St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park in Belize
Not to be confused with the Belize Blue Hole located on the offshore coral reef, St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park is located in western Belize. Situated just outside of Belmopan in Belize's Cayo District, St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the country.
No one is quite sure who Saint Herman was, but this magnificent national park is a popular destination for both visitors and locals alike. St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park measures more than 500 acres (200 hectares) in size and is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including several troops of black howler monkeys. Managed by the Belize Audubon Society, St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park is also home to more than 200 different species of birds.
Inside the park, you'll find two different caves to explore. St. Herman's Cave is great for first-time cavers as the layout is very open, and you won't need a guide. The entrance to the cave is at the end of a well-marked trail just 20 minutes on foot from the park entrance. The other cave is known as the Crystal Cave or the Mountain Cow Cave and is far more challenging. You'll need a licensed guide to help you navigate the vast underground labyrinth that still includes ancient Maya artifacts right where they were dropped more than 1,000 years ago.
The Blue Hole in St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park refers to a large, sapphire colored body of naturally occurring water in the middle of the park. Technically a sinkhole, the water is 25 feet (eight meters) deep and fed by a natural spring. Surrounded on all sides by lush jungle vegetation, the Blue Hole is a great place to enjoy a quick swim on a hot day or a picnic.
The entrance to St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park is just off of the Hummingbird Highway 12 miles southeast of Belmopan. There is a small orientation center at the entrance that includes a map of all the hiking trails. To reach the Blue Hole, you'll need to walk approximately 45 minutes from the main entrance.
If you're visiting St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park and want to explore similar attractions in the region, book your tours with Untame Belize.
Located just a few miles away on the Hummingbird Highway, Davis Falls Inn is a family-owned and operated guesthouse offering clean, comfortable rooms at reasonable prices. The hotel is also a great base to stay if you are interested in touring St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park and other nearby attractions.
