BELIZE'S GREAT BLUE HOLE Is It Really Worth Diving Part 1
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octotat
Contributor
Michael Schlink:
The lack of proper dive planning and the gaggle of inexperienced divers actually make this dive even more dangerous than you mention above. There were several sets of divers on their first OW dive after certification, only one DM for 20 people and no buddy plans. I backed away from the main group of divers as they were bumping into each other, kicking each other and just a general cluster. I dropped slightly off the back and no one noticed me back there, I could have had problems and no one would have noticed. The DM led the group like a tour guide in the vatican, and never really seemed to keep tabs on anthing. If I were to do this dive again (and I did love this dive and the whole day of diving and birdwatching) I would want a pony bottle. My understanding is that dive accidents are not uncommon at this site, and I'm sure that can be attributed to the local dive operators treating it like a 30 foot reef dive wit respect to dive ability. They never once asked me for a dive cert!
SueMermaid
Guest
Agreed. The first time I did the blue hole in 1993, I had a whopping 12 dives under my belt, and the DM got narced and started making weird decisions. His assistant took up his slack, but not before we had spent about 20 minutes at 130'. (IIRC, the no deco limit is 7 minutes at that depth). We all went into deco, and one of the group was OOA and had to use her buddy's octo. We sat at 15' on the edge of the hole for quite a while, and I was grateful that I had enough air to get me there. There were no injuries or problems, amazingly enough, since there were about 15 brand new OW divers in the group. I came up from that dive with a very valuable education. I guess I knew it before then, but it was a very good demonstration to me and the rest of us that we are truly on our own under water, and if you think someone is making a bad decision, you need to do what you think is best for you. Being polite and following like a sheep to avoid hurting someone's feelings can get you killed. I am hoping the DM never took another group out again.
That being said, it is a memorable dive which I have done twice now, and both dives were different, but equally pleasurable. It is not at all like the rest of the diving there, and gave me that etherial, Zen sense of breathing and flying and being supported by the brine. It was very trippy, and I loved it.
That being said, it is a memorable dive which I have done twice now, and both dives were different, but equally pleasurable. It is not at all like the rest of the diving there, and gave me that etherial, Zen sense of breathing and flying and being supported by the brine. It was very trippy, and I loved it.
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SueMermaid:
And therein lies the 'crux of the biscuit'. I didn't see anyone pont out previously, not even "Gaz", that the issue of the actual distance of the BH from any life support infrastructure (chambers, etc).... much less the time required to make such an evacuation from a rocking boat (to a US Coast Guard chopper in the best case) would be a cause for good consideration. Is this dive worth the risk?
There are certainly younger and better qualified divers to do this than me, but then again I was doing the BH before most of these folks were born. With experience comes the knowledege of when to limit your exposure, with this comes old age.
As many times as I had been in the BH, I still like my view of it the best aboard TACA at 20,000 feet.
octotat:
Not true of all operators though depressingly true of some. The alternative seems to be still large numbers but with a very regimented approach, which promotes safety but for me takes away much of the fun. Like you I don't want to be in the water with hordes of divers. I think though I must take issue with you on one aspect - although there have been accidents and some have resulted from what I would regard as poor planning from the outset, the number is actually quite small compared with the number of divers visiting the site. Neither statistically nor judgementally do I regard the dive as inherently "dangerous".
I am desperately trying to get my own large boat working (engine problems - nothing that lots of money won't solve!) so I can run trips there my way. For rec divers that will be:-
a) divers selected on experience and aptitude (prior training will be available)
b) proper dive plans and briefings, which in any case make the experience more enjoyable
c) one DM/Instructor to no more than 6 divers (ideally 4), plus one.
d) relaxed pace - the distance to be covered is so small there's no need for anything else, and there's no current.
For tech divers it will be whatever is appropriate in all the circumstances, bearing in mind the distance to the nearest chamber.
Interesting article and interesting thread Gaz,
The first time I dived the blue hole, although I personally thouroughly loved the dive, came back from the experience wanting to write an article "the most dangerous guided dive in the world".
Now this was in 97, it was with a dive store on Caulker that began with F, and the air was so bad I shouldnt have dived, the group had divers on their fifth and sixth dive, there was a total of 12 in the group with only two DM's. We dropped under the overhang on the north side and I personally picked up two of the newbies that were descending beolw 55 m because of lack of bouyancy control.
I know that since then there are some much more responsable dive operators that have opened up and service and standards haev increased, but I think experiences such as I had stick in peoples mind for a LONG time and create a reputation that is hard to break.
The blue hole is a signature dive, it is unique, but it needs to be taken very seriously by both operators and clients.
IMHO, the blue hole is worth it. it is a unique dive, there is nothing quite the same in the world, but it needs to be taken seriously.
.
The first time I dived the blue hole, although I personally thouroughly loved the dive, came back from the experience wanting to write an article "the most dangerous guided dive in the world".
