Rest and exploration
After our 13 hour crossing we needed a well deserved rest day and in the afternoon we decided to take the bikes and scooters to explore the surroundings and go to the famous “Dean’s Blue Hole”.
The latter is a natural wonder and one of the most popular destinations in the Bahamas. Located on the island of Long Island, this underwater cave is the deepest known blue hole in the world, reaching a depth of 202 meters. With a circumference of 25-35 meters at the surface, it widens into a gigantic cavern with a circumference of 100 meters at a depth of 20 meters.
Here are some things to know about this impressive destination.
First, the blue hole was named after a local diver called Dean, who discovered the cave in the early 1970s. Since then, it has attracted divers from all over the world who come here either to explore the unique ecosystem and examine its scientific significance or to participate in one of the free diving competitions that take place here.
Then, the crystal clear waters of the blue hole make it an ideal place for swimming and scuba diving or snorkeling. Visitors can experience the thrill of swimming in the deep abyss and bask in the brilliant sunshine that filters through the water. A platform is installed in the center of the body of water for holding competitions, but can also be used for sunbathing.
As you can see, the road conditions are not optimal for the mode of transport we had, but we still covered about 16 km!
Wahoo!
On our return to the marina, we witnessed an extraordinary sight of hungry sharks circling in the water just below our feet. These elegant predators eagerly waited for anglers to throw away the remains of their daily catch. We were amazed by the different species of sharks, easily recognizable thanks to their proximity and their more or less aggressive behavior. It was fascinating to see bull sharks and nurse sharks up close and observe their unique characteristics and behavior. Returning to our boats, we were pleasantly surprised by the kindness of our boating neighbors who offered us our next meal: delicious wahoo, a fish whose catch is very technical. It was truly an experience that left us with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the incredible wildlife that surrounds us.
In Search of the Lucayan People
On the side of Clarence Towne, another attraction worth visiting is the exploration of Hamilton Cave, a millennial cave (500 A.D.) which served as a shelter for the first inhabitants of the region, the indigenous Lucayan people and which, after their disappearance , also served as shelter from tropical storms for Islanders until recently. The cave, which still has unexplored sections, is inhabited by many species of bats that you can observe with your guide if the season allows it.
To visit the cave, you must be accompanied by the owner and guide Mr. Leonard Cartwright who will provide you with the necessary equipment as well as his knowledge of this intriguing place. A pleasant visit for the family.
