Diving in the bahamas - The Bahamas - page 39

exactly guaranteed, the outfit claims a success rate of 80%. The dolphins are never forced
to do anything they don't want to, and they are never rewarded with food.
Diving in the Biminis is not limited to dolphin encounters:
» Bimini Barge Wreck buffs should explore this magnificent barge, sitting upright in about
90ft near the edge of the drop-off.
» Sapona The wreck sits half in and half out of the water and is surrounded by a smorgas-
bord of reef fish and decorated with a kaleidoscope of delightful corals and sponges.
» The Wall A sensational, high-voltage drift dive in the nutrient-rich Gulf Stream, over the
edge of the continental shelf.
» The Strip A colorful night dive along a strip of reef surrounded by sand.
» Bimini Road An unusual site with a double line of large, neat square slabs, said to be the
remnants of the legendary civilization of Atlantis.
BLUE HOLES
Blue holes are water-filled sinkholes that can occur inland or under the sea. The
Bahamas, especially Andros, is famous for numerous, massive and mysterious
blue holes, some of which make for fantastic diving. Among the best-known
holes are Long Island's Dean's Blue Hole (at 663ft, the world's deepest ocean
hole), inland Andros' stalactite-filled Stargate , Abaco's Dan's Cave , and
Grand Bahama's Owl's Hole . Many inland holes have elaborate subterranean
tunnels leading to the sea, so don't be surprised if you see a rogue shark or sea
turtle in what looks like a country pond! Because the water at the bottom of the
holes lacks oxygen, organic matter like ancient fish skeletons can remain pre-
served for ages, making many blue holes rich archaeological troves.
CAT ISLAND
Less-visited Cat Island is a true gem, with numerous untouched sites for those willing to
venture away from the tourist areas. The dramatic seascape is the main drawcard, with an
outstanding vertical wall that borders the south end of the island. It is peppered with nu-
merous chasms, coral canyons, sandy valleys, gullies, faults and swim-throughs. Pelagics,
especially sharks, regularly patrol the area. There are also elaborate shallow reefs and coral
gardens inside the reef.
Recommended sites:
» Hole in the Wall An L-shaped channel in the wall, teeming with snappers, groupers,
jacks and lots of soft and hard corals.
» The Trench An impressive groove in the reef, with an exit over the vertical wall.