Saint Herman's Blue Hole National Park

History

The 575-acre Saint Herman's Blue Hole National Park (SHBHNP) was established when S.I. No.109 of 1986 was signed by Hon Dean Lindo, the Minister of Agriculture, on November 23rd, 1986. The park has been managed by the Belize Audubon Society ever since and features the Blue Hole; a sapphire-coloured natural swimming spring and St. Herman's Cave, which is nearly a half-mile long. That same year the park was established, a landscape artist from Pomona, sponsored by CATIE assisted in the design of the visitor used areas and a trail system for SHBHNP.

In 1988 funds from the MacArthur Foundation were used to construct a retaining wall to prevent erosion around the concrete stair way. The first trail form the Blue Hole to the opening of the St. Herman's Cave was also cleared. This trail is no longer in use. The visitor center was opened on May 8th, 1996.

Saint Herman's Blue Hole National Park Features

Refresh your mind and body in this unique park with a swim in the sapphire waters of the Blue Hole, a visit to the subterranean depths of St. Herman's Cave, or a hike on the nature trails with their breathtaking views. The karst topography of the park is a source of wonder with numerous underground streams, sinkholes and extensive cave systems. Above ground, exists a rugged landscape with heights in excess of 200 meters, supporting a myriad of plant life and wildlife. The Blue Hole is a 25ft deep pool, so named because of the color of the water. Changing facilities are close by, as is a scenic picnic area, which is also a great spot for birding. Within the jungle surrounding the Pool is the Hummingbird Loop, an attractive interpretive trail with accompanying guidebook. Unguided, the visitor is able to walk 300 yards into St Herman's Cave to see the awesome stalactites, stalagmites, and other curious rock formations. Flashlights can be rented from the Visitor Center . There are over five miles of trails in the par, which range from easy to difficulty. There are also several picnic spots and a campsite for the more adventurous park visitor.

Fauna and Flora

The Park is home to well over 200 species of birds and is ideal for birding with a numerous open spaces attracting a wide variety of bird life.

Three of the five species of wild cats found in Belize- the Jaguar, Ocelot and Jaguarundi, have been sighted in Saint Herman's Blue Hole National Park. Several other resident mammals, including the Baird's Tapir and Nine-banded Armadillo have also been recorded. The park is easily accessed by car since it is located only 12 miles southeast of Belmopan on the Hummingbird Highway . The park has two entrances; one to the Visitor Center, St. Herman's Cave, Camping Site, Observation Tower and the Crystal Cave, the other entrance leads to the Blue Hole, Picnic Area and Hummingbird Loop. A new trail has been opened, "the Dusky Ant bird Trail", which allows visitors a picturesque, safe walk from the Visitor Center to the Blue Hole, without having to use the Highway.

The Crystalline Cave

The Crystalline Cave is located in the Saint Herman's Blue Hole National Park. A guided exploration into this very spectacular cave system takes you miles through huge caverns that are adorned with spelotems and crystalline formation. Take a walk down the footpath and staircase of the Maya shamans and priests as they journeyed into the underworld Xibalba (a place of fright) where they used the chambers deep within the cave for their ceremonies. See Maya artifacts such as pottery, beads, obsidian knives, and human skeletons that have been calcified in the limestone floor that date back 2000 years.

It is unfortunate, however, that while these intricate cave formations take thousands of years to develop, and historical remnants of the Maya People offer a glimpse of this once flourishing civilization, they can be easily damaged or destroyed. Once they are gone they wil be gone forever.

Visitor's Information and Park Rules

Entrance fees are BZ$2 for nationals and BZ$8 for non-nationals.  Opening hours are 8am - 4:30pm.

To help Belize Audubon Society maintain the park's pristine condition we ask that all visitors observe the following regulations:

General Park Rules

• Please do not harm or attempt to capture any animals or birds.
• Please do not disturb, collect, or remove any plants or trees.
• No fishing or hunting is allowed.
• Please sign in at the warden post.
• Do not litter.  Leave trash in bins provided.
• Cooking is only allowed in designated areas.
• Please do not bring pets to the park.
• No firearms allowed.
• Please stay on the trails.

St. Herman's Cave

• Persons entering the cave MUST be accompanied by an approved guide, and in possession of a hardhat and a flashlight or headlight with two (2) changes of batteries at all times.
• A maximum of (5) five persons including the guide are allowed to enter the Crystal Cave at any one time.
• At all times stay on the designated path/s and keep voices to a minimum to avoid unnecessary impact or disturbance to the Protected Area .
• Do Not Touch, Break or Lean on any cave formation
• The lighting of Fires or Smoking of any form is strictly prohibited within the cave .
• Take only pictures, leave only footprints.

Safety Precautions

• Read waiver form thoroughly before signing.
• Keep your lights and hardhat on at all times, and stay together.
• Watch your heads for low ceiling and hanging cave formations.
• Avoid jumping, which may cause stones to roll.

What to Bring

Our Recommendations are:

Bring sturdy shoes, long sleeved shirt, long pants, insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of water.

All school groups are welcome; please register with our head office in Belize City, prior to your visit.