DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Lucayan Indian Burial Ground

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
—°
Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)

Weather…

The Lucayan Indian Burial Ground, located within the Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama, is a site of immense archaeological and spiritual significance. It is situated within one of the world's longest underwater cave systems, which was utilized by the indigenous Lucayan people for centuries prior to European arrival. In 1986, archaeological divers discovered the remains of several Lucayans in Ben's Cave, preserved in the anaerobic environment at the cavern floor. These remains provided crucial evidence regarding the mortuary customs, diet, and physical characteristics of the Bahamas' original inhabitants, who were decimated by 1500 due to Spanish forced labor and introduced diseases. The caves acted not only as sacred burial sites but also as essential shelters during catastrophic hurricanes. Currently, the Bahamas National Trust manages the area, ensuring the protection of both the skeletal remains and the unique anchialine ecosystem. The site serves as a somber reminder of a vanished culture and is accessible to the public via a series of educational boardwalks.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242425252628292929282726
Rain mm2920213674654957751076432

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Lucayan Indian Burial Ground is an open-air archaeological site that can be visited on foot, but access may be limited to protect the remains. Guided tours are often available through local heritage organizations, and visitors must stay on designated paths.
🕒
Typical hours
As a protected archaeological site, it typically opens during daylight hours and may require an appointment for guided visits. Exact times vary, so check with the Bahamas National Trust or local tourism office.
📷
Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but flash photography and close-ups of burial features are often restricted to protect the site. You should always respect posted signs and avoid any disturbance; ask your guide for specific rules.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about 30 minutes to one hour to walk the site and read informational panels. A guided tour may last longer, up to two hours, and provides deeper historical context about the Lucayan people.
➕
Combine with
Combine with nearby beaches and other heritage sites in the Lucayan National Park area. The burial ground is often visited together with the adjacent cave systems and nature trails.
🧭
Getting there
The site is located on Grand Bahama Island, accessible by car from Freeport via the Grand Bahama Highway. Look for signs to the Lucayan National Park; parking is available near the entrance.
💡
Insider tip
Wear insect repellent and comfortable shoes as the site may have uneven ground and insects. Visit early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds, and bring water.

Geography

Coordinates
23.18000, -75.10000

Facts

  • The burial ground is part of Lucayan National Park, established in 1982.
  • Archaeologists recovered six Lucayan skeletons from Ben's Cave in 1986.
  • The underwater cave system spans over 6 miles of charted passages.
  • Lucayan people inhabited the Bahamas from approximately 600 AD.
  • The burials were found in a freshwater lens above the saltwater layer.
  • The site is a major center for studying Pre-Columbian Caribbean history.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Deadman's Cay Agri DepotDeadman's Cay Agri Depot1 km · NExplore →
Long Island MuseumLong Island Museum2 km · SEExplore →
CecilCecil6 km · NExplore →
McKann'sMcKann's7 km · SEExplore →
Dean's Blue HoleDean's Blue Hole9 km · NExplore →
Long Island's Atlantic CliffsLong Island's Atlantic Cliffs11 km · NExplore →
Port St. GeorgePort St. George12 km · NWExplore →
Clarence TownClarence Town13 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is this site located?
It is located within the Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island.
Can you enter the caves?
You can see the cave entrances from observation platforms; access is strictly regulated.
Who were the Lucayans?
They were the indigenous people of the Bahamas before the Europeans arrived.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, park rangers provide information about the history and archaeology of the site.
Is there an entry fee for the park?
Yes, there is an entry fee for access to the Lucayan National Park.
Lucayan Indian Burial Ground: where is it located?
Lucayan Indian Burial Ground is located in Bahamas.
Lucayan Indian Burial Ground: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Lucayan Indian Burial Ground: why is it worth visiting?
The Lucayan Indian Burial Ground, located within the Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama, is a site of immense archaeological and spiritual significance.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
More places in Bahamas →

Nearby cities

Clarence Town — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Clarence Town
The picturesque capital of Long Island.
Deadman's Cay — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Deadman's Cay
A large settlement on Long Island with an airport.
Cecil — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Cecil
A small residential settlement on Long Island.
🗺️
McKann's
A settlement in the middle of Long Island.
Port St. George — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Port St. George
A planned but never fully realized settlement on Long Island.
Simms — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Simms
A settlement in the northern part of Long Island.
Dunmore — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Dunmore
A small settlement on Long Island.
🗺️
Hard Bargain
A small settlement in southern Long Island.
Mortimer's — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Mortimer's
A settlement at the northern tip of Long Island.
Gordon's — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Gordon's
The southernmost settlement on Long Island.

History & landmarks

Cape Santa Maria Beach — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Cape Santa Maria Beach
One of the world's most beautiful beaches at the northern tip of Long Island.

More places

Deadman's Cay Agri Depot — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Deadman's Cay Agri Depot
A transfer point for agricultural goods in southern Long Island.
Long Island Museum — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Long Island Museum
A museum dedicated to the rich history and culture of Long Island.
Livestock Farming on Long Island — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Livestock Farming on Long Island
Long Island is known for its goat and sheep farming, which is an important part of the local agriculture and cuisine.
Long Island (Bahamas) — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Long Island (Bahamas)
An 80-mile long island known for its dramatic cliffs and Dean's Blue Hole.
Long Island's Atlantic Cliffs — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Long Island's Atlantic Cliffs
The eastern coast of Long Island is marked by dramatic cliffs that drop steeply into the Atlantic Ocean.
St. Peter's and St. Paul's Catholic Church — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
St. Peter's and St. Paul's Catholic Church
One of Father Jerome's twin churches in Clarence Town.
Long Island Salt Works — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Long Island Salt Works
A salt operation continuing the island's traditional production.
Addersley's Castle — Lucayan Indian Burial Ground (Bahamas)
Addersley's Castle
The ruins of a house on Long Island, erroneously called a 'castle', dating back to the plantation era.