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The Bahamas is one of the favorite holiday destinations for the United States (and Canada). It is located just off the coast of Florida and is one of the very few countries that can even be visited on a day trip (there are day trips to the Bahamas from Florida). Tourism in the Bahamas is all about its stunning tropical beaches and its rich pirate history - well, almost. The Bahamas is also famous for swimming with the pigs, for its iguanas, and there are more places to swim than just on the beach.
Just one mile from the beach one can find the stunning inland blue hole called Owl's Hole. The Bahamas may be more famous for its picturesque Dean's Blue Hole, but it also has a number of other lesser-known swimming attractions. The Bahamas are very touristic, but they still have plenty of secluded places that few tourists get to visit.
Owl's Hole - The Bahamas' Undiscovered Swimming Hole
Owl's Hole got its name from barn owls (barn owls are one of the two kinds of owls found on Grand Bahama Island). The owls mate and nest on the many ledges of the cave by the hole. Come in April and May and one may even catch a glimpse of the cute little owlets tucked under the tip of the ceiling.
- Island: Grand Bahama Island
- Named: After Owls Nesting Around The Pool
- Owlets: May See Them In April and May
The surrounding landscapes around Owl's Hole are characterized by Caribbean Pines and are also great for bird watching.
Owl's Hole is a great place to get away from the large droves of tourists in The Bahamas - it is a stunning and secluded place.
The hole was formed when the roof of the cavern collapsed and opened the underground water to the sky. It is around a 15-meter drop to the water and the water is around 5 meters deep. The water level changes depending on the season and the prevailing rainfall levels.
In places, the water is so deep that one can't even see the bottom. There are tunnels leading from the pool that go on for thousands of feet.
It's a long jump, but many people jump in from the top. Be careful with that, one is a long way from help if things go wrong.
Getting To Owl's Hole
Owl's Hole is off the beaten track and can be difficult for people with mobility impairments. It is only accessible with off-roading vehicles (like ATVs, 4x4 vehicles, and mountain bikes). It is also not a common attraction and so the trails are very narrow and small on account of the minimal foot traffic. It can be quite a hike to get to it and one's vehicle needs to have higher ground clearance.
- Off-Roading: One Needs An Off-Roading Vehicle (or Walk)
- Option: Walk The Mile or Two To The Hole
If one doesn't have a vehicle with the ground clearance needed, then one can just drive as far as one can and then walk the rest of the distance. One may have to walk the last mile.
Co-Ordinates:
- Latitude: 26.5877654
- Longitude: -78.469389
Consider Going With A Certified Cavern Diver
Some recommended that one uses the island's guide services to visit Owl's Hole (but it is not required). There are local tour operators offering trips to Owl's Hole, but they can be a bit pricey. Come by oneself and there's a good chance one will have the whole pool to oneself.
There is a ladder in the pool so that one can go down into it and swim. Visitors report that the ladder is strong, but it may be prudent to always have someone on the surface. If the ladder breaks there is no other way of getting out and there is not likely to be anyone else around to help.
One option is to explore the cavern with one of the Certified Cavern Divers found on the island. Experienced cave-certified scuba divers can explore the underwater caves for several kilometers.
Diving: There Are Underwater Caves From Owl's Hole.
- It is possible to add it to a list of prearranged inland cave dives.