Grand Bahama Dive Forecast – January 2013

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he cool dry winter has brought very calm weather and water. The reef is very active and visibility will not fail to impress. However, January is my favorite month for a special inland dive to add to the list of the open water dives: Ben’s Cavern at the Lucayan National Park.

Ben’s Cavern is an island blue hole with a dramatic entrance and “air clear” fresh water sitting on top of salt water. Used from the early settlers, the Lucayan Indians, as a source for fresh water, it was later explored and became one of the longest cave systems known in the world. To complete the cavern tour it is only required to be an Open Water Diver with a minimum of 20 dives, guided only as per National Park regulations.

The gigantic formations of stalactites and stalagmites cross the boundaries between fresh and salt water, tiny creatures float seemingly lifeless in the recess of the cavern and curios snappers follow the divers around. While the entire dive is a discovery through decorations and the history of the island, the final part is breathtaking with a swim towards the exit lights and the safety stop among sunrays creating rainbows over the entire floor of the cavern.

FORECAST BY: Cristina Zenato, Dive Department Supervisor
The International Underwater Explorer’s Society, Ltd. (UNEXSO)
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
(242) 373-1244 or (800) 992-DIVE
www.UNEXSO.com

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