Blue Hole National Park

BLUE HOLE NATIONAL PARK
The Blue Hole National Park, protected under the National Parks System Act of 1981, was established in December 1986. Located 12 miles southeast of the nation's capital, Belmopan, are the three park entrances. BHNP includes an area of some 575 acres, covered with primary and secondary forest growth. From its northern boundary, the Hummingbird Highway, this rugged karst landscape quickly rises to elevations in excess of 200 meters. Through and under BHNP flow some of the upland tributaries of the Sibun River, one of Belize's principal watercourses. Much of this central area of Belize is limestone of Cretaceous age and includes such karstic features as underground streams, rivers, sinkholes, cenotes and extensive subterranean cave systems. The principal attractions at BHNP are the Blue Hole and St. Herman's Cave. BLUE HOLE The Blue Hole is a popular recreational spot where water on its way to the Sibun River emerges from its subterranean journey into the base of a collapsed karst sinkhole. The sink itself is said to be about 100 feet deep and is roughly 300 feet in diameter. The pool, about 25 feet deep, is of a beautiful sapphire color, for which the area is named. After a short exposed run through luxuriantly covered embankments, the stream disappears once more into a siphon, the top of a large underwater cavern. The domed shape of the opening creates an unusual echo chamber effect. The sparkling water, chilled by a long underground journey, has an invigorating effect and, during the hot, dusty months of summer, the pool is enjoyed by thousands of Belizean and foreign visitors. ST. HERMAN'S CAVE This cave is located 400 meters from the Hummingbird Highway and may be reached by following a track that forms the western border of the reserve, or by a rugged hiking trail from the Blue Hole. The nearest of the three known entrances to St. Hermanns Cave is impressive - a large sinkhole, 60 meters wide, funneling to a 20 meter entrance to the cave. Concrete steps, constructed over the steps made by the Maya who used the cave during the Classic Period (0-900 A.D.), lead into the darkness. As the cave is approached, a surge of cool, damp air can be . felt, contrasting to the high temperatures outside. The cave has archaeological importance. Pottery vessels, used for the collection of "Zuhuy Ha" or virgin water from cave drippings, along with spears and torches, have been removed from St. Herman's Cave for study by the Department of Archaeology in Belmopan. Thanks to the Belize Government, permission has been granted to BHNP visitors, admitting them to St. Herman's Cave without the usual permits required for entering caves. Permission must still be obtained from the Department of Archaeology to enter Mountain Cow and Petroglyph Caves, which are beyond the border of the BHNP. FAUNA Mammals Three of the five species of wild cats found in Belize, the jaguar, ocelot and jaguarundi, have been sighted within the boundaries of BHNP. Other mammals include: tapir, collared and white-lipped peccary, tamandua (anteater), paca (gibnut), squirrels, coati (quash), opossum, white-tailed and brocket deer, kinkajou (nightwalker), bats and armadillo. Black howler monkeys have been heard from time to time but have not been seen within park boundaries. Reptiles lguana, green snake, blacktail snake, fer-de-lance, coral snake and boa constrictor have been recorded in BHNP. Birds BHNP 'is home to well over a hundred species of birds. For the experienced birdwatcher, a complete list of birds known to the southern hardwood forests of BHNP can be found in the Checklist of the Birds of Belize (by Wood, Leberman and Weyer) available through the Belize Audubon Society in Belize City. Such unusual birds as the slaty-breasted tinamou, spotted woodquail, black hawk-eagle, white hawk, crested guan, keel-billed toucan, blue-crowned and tody motmot, slaty-tailed trogon, lovely cotinga, nightingale wren and red-legged honeycreeper, will please novice and experienced birders alike. TRAILS Secondary low forest, rich in lime-loving spedes, can be observed by a rugged hike over the "Nature Trail” to St. Herman's Cave, originating behind the changing cabana by the main entrance, or the "hummingbird exit" trail. For those seeking a more restful walk to the cave, we suggest you take the road by the pasture on the southeast side of the park, as the two other trails involve steep ascents and descents. Visiting hours are 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. every day. For your comfort, we suggest sturdy walking shoes be worn if you plan to hike the trails, long sleeved shirts and long trousers, insect repellant, binoculars and cameras for birding, and flashlights for those who wish to enter the caves. Swimming and picnicking facilities are located by the main entrance. To keep this area as an enjoyable spot for everyone, visitors are asked to cooperate with the park management by observing these reserve regulations: Remember that all wildlife is protected in this park. Please do not disturb, harm, or attempt to capture any animals or birds. Please do not disturb, collect or remove any plants or trees. Lock up your vehicles properly while hiking the trails or using the pool. Do not climb the rock face overlooking the pool. For your own safety, overnight camping is not allowed. Do not litter. Please leave trash in litterbins. Cooking is allowed only at designated areas. No fires should be lit along the trail. Please do not bring pets into the park as they interfere with the wildlife. Firearms are not to be taken into the park. Please stay on the trails and steps. Please do not destroy or vandalize the facilities provided. Thank you, BELIZE AUDUBON SOCIETY

BLUE HOLE NATIONAL PARK

The Blue Hole National Park, protected under the National Parks System Act of 1981, was established in December 1986. Located 12 miles southeast of the nation's capital, Belmopan, are the three park entrances. BHNP includes an area of some 575 acres, covered with primary and secondary forest growth. From its northern boundary, the Hummingbird Highway, this rugged karst landscape quickly rises to elevations in excess of 200 meters. Through and under BHNP flow some of the upland tributaries of the Sibun River, one of Belize's principal watercourses. Much of this central area of Belize is limestone of Cretaceous age and includes such karstic features as underground streams, rivers, sinkholes, cenotes and extensive subterranean cave systems. The principal attractions at BHNP are the Blue Hole and St. Herman's Cave.

