Belize Audubon Society News

St. Herman's Cave

The Belize Audubon Society (BAS), co-manager of the St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, today announces the re-opening of the St. Herman’s Cave which is located within the national park. The St. Herman’s Cave was closed in early March to address a safety issue involving two collapsed rocks weighing approximately 400 - 500 pounds each. One of the two rocks had completely eroded from its connection with the cave ceiling and remained connected only by a piece of formation.

The marking of the trail is to encourage and support the use of one trail to minimize the level of damage in other areas of the cave.

The first rock of concern has been removed through the assistance of the Institute of Archaeology (IoA), Mr. David Larson and Mr. Brian of Xibalba Mapping & Exploration Team, Mr. Marcus Cucul, a tour guide and the BAS staff at the St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. The team also assisted in closing of the areas where the second rock is located and a new route had to be developed.

This new route is about 450 to 475 yards into the cave just before approaching Area B, which is the area closed off, and is clearly marked with tape up to the exit. The marking of the trail is to encourage and support the use of one trail to minimize the level of damage in other areas of the cave. The Belize Audubon Society urges all tour guides and visitors to remain within the trail. Tour guides are also reminded to adhere to all regulations and keep within the boundaries for the conservation of the cave and maintenance of its integrity. These regulations include the Cave Regulations and Safety Guidelines as is established in the Cave Policy developed by the Institute of Archaeology (IoA).

Staff of the St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park will be available at the visitor’s center to brief guides and visitors on the new route, trail to be used and cave regulations to be abided by. Tour guides can access the Cave Regulations and Safety Guidelines at the Institute of Archaeology (IoA), St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park visitor’s centre or via email at cayoparks(at)belizeaudubon.org.