| From massive oceanic blue holes to island blue holes hidden in the brush, they are firmly ensconced in both the dive experiences and the legends of the Bahamas. A mythical dragonlike creature called the Lusca is said to grasp the ankles of swimmers and drag them down into the depths. This would refer to the sucking motion of the blue hole as water flows to the ocean on the tidal exchange. Another legend is of mermaids, gentle creature that disappear into the water at even the quietest approach, leaving only a ripple on the surface.Blue holes are found throughout the Bahamas, with Andros leading the list. The Exumas have quite a few as well. They are the result of the reaction between water and limestone, gradually eroding the limestone crust until it collapses into itself. Most, but certainly not all, holes are circular and can reach great depths: 250 to 300 feet is normal, with the deepest recorded to date being 650 feet. Many lead to cavern systems. This type of exploration is suitable only for highly trained divers, but exploring the top levels of a blue hole can be done by any certified diver. |
Photo by Michael Lawrence |
| Precautions involvediving the hole at the appropriate time. As inland blue holes are connected to the ocean, they will suck water in on a rising tide, creating a downward vortex. Visibility becomes lower and they can be dangerous. Diving a hole on a falling tide will be the opposite. Clear ocean water flows into the hole, allowing better visibility and safer conditions. Always consult knowledgeable local operators.TOP SITES Lost Ocean Blue Hole (Nassau/New Providence) About 10 miles east of Nassau, this classic oceanic blue hole is about 80 feet in diameter, is bell-shaped and drops to about 300 feet. Encircled by coral heads and populated by schooling French angelfish, Nassau groupers, reef sharks and southern stingrays, it is appropriate for virtually any certified diver.Crab Cat Crevasse (Southern Exumas) Three separate openings lead into an extensive cave system. Enter at about 20 feet and you will soon find yourself in massive rooms. For safety, stay within sight of light, as the complex system makes it very easy to become disoriented. This is a slowly descending horizontal system. There are a number of other blue holes in the immediate vicinity.Angelfish Blue Hole (Great Exuma) This very accessible blue hole is classic, a 30-foot-wide circular opening in 25 feet of water, it drops at an angle to 90 feet and runs back 400 feet. It is named for the large number of French and queen angelfish calling it home.Ocean Blue Hole (Andros) Different from many, it is an opening in the Andros wall, a spot where the wall has collapsed into a cavern/cave system. This huge system can be approached on many levels. Two primary openings at 60 feet lead into one cavern. Another tunnel leads into a massive room with the ceiling at 140 feet and the floor at 320 feet. For very advanced or professional divers, the Level III dive enters a fracture in the wall at 190 feet, well above the system's maximum depth, and leads into the most complex portion of the system.Dean's Blue Hole (Long Island) Near the south end of Long Island, this is the deepest recorded blue hole, bottomed out by Jim King at 650 feet. It is a special excursion run by Stella Maris. Just inside the shoreline and just off the main road, it is classically beautiful -- clear water, dolphins, sharks and turtles are the rule. |
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