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Explore The Caves and Caverns of Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas

Explore The Caves and Caverns of Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas

The Bahamas are a wonderful place for cave exploration. The caves found on Grand Bahama Island offer a variety of caving experiences, ranging from those that are suitable only for very experienced divers and spelunkers to those that are readily accessible to explorers of all skill levels. Each and every cave has its own special beauty and is worth visiting, especially for those with a special interest in geology.

Lucayan Nation Park is home to a vast network of underwater caves and caverns. It is, as of yet, not completely mapped, but many experts believe that this geological marvel could well be the largest network of its type, not only in the Bahamas, but also in the world. Of the caves and caverns that have been mapped, there are a few tourist favorites that stand out from the rest. Though, it should be noted that dedicated spelunkers and divers may well find the less traveled caves and caverns to have many characteristics and qualities that place them above those that the tourists have made well known.

In the park's Burial Mound Cave, remains of the island's original inhabitants, the Lucayas, were found. Scuba divers are able to view stalagmites and stalactites, in addition to many eye-catching rack formations. Ben's Cave is the only cave where diving is still permitted, and is only open to experience and well trained divers. The Mermaid's is a popular underwater cavern suitable for exploration by skilled scuba divers. It is definitely not a place for beginners.

The difference between a cave and cavern is that in a cavern, you can still see light and you can usually see the exit. Caves are deep and dark, extending often far beyond the entrance point and underwater cave exploration requires advanced diving skill. Zodiac Caverns can be explored by chartering a boat to bring you to their entrance.

One of the most well known cave and cavern tour providers is the Blue Holes Foundation. Stephanie Schwabe, one of the few female cave divers in the world, formed this non-profit organization, with her husband, the famous cave diver Rob Palmer, who passed away not too long ago, for the purpose of mapping and exploring the underwater caves and caverns of the Bahamas. The foundation offers a variety of tours to parties of up to ten people.

Safety is one of the most important concerns when exploring underwater caves and caverns. It is essential to make sure that you use quality equipment in good working order, and you'll need to be experienced enough to be able to determine this for yourself. It is important not to overestimate your abilities and to stick to adventures and explorations that are within your skill level and comfort zone. Choose reliable and knowledgeable guides, using in-depth research to choose tour providers that are reputable and have a good safety record.

Keeping those thoughts in mind, you'll be sure to have a positive and amazing experience exploring the underwater caves and caverns of the Bahamas. You'll see rare and unusual marine life and geological formations. Cave and cavern exploration in this region is sure to be an unforgettable journey.

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