Now this was in 97, it was with a dive store on Caulker that began with F, and the air was so bad I shouldnt have dived, the group had divers on their fifth and sixth dive, there was a total of 12 in the group with only two DM's. We dropped under the overhang on the north side and I personally picked up two of the newbies that were descending beolw 55 m because of lack of bouyancy control.
I know that since then there are some much more responsable dive operators that have opened up and service and standards haev increased, but I think experiences such as I had stick in peoples mind for a LONG time and create a reputation that is hard to break.
The blue hole is a signature dive, it is unique, but it needs to be taken very seriously by both operators and clients.
IMHO, the blue hole is worth it. it is a unique dive, there is nothing quite the same in the world, but it needs to be taken seriously.
.
Scuba_John
Guest
The 'crux of the biscuit' as Roatanman has pointed out. In any extreme sport there is always a pit fall. There is a chamber in San Perdo but the logistics of getting back to it is where the shortfall is. 49 nautical miles is a long distance if you are in need of help. The chamber does not assist with other health related issues such as the diabetic who fails to note this when "signing up" or the diver who drank until 3 the night before.
As many have pointed out the "experienced" diver should be a strongly suggested point. Experience is not the only concern in diving the Blue Hole or any other dive to such depth. Equipment and the service of the equipment should also be taking into consideration. The Blue Hole being a depth of over 100ft this diver should be "deep" diver so they will have been presented with most of not all the hazards and remedy's. Most accidents can be prevented on the surface with proper training. I would have to discourage, as I have in the past, anyone who does not know the full risk involved. But lets face facts. Most newly certified divers from The south who head for Cancun or Cozymel end up on a dive at 100ft or greater for their first ocean dive.
Finally as a diver the responsibility does end up in your hands but unless you have all the facts you can not make a informed choice. This is not limited to diving only. In many cases the information that is presented in the Classroom and covered on the exams is quickly forgotten as soon as the feet hit the beach. Whether it is from a live aboard or land based dive opt. You can find all kinds of divers from those who got the live aboard for their first trip to those who have done the live aboard and want a land based version. The common thread here is if they dont know the risk how can the make an informed choice?
On to the Hole itself,
While it is a dive into one of the only features of its kind it should not be treated as something to say "been there done that." Stamps in the book are only nice if you are there to see them. I have been blessed to have been able to do the dive more than several times. The first time was back in 1990 when it was just coming into its own. I have since decided that while it is a nice dive I rather like the following dives in the area much better. As others have pointed out the wall dives around lighthouse or Half Moon are far more exciting and have a far greater chance of seeing diverse wildlife. Would I go again sure, but with a better light but, given the chance I would also rather go to the Shark Hole(pit) for the better picture.
Moral of the thread seems to be.
Look and learn, before you leap on trust and faith, in those around you. It will bite back if you let it.
As many have pointed out the "experienced" diver should be a strongly suggested point. Experience is not the only concern in diving the Blue Hole or any other dive to such depth. Equipment and the service of the equipment should also be taking into consideration. The Blue Hole being a depth of over 100ft this diver should be "deep" diver so they will have been presented with most of not all the hazards and remedy's. Most accidents can be prevented on the surface with proper training. I would have to discourage, as I have in the past, anyone who does not know the full risk involved. But lets face facts. Most newly certified divers from The south who head for Cancun or Cozymel end up on a dive at 100ft or greater for their first ocean dive.
Finally as a diver the responsibility does end up in your hands but unless you have all the facts you can not make a informed choice. This is not limited to diving only. In many cases the information that is presented in the Classroom and covered on the exams is quickly forgotten as soon as the feet hit the beach. Whether it is from a live aboard or land based dive opt. You can find all kinds of divers from those who got the live aboard for their first trip to those who have done the live aboard and want a land based version. The common thread here is if they dont know the risk how can the make an informed choice?
On to the Hole itself,
While it is a dive into one of the only features of its kind it should not be treated as something to say "been there done that." Stamps in the book are only nice if you are there to see them. I have been blessed to have been able to do the dive more than several times. The first time was back in 1990 when it was just coming into its own. I have since decided that while it is a nice dive I rather like the following dives in the area much better. As others have pointed out the wall dives around lighthouse or Half Moon are far more exciting and have a far greater chance of seeing diverse wildlife. Would I go again sure, but with a better light but, given the chance I would also rather go to the Shark Hole(pit) for the better picture.
Moral of the thread seems to be.
Look and learn, before you leap on trust and faith, in those around you. It will bite back if you let it.
pharmguy
Contributor
I have responded to a couple of posts about the Blue Hole and yes I have recommended against this dive for certain people (the newbie on a cruise who only has 1 dayto dive Belize). My experience was based on a trip in Feb 2004 where I dove with Paradise Down from Caye Caulker. If I remember correctly: cattle boat-style (various levels of experience, new buddies, rental gear), dove around 10:30 a.m., 16 divers, 2 DMs, 2 or 3 bull sharks (30+ ft below us but electrifying), 50% of divers had OW only (including myself), 4 or more divers got narc'd (2 minor, 2 were forced to stay around 75 ft for the rest of the dive) and 25% broke 140 ft (myself included). Not exactly what I would consider optimal conditions but the diver must assume responsibility for his/her actions. I did not have to go sub-135 to "notify" a "same ocean buddy" but I figured it was worth it and he might not have responded to a "tank rap".
