Blue Hole Bonanza 

The steady ba-bump in my chest was beating like a bass drum…

I couldn’t remember how many times I already checked my handles, but what else was I going to do?!! I closed my eyes and visualized jumping from a plane with no land anywhere in sight for an intentional water landing into a shark-infested world heritage site 80 km/50 miles off the Belizean coast. What could possibly go wrong? Did I get a gear check before boarding? Oh yes, I did. And I gave several. Ok. Focus on breathing.

“The whole experience was almost beyond words – it was a strange, surreal blend of disbelief and awe” 

Sara Kutcher

I reached back and checked my pilot chute was firmly in place. I’d already watched Rich’s pilot chute come out when he went forward to talk to the pilot. We collectively stopped him on his way and made sure we tucked it back in. As if we weren’t already going through every possible scenario in our minds of what could go wrong, no need to add a premature opening to the mix. He nonchalantly went back to spot in the door as if he’s done this a few times. Oh right, he has done this a few times. Fifteen times he’s done this. This would be number 16. Right. Relax. Did I check my handles?

 I looked around inside the plane. There wasn’t the usual chatter, fumbling with cameras, or adjusting straps. Everyone was quietly sitting, staring ahead, or eyes closed, pondering that they were about to jump from a plane at 14,000 feet above sea level (literally) and intentionally land in the sea. Hopefully, inside the Great Blue Hole. Oh, and remember, we’re all here because we wanted to do this, and we paid to do this!

“This was the most magical jump of my life!” 

 Jessica Rabe

Let me take a step back. This amazing experience, often described as the greatest single skydive you’ll ever do, first happened 20 years ago when Rich Grimm had the wild idea in 2005 to skydive into the Great Blue Hole. It’s a World Heritage Site, surrounded by a ring of razor sharp and protected coral, and has a few sharks inside. It was a challenge to initially obtain permission to make this skydive, and remains very much so. It took a lot of scouting trips, meetings with Belizean aviation officials, hotels, scuba diving operators, plane owners, riggers, and crazy (beyond normal) skydivers to say, “yes, take my money!”

That became the first Tsunami Skydivers Exotic Boogie, and they’ve been going strong for 20 years. The Tsunami “Tribe” was born in 2005, and people were hungry for more. The jump was so popular that Rich kept going back every year from 2005 – 2011. He’s also got a personal connection, because he got married to Kristine at the SunBreeze hotel on Ambergris Caye/San Pedro island in 2005. It’s a “2-fer” with both his marriage and Tsunami Skydivers Exotic Boogies celebrating a “china anniversary” for 20 years, going back to where it all started.

“Being on the first Blue Hole jump in 2005 has always been my favorite skydiving memory. This 20th anniversary jump, coincidentally on my 70th birthday, will always be my other favorite memory. Thanks Rich, and everyone who has shared this experience, for keeping this going!” 

 Fred Lindquist

Everyone arrived in Belize City and caught a small puddle jumper flight for the impressive 15 minute flight out to Ambergris Caye/San Pedro Island. You quickly realize that you are heading towards the vast ocean. You see small islands, fishing boats, water taxis, and a LOT of ocean. The airport on the island is literally across the street from the SunBreeze hotel. But even in the few short moments walking there, you are greeted with a full frontal assault on all your senses. The electric buzz of countless golf carts, the smell of delicious pork, seafood, and local spices, the rainbow of colors advertising cocktails, meals, golf cart rentals, and the warm ocean sun kissing your skin.

We received the notification that the weather prediction was perfect for the jump to happen Monday. Today was Saturday. That gave everyone the opportunity to unpack, put on flip-flops, shorts and sunglasses, and explore. Nearly everyone stopped first at the restaurant bar to indulge in the delicious fish tacos, ceviche, and a local speciality “Panty Rippa” (coconut rum with pineapple juice over ice!). 

After getting our bearings, there was a welcome dinner and introduction at Estel’s by the Sea, a local favorite dining establishment with arguably the best breakfast anywhere. They didn’t disappoint for dinner and pulled out all the stops to put on a barbecue that would make any BBQ blue ribbon winner’s mouth water. The different savory meats melted in your mouth as they’d been slow cooking for hours under the careful eye of the owner. 

Rich introduced the support crew, reminded everyoone about the general plan, and asked everyone to show up at the Amigos Del Mar dive shop Sunday morning to sign waivers, get fitted for scuba and/or snorkeling gear. He’s worked with this dive shop the entire time, and they are pros at handling crazy skydivers. Sunday aftrernoon was the mandatory jump briefing, helpful suggestions to make the jump easier, general reminders about what to do/not do, review of water landing procedures, directional features of the coral to help with your orientation once landing direction is known (more on that below), and a general check on everyone’s nerves. The excitement sparkled as people started to mingle, making new friends and enjoying catching up with old friends. 

This boogie takes an exraordinary amount of coordination. Rich organizes with local aviation officials to get skydiving permission in general, and authorization to bring a plane down from the US. Rich started the Belize Skydive and Parachute Association, which is recognized by the Belizean civil aviation authority, along with an accepted set of safety rules specifically for Blue Hole Jumps. He stays in regular communication with these officials to keep open the possibiity for the Blue Hole jumps to continue. 

