The Next Adventure

Secrets of the Blue Hole Revealed

It’s wired within our DNA to seek out adventures. Since the beginning of humankind, the thrill of discovery has not only helped us evolve but given us a sense of purpose. We look forward to the next adventure not because we're bored with the current one but because our progression depends on it. Taking the road less traveled, breaking down personal barriers and finding yourself in the process is a part of the human experience.

The fiery motivation to travel and search for the simple purpose of discovery is a trait found in the bravest of people. Like the famous Jacques Cousteau who believed the acquisition of knowledge through exploration was the key to a brighter future. The famed oceanographer first explored Belize’s Great Blue Hole in 1971. Much of the data he collected makes up the information that is known about the marine wonder today.

Forty-Seven years later, the second exploration of the Blue Hole’s depths was conducted by a team of ocean enthusiasts and scientists that included none other than Jacques Cousteau’s grandson - Fabien.

It's a place that we just don't have a road map for..." Fabien Cousteau - the Telegraph interview (2018).

The Discovery Channel globally broadcasted the exciting exploration as Fabien Cousteau, Sir Richard Branson and the youngest female submersible pilot in the world, Erika Bergman marveled at the geological evidence before them.

After more than thirty dives, sonar data was collected to create a 3D point cloud of the Blue Hole’s structure. A road map has been drawn with the explorations of overhangs and caverns -- all to meet the mission’s objective of advancing knowledge for a better tomorrow. The collected data will aid in answering questions like how the Blue Hole was formed and how the face of our planet will look like with the changing sea levels and climate change patterns we are experiencing today.

The next adventure is a step forward from the experience of the last. As we explore, we learn and become better equipped to navigate challenges. Let your sense of wonder guide you to better perspectives, and while you’re at it let it bring you to Belize.

About the Cover

Above the Adventure

As the Blue Hole Exploration happened below, the Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle team watched from above. Call it inquisitiveness or as we say in Belize intafeerin, the scenic view aboard a Maya plane was an adventure within itself.

Watching the support vessels, BELIZE AGGRESSOR III (M/Y BA III) and Research Vessel Brooks McCall (R/V Brooks McCall), fringing the Blue hole was enough to swell the pride of everyone aboard the aircraft.

Added to the excitement of experiencing a bird’s eye view of the Belize Barrier Reef and its length of jewel toned beauty, Maya's Blue Hole tour offers an important perspective on the need to protect the natural wonders of our marine life.

An hour in the air took us over well-known sites like Shark Ray Alley, Turneffe Atoll, the Ocean Freighter Wreck and Lighthouse Reef. Of course, the highlight of the tour is a perfect view of the Great Blue Hole. We watched as hues of turquoise and seafoam green turned into deep navy. We ended the day with a new appreciation for the largest marine sinkhole in the world and the only Blue Hole visible from space!

Experience the Blue Hole from above with Maya

Visit www.mayaislandair.com to book your Blue Hole Tour today.

Written by: Drea Reneau

Photos: Leonardo Melendez