Had I thought about this I might have weighed the risks a little more. I don't mind being paired with a SOB but I would prefer closer access to a chamber for such an experienced dive.
Marketing this dive for OWs or out-of-experience divers should not be permissable but most shops market this as a must-do dive. For many people this ends up being a logbook dive. I choose it only because it was the only dive available on the particular day and I went to Belize to dive. I assume full responsibility for my actions and I do not regret the dive - but I do not believe that operators should be marketing this site as a must-do dive. While I enjoyed this dive thoroughly I often recommend other sites as I think that they would provide a more Belizean experience (pretty coral, marine life etc) for those who do not have time or the experience-level to do the Blue Hole.
My 2 psi.
True ... my first OW dive was 18+ months after certification to 95ft.Scuba_John:
Scuba_John:
Had I thought about this I might have weighed the risks a little more. I don't mind being paired with a SOB but I would prefer closer access to a chamber for such an experienced dive.
Scuba_John:
Marketing this dive for OWs or out-of-experience divers should not be permissable but most shops market this as a must-do dive. For many people this ends up being a logbook dive. I choose it only because it was the only dive available on the particular day and I went to Belize to dive. I assume full responsibility for my actions and I do not regret the dive - but I do not believe that operators should be marketing this site as a must-do dive. While I enjoyed this dive thoroughly I often recommend other sites as I think that they would provide a more Belizean experience (pretty coral, marine life etc) for those who do not have time or the experience-level to do the Blue Hole.
My 2 psi.
tatonkadive
Registered
Wow! From the sounds of most on this thread, there's quite a few bad experiences out there. For my part I had a great experience!
Not only was I made aware of the dive and precautioned that I should dive at shallower depth first within a couple of days within the dive by the shop that I booked with, but also by the shop that took us out. I also had my certification checked by both shops.
All 6 divers were at least AOW. We had proper boat and dive briefings. And although a few may have gone beyond the recommended 130 feet, each diver is responsible for their own dive plan and the DM did bang his tank for those that went too far below.
My only question was why there wasn't more time spent on a multi-level dive, with the second level being at about 35 feet for say 15 minutes. For the entire dive to be over in less than 20 minutes and returning with over 2000 psi, I thought was a big ol' bummer.
Other than that though, I loved the dive. The vis was great, the DM was attentive, the group was considerate of one another, we didn't see anyone else, and the sharks didn't eat us! The two dives afterwards had really long surface intervals and doves themselves were incredible as far as the marine life and color. It's a bit expensive and it's a really long day, but definitely worth every penny as far as I was concerned.
Not only was I made aware of the dive and precautioned that I should dive at shallower depth first within a couple of days within the dive by the shop that I booked with, but also by the shop that took us out. I also had my certification checked by both shops.
All 6 divers were at least AOW. We had proper boat and dive briefings. And although a few may have gone beyond the recommended 130 feet, each diver is responsible for their own dive plan and the DM did bang his tank for those that went too far below.
My only question was why there wasn't more time spent on a multi-level dive, with the second level being at about 35 feet for say 15 minutes. For the entire dive to be over in less than 20 minutes and returning with over 2000 psi, I thought was a big ol' bummer.
Other than that though, I loved the dive. The vis was great, the DM was attentive, the group was considerate of one another, we didn't see anyone else, and the sharks didn't eat us! The two dives afterwards had really long surface intervals and doves themselves were incredible as far as the marine life and color. It's a bit expensive and it's a really long day, but definitely worth every penny as far as I was concerned.
liberato
Guest
The Blue Hole is usually a package of the dive itself, maybe lunch on that island with the rookery, and wall dives nearby. I don't have anything to add to what has been posted already except to say that the usual follow-up dives are truely world-class (the best I did in Belize) and worth the trip. Even the bird island is amazing if you climb the observation platform above the tree line. Truely memorable.
The Blue Hole dive itself can be better spent snorkling the perimeter. The Blue Hole is not a "must do" dive and that mystique should be dispensed with. Experienced divers will be bored and new divers wanting a "I survived the Blue Hole" T-shirt have no business down there.
It is truely scary to read some of the descriptions here of narced divemasters, new divers without adequate buoyancy control bouncing around beyond recreational limits, and what should be an uneventful 7-minute bottom time dive drifting into a deco dive with single 80s.
The Blue Hole dive itself can be better spent snorkling the perimeter. The Blue Hole is not a "must do" dive and that mystique should be dispensed with. Experienced divers will be bored and new divers wanting a "I survived the Blue Hole" T-shirt have no business down there.
It is truely scary to read some of the descriptions here of narced divemasters, new divers without adequate buoyancy control bouncing around beyond recreational limits, and what should be an uneventful 7-minute bottom time dive drifting into a deco dive with single 80s.
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