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Dean's Blue Hole

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Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)

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Dean's Blue Hole on Long Island is one of the world's deepest marine blue holes, reaching a depth of 202 meters, and stands as a geological phenomenon of global significance. Located in a bay west of Clarence Town, the hole features a circular surface diameter that expands into a massive underwater cavern roughly 100 meters wide. It was formed during past ice ages when lower sea levels allowed rainwater to erode deep vertical shafts into the limestone bedrock. The deep blue color of the interior water creates an impressive contrast with the shallow, turquoise waters of the surrounding bay, which is naturally sheltered by rock cliffs on three sides. Dean's Blue Hole is internationally renowned as a premier destination for free-diving, having served as the site for numerous world-record attempts due to its lack of current and immense depth. For the people of Long Island, the hole is not only a natural wonder but also a place of cultural importance, surrounded by local folklore and maritime myths.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242425252628292929282726
Rain mm2920213674654957751076432

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Dean's Blue Hole can be viewed from the beach or explored by swimming and diving. The clear, turquoise water is inviting for snorkeling and free diving.
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Typical hours
The beach and the blue hole are accessible daily from sunrise to sunset. There are no fixed opening hours as it is a public natural site.
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Photography
Underwater shots are spectacular, especially with a GoPro or waterproof camera. Drone aerial footage also provides impressive perspectives, but be aware of local regulations.
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Time needed
Allow at least one hour for swimming and snorkeling. For divers, half a day is worthwhile to explore the depth of the hole.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with nearby Cape Santa Maria Beach and Columbus Point Monument. Both are on Long Island and offer striking coastal views.
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Getting there
Dean's Blue Hole is near Clarence Town on Long Island. By rental car, the beach is reached via an unpaved road; parking is available.
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Insider tip
Arrive early in the morning to have the blue hole almost to yourself. Local free divers are happy to share tips on the best technique.

Geography

Elevation
-202 m
Coordinates
23.10640, -75.01670

Facts

  • Dean's Blue Hole reaches a maximum measured depth of 202 meters (663 feet).
  • The diameter at the surface ranges between 25 and 35 meters.
  • At a depth of 20 meters, the shaft opens into a cavern roughly 100 meters wide.
  • It is the second deepest marine blue hole in the world, surpassed only by the Dragon Hole.
  • The prestigious Vertical Blue free-diving competition has been held here annually since 2008.
  • The hole was formed via karst processes in limestone when sea levels were lower.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Long Island's Atlantic CliffsLong Island's Atlantic Cliffs2 km · NExplore →
Port St. GeorgePort St. George4 km · NWExplore →
Clarence TownClarence Town4 km · NExplore →
CecilCecil4 km · SEExplore →
Long Island Salt WorksLong Island Salt Works6 km · NExplore →
Deadman's Cay Agri DepotDeadman's Cay Agri Depot8 km · SExplore →
Long Island MuseumLong Island Museum11 km · SExplore →
Addersley's CastleAddersley's Castle12 km · NWExplore →

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 in the town Dean's Blue Hole (1)

Vertical Blue📍 landmark

Vertical Blue is an annual freediving competition held at Dean's Blue Hole on Long Island.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How deep is Dean's Blue Hole?
It is 202 meters deep and was for a long time the deepest known blue hole in the world.
Is it safe to swim there?
Yes, the edge is shallow and protected, but do not swim over the deep hole without experience.
Where is Dean's Blue Hole located?
On Long Island, in a beautiful bay near Clarence Town.
Is it a place for freedivers?
Yes, it is one of the world's best locations for freediving competitions.
Are there parking spaces available?
Yes, there is a small parking area right at the beach access.
Dean's Blue Hole: where is it located?
Dean's Blue Hole is located in Bahamas.
Dean's Blue Hole: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Dean's Blue Hole: why is it worth visiting?
Dean's Blue Hole on Long Island is one of the world's deepest marine blue holes, reaching a depth of 202 meters, and stands as a geological phenomenon of global significance.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

Nassau — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Nassau
The capital and commercial hub of the Bahamas.
Freeport — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Freeport
A city and free trade zone located on Grand Bahama island.
West End — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
West End
The oldest town on Grand Bahama and the island's capital.
Marsh Harbour — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Marsh Harbour
The commercial hub of the Abaco Islands.
Alice Town — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Alice Town
The main settlement on Bimini, known for sport fishing.

History & landmarks

Stairway to Heaven — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Stairway to Heaven
A beautiful snorkeling spot in Exuma.
Thunderball Grotto — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Thunderball Grotto
Underwater cave in Exuma, filming location of a James Bond movie.
Pig Beach — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Pig Beach
An uninhabited beach in Exuma, known for its swimming pigs.
Glass Window Bridge — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Glass Window Bridge
A spot where you can see the dark Atlantic and turquoise Caribbean Sea simultaneously.
Pink Sands Beach — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Pink Sands Beach
A famous beach on Harbour Island with pale pink sand.
Andros Barrier Reef — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Andros Barrier Reef
The third largest barrier reef in the world, perfect for diving.
Lucayan National Park — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Lucayan National Park
A park on Grand Bahama featuring one of the longest underwater cave systems.
Bimini Road — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Bimini Road
Underwater rock formation that some believe is part of Atlantis.

Nature

Ocean Hole — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Ocean Hole
A natural inland lake on Eleuthera connected to the sea.
Tongue of the Ocean — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Tongue of the Ocean
A deep oceanic trench between Andros and New Providence islands.

More places

Mount Alvernia — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Mount Alvernia
The highest point in the Bahamas, located on Cat Island.
Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve
Preserve for the conservation of native plants on Eleuthera.
Eleuthera — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Eleuthera
A long, thin island known for pink sand beaches and pineapple fields.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
The first land and sea park in the world.
Dunmore Town — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Dunmore Town
Historic town on Harbour Island with pastel-colored houses.
Hope Town — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Hope Town
Known for its iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse.
Blue Lagoon Island — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
Blue Lagoon Island
A small private island near Nassau popular for dolphin encounters.
The Cloisters — Dean's Blue Hole (Bahamas)
The Cloisters
Ruins of a 14th-century French monastery.