Inland Blue Holes
The inland blue holes of Andros are some of the most unique and mysterious aquatic caves in the world. New sites are still being found while exploring their cave systems has barely begun.
Inland blue holes have the same origin as ocean blue holes, however, they differ in many ways. Inland blue holes do not "blow" and "suck" as Ocean Blue Holes do. Therefore, diving them at particular times of the tide is not a factor. The level of water will rise and fall with the tide but no current is produced.
A unique feature of the inland blue hole is the layer of fresh water that literally sits on top of the salt water below. Debris from the surrounding trees fall into the blue hole which then decays resulting in a build-up of tannic acid and hydrogen sulfide in the water. This reduces the surface visibility to almost zero at times. As you descend through this layer of fresh/brackish water you will pass through the mixing zone or halocline into the salt water which instantly becomes crystal clear. Stalactites and beautiful flowstone can be seen in these caves which are evidence that they were once dry and above sea level.
Inland Blue Hole Dives
Guardian Blue Hole
The surface water of the Guardian is fresh and gets progressively saltier the deeper it goes until it actually reaches ocean salt water. The visibility ranges from 10-30 feet in upper levels due to decaying vegetation but becomes crystal clear around 90 feet.
The dive is along a permanent line penetrating 400 feet in. Along the way you will pass a beautiful wall of stalactites. On the way out, the passageway will look as if it is snowing from above due to our exhaust bubbles knocking sediment off the ceiling of the cave.
This blue hole was named after a barracuda who once lived in this blue hole. This dive is nothing short of unbelievable.
One or Two persons
Distance: 40 minute drive, 5 minute brush walk
Maximum depth: 140 feet
The Little Frenchman
We follow a permanent line through maze of passage ways from the entrance at the north side of the cave then exit at the south end. It is an amazing traverse.
The surface water is fresh down to approximately 40 feet. This water is also brown in color due to the tannic acid which is given off from the decaying vegetation which has fallen into the blue hole. Visibility is sometimes down to 2 feet but once we break into salt water at 50 feet it becomes absolutely clear. An awesome adventure!
One or Two persons
Distance: 40 minute drive, 10 minute brush walk
Maximum depth: 170 feet
Stargate Blue Hole
Stargate Blue Hole was the primary location of the 1987 International Blue Holes Project. A National Geographic Explorer Documentary was filmed here describing the scientific collecting of stalactites used to date the times and water levels of the ice ages. This blue hole is also the first site where a remote operated vehicle and closed circuit re breather were used in the Bahamas to explore a cave system.
Stargate, located in South Andros near Congo Town, which is only accessible by plane, is beautiful above and below the surface. The entrance of the blue hole is hidden inside a grotto and down twelve feet from a ledge, level with the ground. The grotto is surrounded by tropical scrub trees, while inside stalactites are found hanging from the ceiling.
We will swim north passing incredibly beautiful and large stalactites and flow stone formations. This is a magical blue hole not to be missed. Additional transportation fees apply for this dive.
One or Two persons
Distance: 60 minute plane trip and taxi
Maximum depth: 120 feet
El Dorado Blue Hole
El Dorado Blue Hole was also part of the 1987 International Blue Holes Project. Several famous cave divers have explored this blue hole such as George Benjamin, Sheck Exley, Tom Mount, and Rob Palmer.
It is located in South Andros, and part of the South Andros Blue Holes National Park. This provides easy access, just a little stroll through the bush medicine trail.
Ladders provide easy entry and exit from the blue hole. We will descend down to 90 feet, which will give us plenty of bottom time, heading north into the opening light of the other blue hole, Rat Bat Lake (yes, that's the name of the lake). And then back around to our entry point.
The end of the dive is indescribable - the water, light, formations and sulfur layers create stunning, and beautiful imagery that will stay forever with you. Additional transportation fees required for this dive.
One or Two persons
Distance: 60 minute plane trip and taxi
Maximum depth: 90 feet
