Cave Diving in Grand Bahama
Cave diving in Grand Bahama is a once in a lifetime experience that feels like a dream come true. Located in the Bahamas, it is the northernmost island and fourth largest among a chain of around 700 other islands. The capital city of this exotic island is Freeport which serves as the commercial hub and has the major airport terminal.
In order to be part of this enchanting adventure, you need to make necessary preparations. Firstly, you need to get a dive certification. If you are scuba certified, it will help you save on a lot of time, effort and money. Secondly, research on information about dive shops on the island. Plan on what kind of dive you wish to go; there are plenty kinds to choose from. With plenty of information on the Internet, organizing a list of agencies and contacting them to book a dive will surely help in creating the best itinerary; leaving you with more time to absorb the spectacular views of the ocean and mountains.
Cave diving is a popular choice of those thrill seeking divers who love to experience beyond the ordinary. Beneath the whole island of Grand Bahama, you will discover the world of thriving marine life and an artistic network of caverns, caves and tunnels.
The inhabitants of caves inland are typically that of remipedia and blind cave fish species; which do not pose to be a threat to divers. The rainwater that seeps through the limestone (which is porous in nature) forms the surface water of these caves. At levels below 25 to 30 feet you will be able to see a clear distinction between fresh and salt water. Where the two meet, you will be able to observe a clear cut line or halocline, which makes any object in that area seem to be blurred.
Cavern tours on the island, offer open-water certified divers an extraordinary experience to explore mystical transition zones or halocline, underwater jungles of stalactites and stalagmites and prehistoric fossils in the coral reef. The three cavern zones that welcome divers are:-
• Ben’s Cavern – nestled in the Lucayan National Park, this cave system is considered as one of the easier dives. It presents a softly illuminated space adorning features like the halocline, calcite crystals, coral reefs and speleothems.
• Mermaid’s Lair – is a cave meant for divers who love to explore beyond boundaries. The entrance to the cave is through what looks like a pond. Once you enter you will find yourself in a huge clearing surrounded by cave patterns that can be no less than a natural masterpiece.
• Owl’s Hole – is exclusively for experienced divers as it is a 40 feet descent to the cave entrance. Considered to be the island’s largest ambient light zones, this cave has amazing views of untouched halocline and spectacular vistas towards the cave entrance.
The island is also well known for “blue holes” – which are gateways in the reefs that allow you to descend within; transporting you to a magical space encircled by coral reef wall on all sides. It is important to be an experienced diver, as strong currents can push and pull through these holes.
The Grand Bahama is exclusively a diver’s destination. It is considered one of the top dive sites in the world. It’s stunning and thrilling cave systems and marine life creates a serene yet dramatic experience for exploring divers; leaving a permanent imprint in a diver’s log book.