He convinces a plane owner to bring a plane down. He coordinates with the National Audobon Society, which manages the Great Blue Hole since it is a World Heritage Site, to get the permits and swear on his life that no one will damage the coral. It is a $25,000 fine if you do. He gets a few gritty riggers to show up that are willing to clean everyone’s gear over many days and get it field packed so you can get it home and to a rigger for another check and repack. Thankfully he has a great connection with the SunBreeze hotel and several local eating establishments. And of course, you need a ride home from the Blue Hole. But if you go to the effort of jumping in, you might as well have a look around. 

That means that Amigos Del Mar dive shop sends out a scuba boat, along with a recovery boat at 5 am to make the 3-hour boat ride out to the Blue Hole. Meanwhile on San Pedro, all jumpers meet at 7 am for a group breakfast, a final briefing, and to check on gear and our nerves. Once the dive boats arrive, they use a satellite phone to call back to the dive shop with the weather conditions and where they will anchor inside the hole, so people know which way to land. Once Rich gets that information, he then proclaims, “It’s ON!” and it’s time for load one to gear up! I think everyone made at least one more quick dash to the restroom. Did anyone sleep well last night? I guarantee you are wide awake now.

Which brings me back to jump run… How many times have I checked my handles, six times? It doesn’t matter, I reach for them again to feel the calm reassurance. I look down right and grab my cutaway handle then I look down left and grab my reserve handle. Peel punch right, peel punch left and arch. The comfort of practice brings me back to the present. We’re over the Blue Hole now and the pilot makes a slow left hand circle so everyone can look out and see it. From 14,000 feet it still looks big. It’s nearly 1,000 feet in diameter, 400 feet deep, and a darker shade of blue than the multitude of turquiose splashes around it. Rich opens the door and uses his expertise, years of skydiving, and many jumps to spot the perfect exit spot. 

“The pilot was amazing!”

 Chris Forrest

Now it feels very real. There’s no time for nerves; remember your basics, arch on exit, take your time to approach the formation. Oh, who am I kidding?!! This jump is about the canopy ride and soaking it up. I think everyone had at least 2 different cameras attached running on the highest quality settings. In that first moment when you exit, and look out at just how vast the ocean is, and there is no land anywhere, you definitely have a very high pucker factor. 

“When I opened my canopy, I wished I would have pulled earlier – towering cumulus to the west, reflecting on the calm ocean. Beautiful beyond words!” 

Ray Ferrell

When you are in the saddle and start looking around, you cannot at first fathom the depth of what you’ve just done, or are about to do. The palette of blues and greens seems infinite. On our jump, there were gorgeous clouds and almost mirror-smooth seas, which reflected the sky into the water, making the whole scene even more breathtaking. Everyone lined themselves up for the requisite selfie with their wrist-mounted camera held high to look down on themselves in their rig, and the Blue Hole underneath. For the adventurous souls confident in their canopy skills, you might try to find your friend(s) and fly nearby to yell and shout your emphatic joy about this enchanting moment. 

But you need to remember all your skydiving skills and land IN the Blue Hole, or it doesn’t count. Trust me, I know. (This is for another story, because this jump was all about redemption for me!) Once you see where the boats are, you remember the unique coral features to help orient yourself and start thinking about your pattern. I think everyone wished for a paraglider at this point, because we wanted this canopy ride to last forever.

After all the excited yells and laughs and fist pumps into the air, it’s time to land. I disconnect the RSL and remember the four landing priorities. Treat this just like any other landing and whatever you do, DO NOT FREAK OUT! You have no choice BUT to commit to the water, and flare normally. The instant you first touch water is jolting, refreshing, and wild since you’ve most likely never landed in water before. Once that first splash is over, you are amazed at how buoyant your rig is with the air trapped inside your reserve canopy. 

My head never went under water. My canopy gently collapsed like an accordion in front of me and for the most part the air inside kept the top skin above water and dry. I yelled at the top of my lungs, relieved with joy that I landed safely, and IN the Blue Hole. I watched as the other canopies gently touched down, heard the ecstatic screams of my fellow adrenalin junkies, and waited my turn for the rescue boat to glide over as welcome hands reached down and helped pull me and my wet gear aboard.

The rest of the day is spent in a hazy fog of laughter, celebration, and smiles. Some people put on scuba gear and made the 140 foot dive into the Blue Hole while others snorkeled around the gorgeous coral and sea life. We went to a spot near Half Moon Caye for a second scuba and snorkel session, before stopping at that island for a delicious lunch and excursion to avoid stepping on the abundant hermit crabs and see the amazing bird sancutary from a tower built in among the trees. It’s a 3-hour cruise back home from there, and the rum punch helps pass the time. But honestly, after such an adrenalin-packed day, no one wants it to be over. 

If you ever get the chance, make sure you join Rich and the “Tsunami Tribe” to experience the jump of a lifetime into the Great Blue Hole.

“The most unforgettable aspect of the trip was the people. Every single person brought a positive, genuine energy that embodies our community. Everything about this trip was pure magic. Looking back now, I can’t Belize we pulled it off! ” 

Eric “Watermelon” Proctor

Blue Hole 2025 Video

Edit by Casey Pruett