Beneath a pine-clad island in Northern Bahamas lies a vast network of underwater caves densely decorated with thousands of beautiful chandelier-like crystal formations for one of the most arresting spectacles you’ll ever witness.
Considered geological marvels, the Crystal Caves of Abaco are made up of four interconnected cave systems beneath the pine forests of South Abaco, with Dan’s Cave and Ralph’s Cave, also known as blue holes, providing some of the most highly decorated caves on earth that have adorned the covers of National Geographic and many others over the years.
Described as "like swimming inside a crystal chandelier” the intriguing formations differ from site to site; from labyrinthine rooms of rich colorful displays, vast caverns of crystal forests and stunning rose-shaped stalactites to crystal pools that look like explosions of candy, the ancient caves underneath these islands are truly like nowhere else on earth.
One of the most impressive features is the crystal-clear waters that flow through the caves, so clear you can see all the way to the bottom of the pools and underground lakes where you can observe fish and other aquatic life swimming about. The water is also incredibly pure, having been filtered through the porous limestone rock that makes up the caves.
Like swimming inside a crystal chandelier
The caves are also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, cave crickets, and blind shrimp. Lucky divers may catch a glimpse of these creatures as they explore the underground tunnels and caverns.
Thanks to a massive conservation drive to stop development on the islands in order to preserve these underwater miracles, the caves and surrounding mangroves, shallow flats and shoreline have now been declared as a nationally protected area.
It should be noted that due to the fragile nature of the caves and technically challenging diving, access is only granted for qualified cavern and cave divers, with a qualified local guide.
If you’re keen to visit the Crystal Caves of Abaco and would like to incorporate it into your Bahamas itinerary, please speak with your preferred yacht charter broker.
To find out more about chartering in the region, check out our in-depth Bahamas yacht charter guide for more information.
