This project was one of our first major joint efforts that combined several scientists and project studies. The principle focus was on the geologic data collection, overseen by Dr. Robert Dill; however, doppler studies, bacteria studies, sediment sampling, mapping and exploration were all secondary studies performed.

Map 1 is of Belize, showing the location of the cayes, Lighthouse Reef and the other offshore atolls. The inset shows the location of Belize in central America.

One of the great destinations for divers interested in spectacular and rare underwater sites is the 1000 foot diameter "Great Blue Hole of Belize" located on Lighthouse Reef atoll in central America, just 50 miles from Belize City. This feature is similar to the famous cenotes found farther to the north in the Yucatan of Mexico. Yet, it is different. It lies completely submerged in sea water, and as we found, contains unique features, previously undescribed.

The Blue Hole acts as a giant sediment trap. Any particles in the water will sink to the bottom, providing a record of marine and atmospheric environmental changes with time. In this picture a core sample is being retrieved from the deepest part of the bottom, at a depth of 123 msw (408 fsw).

"The Great Blue Hole" located on Lighthouse Reef, an atoll approximately 50 miles east of Belize in Central America is an incredible place to see…and dive. It is the water-bound equivalent to the Acropolis in grandeur and immensity. In 1970 the late Jacques Cousteau explored this natural wonder with two one man submersibles and some relatively shallow diving on scuba. The resulting TV episode became one of the most popular broadcasts of it time.

On our previous visit to Belize in November 1995, we’d heard from Frank Bounting, owner of Belize Diving Services on Caye Caulker and an experienced cave diver, that there was a deep submarine cave at the north end of Lighthouse Reef. On that occasion it was logistically impossible to dive it, since we were based 40 miles away on Caye Caulker. It had been fancifully named "The Abyss" after the film of the same name. Frank had dived the cave to a depth of 73 msw (240 fsw) with Andy Stockbridge, the manager of Lighthouse Reef Resort.

On November 16th 1995, a team of six Cambrian Foundation divers staying at Caye Caulker, Belize, became the first people to reach the bottom of this enormous sinkhole on scuba. The depth was 408 fsw, 123 msw.