The Bahamas is known for their exceptional diving conditions, and the country’s mysterious underwater caves are no exception.
Cave diving offers a unique challenge to divers compared to reef or deep sea diving. Not for the faint of heart, you will most likely be encapsulated in a sea of darkness due to the lack of light. It should also be noted that there might be no easy escape to the surface in the event of trouble or if you have simply changed your mind.
That being said, the Bahamas is home to a wide variety of caves and blue holes that attract novice and professional divers from all around the world.
One interesting fact about Bahamian cave diving is many of the sites actually begin inland. These blue holes are typically connected to the sea, which makes for an exhilarating and exciting diving experience!
If this is your first time cave diving or if you are a less experienced diver, it may be a good idea to look into one of the many companies in the Bahamas that offer guided expeditions. Below you will find a brief overview of three of the most popular and mesmerizing cave dives in the Bahamas.
HOT BAHAMAS CAVE DIVING SPOT #1: LOST OCEAN BLUE HOLE
Considered one of the best cave dives, Lost Ocean Blue Hole is located off New Providence.
This cave has an opening of 30 feet that leads directly into a deeper vertical cave dive. Lost Ocean Blue allows divers to go roughly 300 feet to the bottom. Keep an eye out for angelfish, groupers, stingrays and nurse sharks.
HOT BAHAMAS CAVE DIVING SPOT #2: ANDROS
In diving circles, Andros is often considered the Holy Grail (pun intended) of blue holes. These natural marvels are particularly common in the southern part of the island, and they have been featured in National Geographic. In the early 1970s, Jacques Cousteau led an expedition to the blue holes of South Andros. There are guided tours of the Stargate Blue Hole and El Dorado.
Dean’s Blue Hole is the world’s deepest known blue hole with an entrance below sea level.
If you feel a bit nervous about diving, you can also take a walking tour of the many blue holes on Andros. Barbs Nature Walk and Blue Hole Tour is an enlightening and perhaps safer way to take it all in, and you can still jump into blue holes for a refreshing dip.
HOT BAHAMAS CAVE DIVING SPOT #3: BEN’S CAVE
You can find Ben’s Cave in the Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama. Daylight can be seen even in the deepest part of the cave, which will make it quite a bit easier to find your way back to the top. It should be noted that an authorized dive master must accompany you.
Diving Ben’s Cave is ideal for the novice, as there is never a point at which you cannot reach the surface easily. While you will see the smaller cave passages leading off the main area, you are not allowed to enter these areas for your own safety.
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