and actually works! Typical bug spray also works.

Belize Blue Hole FAQs

How does the Belize Blue Hole compare to cenotes in Mexico?

To be honest, the Blue Hole is not as impressive as the average cenote on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. However, I still enjoyed swimming in this Belize cenote, and I think it’s a great stop on any Belize road trip!

Is it safe to swim at the Blue Hole?

Yes! In fact, swimming is the best thing to do at the Blue Hole. The water starts out shallow and gradually becomes deeper, making it an ideal swimming hole for people of all ages and abilities.

How is the Inland Blue Hole related to the Great Blue Hole?

The Inland Blue Hole is easily confused with the Great Blue Hole, which is another one of Belize’s top tourist destinations. Located in the Caribbean ocean, the Great Blue Hole is a breathtaking diving location, whereas the Inland Blue Hole is a cenote.

Thanks for reading!

• Browse my favorite Belize tours and experiences.
• See the best hotels in Belize.
• Check out my other Belize travel guides.

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