Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Day excursions are priced from about $85 to $200 depending upon your activities.
CAVING
The islands are honeycombed with dozens of limestone caverns and water-filled blue holes,
many only partially explored and mapped. In some, Lucayan Indian petroglyphs add to the
allure. Many caves are also roosts for harmless bats. Use extreme caution if you're explor-
ing without a guide.
Grand Bahama has the world's longest cave system in Lucayan National Park. Permits
are required to dive these caves, while sightseeing adventure excursions are available.
Also see the Blue Holes boxed text on
Click here
.
DIVING & SNORKELING
These are the region's headline acts. The range of sites means that both novice and ex-
perienced divers and snorkelers can enjoy these waters and their exotic occupants. See the
Activities sections in each island chapter, plus the Diving in the Bahamas chapter (
Click
It's possible to walk off a beach on the islands and be within yards of precious livingcoral
teeming with fish. There is a range of operators that will take snorkelers out to a variety of
sites. You may be reminded by the captains not to touch the coral. Don't take offence, as
a mere tap with your fins is enough to kill whole sections of the reef, which then has the
domino effect of wiping out the area's marine and fish life.
If you intend to do a lot of snorkeling or diving, it is worth bringing your own mask,
snorkel and fins, otherwise it is about $15 per day to hire the equipment.
DIVING ORGANIZATIONS
The following organizations are good to know:
Divers Alert Network
(DAN; US 919-684-2948;
www.diversalertnetwork.org
) Offers
divers' health insurance, covering evacuation and emergency treatment.
National Association of Underwater Instructors
(NAUI; in the USA 813-628-6284;
www.naui.org
)
A worldwide diver-training organization; all dive shops should be either
NAUI or PADI certified.
Professional Association of Diving Instructors
(PADI; in the USA 949-858-7234;
www.padi.com
)
A worldwide diver training organization; all dive shops should be either
PADI or NAUI certified.