BLUE HOLE
The Blue Hole is a popular recreational spot where water on its way to the Sibun River emerges from its subterranean journey into the base of a collapsed karst sinkhole. The sink itself is said to be about 100 feet deep and is roughly 300 feet in diameter. The pool, about 25 feet deep, is of a beautiful sapphire color, for which the area is named.

After a short exposed run through luxuriantly covered embankments, the stream disappears once more into a siphon, the top of a large underwater cavern. The domed shape of the opening creates an unusual echo chamber effect. The sparkling water, chilled by a long underground journey, has an invigorating effect and, during the hot, dusty months of summer, the pool is enjoyed by thousands of Belizean and foreign visitors.

ST. HERMAN'S CAVE
This cave is located 400 meters from the Hummingbird Highway and may be reached by following a track that forms the western border of the reserve, or by a rugged hiking trail from the Blue Hole. The nearest of the three known entrances to St. Hermanns Cave is impressive - a large sinkhole, 60 meters wide, funneling to a 20 meter entrance to the cave. Concrete steps, constructed over the steps made by the Maya who used the cave during the Classic Period (0-900 A.D.), lead into the darkness. As the cave is approached, a surge of cool, damp air can be . felt, contrasting to the high temperatures outside.

The cave has archaeological importance. Pottery vessels, used for the collection of "Zuhuy Ha" or virgin water from cave drippings, along with spears and torches, have been removed from St. Herman's Cave for study by the Department of Archaeology in Belmopan. Thanks to the Belize Government, permission has been granted to BHNP visitors, admitting them to St. Herman's Cave without the usual permits required for entering caves. Permission must still be obtained from the Department of Archaeology to enter Mountain Cow and Petroglyph Caves, which are beyond the border of the BHNP.

FAUNA
Mammals
Three of the five species of wild cats found in Belize, the jaguar, ocelot and jaguarundi, have been sighted within the boundaries of BHNP. Other mammals include: tapir, collared and white-lipped peccary, tamandua (anteater), paca (gibnut), squirrels, coati (quash), opossum, white-tailed and brocket deer, kinkajou (nightwalker), bats and armadillo. Black howler monkeys have been heard from time to time but have not been seen within park boundaries.

Reptiles
lguana, green snake, blacktail snake, fer-de-lance, coral snake and boa constrictor have been recorded in BHNP.

Birds
BHNP 'is home to well over a hundred species of birds. For the experienced birdwatcher, a complete list of birds known to the southern hardwood forests of BHNP can be found in the Checklist of the Birds of Belize (by Wood, Leberman and Weyer) available through the Belize Audubon Society in Belize City. Such unusual birds as the slaty-breasted tinamou, spotted woodquail, black hawk-eagle, white hawk, crested guan, keel-billed toucan, blue-crowned and tody motmot, slaty-tailed trogon, lovely cotinga, nightingale wren and red-legged honeycreeper, will please novice and experienced birders alike.

TRAILS
Secondary low forest, rich in lime-loving spedes, can be observed by a rugged hike over the "Nature Trail” to St. Herman's Cave, originating behind the changing cabana by the main entrance, or the "hummingbird exit" trail. For those seeking a more restful walk to the cave, we suggest you take the road by the pasture on the southeast side of the park, as the two other trails involve steep ascents and descents. Visiting hours are 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. every day. For your comfort, we suggest sturdy walking shoes be worn if you plan to hike the trails, long sleeved shirts and long trousers, insect repellant, binoculars and cameras for birding, and flashlights for those who wish to enter the caves. Swimming and picnicking facilities are located by the main entrance.

To keep this area as an enjoyable spot for everyone, visitors are asked to cooperate with the park management by observing these reserve regulations:

Remember that all wildlife is protected in this park.
Please do not disturb, harm, or attempt to capture any animals or birds.
Please do not disturb, collect or remove any plants or trees.
Lock up your vehicles properly while hiking the trails or using the pool.
Do not climb the rock face overlooking the pool.
For your own safety, overnight camping is not allowed.
Do not litter. Please leave trash in litterbins.
Cooking is allowed only at designated areas. No fires should be lit along the trail.
Please do not bring pets into the park as they interfere with the wildlife.
Firearms are not to be taken into the park.
Please stay on the trails and steps.
Please do not destroy or vandalize the facilities provided.

Thank you, BELIZE AUDUBON SOCIETY

This information is furnished courtesy of the Belize Audubon Society