Dean's Blue Hole
Dean's Blue Hole
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
316 reviews
Excellent
235
Very good
58
Average
15
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Martin E
Beaufort, United States6 contributions
Dec 2022
This is a unique spot and one that you will not forget. From cliff diving to deep snorkeling it is worth a visit. Could not believe it is free, and so accessible
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
S F
Vancouver, Canada660 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
December always brings to mind the surreal, magical & surprisingly untouched by commercialism, Dean’s Blue Hole (DBH), the deepest saltwater underground cave, at 663 ft, in the world, located in the warm climes of Long Island in The Bahamas.
Why? Well, first it is warm in December when much of the northern hemisphere is fairly cold, often deep in snow. Arguably, it is one of the most perfect vacation spots for those who want to get away from the commercialism which appears to stretch across significant parts of the world in this last month of the year. Most importantly, it is truly magical, sublime & surreal, offering clear blue waters, superbly adjacent to a beautiful, white sandy Atlantic beach.The deep hole is filled with all manner of sea creatures, which include seahorses & turtles
The water in DBH of an amazing clear blue hue,& its abundant sea life makes it perfect for snorkeling. It is also great for beginner swimmers. There is a rocky partway up a cliff from which to jump into the enticing water below, albeit it takes something of an adventurous spirit to take the plunge but worth it.
My first encounter with this surreal place was in December 2011, when I had won a swim camp training trip for raising the most money for an hour- long swim marathon I had participated in to raise funds for KidsSport. The two week swimming & training was terrific & this visit to DBH was a highlight. There are no businesses clustered around the hole, giving the spot a feeling of serenity, alongside its magical quality.
Underground caves are found around the world but DBH stands out from all others.
Geologists believe these awe-inspiring sinkholes result from underwater erosion, where limestone has been eroded through a combination of chemical reactions.
I spent a part of my childhood in Zambia, near the Congo border, where there was a very deep sinkhole nearby.
Knowing one was swimming at the top of such depth was always exhilarating as a child.
DBH is king of all sinkholes.
It also attracts free-divers from around the world, who come to meet the challenge of going to great depths without diving equipment.
Talk about holding one’s depth & breath!
Getting to Long Island is relatively easy, with Nassau, The Bahamas’ capital, well served by a number of international airlines. From there one takes a small plane to Long Island.
Book accommodation as one cannot easily find it if one leaves it until arriving.
Posted by S Fuller
Why? Well, first it is warm in December when much of the northern hemisphere is fairly cold, often deep in snow. Arguably, it is one of the most perfect vacation spots for those who want to get away from the commercialism which appears to stretch across significant parts of the world in this last month of the year. Most importantly, it is truly magical, sublime & surreal, offering clear blue waters, superbly adjacent to a beautiful, white sandy Atlantic beach.The deep hole is filled with all manner of sea creatures, which include seahorses & turtles
The water in DBH of an amazing clear blue hue,& its abundant sea life makes it perfect for snorkeling. It is also great for beginner swimmers. There is a rocky partway up a cliff from which to jump into the enticing water below, albeit it takes something of an adventurous spirit to take the plunge but worth it.
My first encounter with this surreal place was in December 2011, when I had won a swim camp training trip for raising the most money for an hour- long swim marathon I had participated in to raise funds for KidsSport. The two week swimming & training was terrific & this visit to DBH was a highlight. There are no businesses clustered around the hole, giving the spot a feeling of serenity, alongside its magical quality.
Underground caves are found around the world but DBH stands out from all others.
Geologists believe these awe-inspiring sinkholes result from underwater erosion, where limestone has been eroded through a combination of chemical reactions.
I spent a part of my childhood in Zambia, near the Congo border, where there was a very deep sinkhole nearby.
Knowing one was swimming at the top of such depth was always exhilarating as a child.
DBH is king of all sinkholes.
It also attracts free-divers from around the world, who come to meet the challenge of going to great depths without diving equipment.
Talk about holding one’s depth & breath!
Getting to Long Island is relatively easy, with Nassau, The Bahamas’ capital, well served by a number of international airlines. From there one takes a small plane to Long Island.
Book accommodation as one cannot easily find it if one leaves it until arriving.
Posted by S Fuller
Written 13 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sandra H
Nassau, New Providence Island12 contributions
Jul 2022
Finally got to visit this world-famous blue hole and it was great! Got the nerve to cliff jump and it was so much fun.
Visibility for snorkelling is better in the morning so try to visit around 10 am.
Visibility for snorkelling is better in the morning so try to visit around 10 am.
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nathan
McKinney, TX4 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
This was the best part of our trip. You can spend the day hanging out on this beautiful beach, cliff jumping and diving. When we went it was very low traffic so we had most of the place to ourselves.
Written 6 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Recio Y
Beverly Hills, CA37 contributions
Jan 2022
Our TV Film crew had a wonderful time filming at this magnificent location and swimming here!!! The views are breathtaking and the water is so warm and inviting! I highly recommend you coming here!!!
Written 16 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bri-Bri-TO
Toronto, Canada249 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
We were really surprised at how great the snorkelling was here. Lots of fish school around the lip of the hole. If you snorkel off to the right into the sandy grass, there are lots of rays and turtles too.
It’s best when the sun is out, so the depths of the hole are a bit more visible and you can see more of the beautiful fish.
As other people have mentioned, snorkelling around/over the hole is the main attraction, but the beach itself is also amazing. You’ll stay longer than you expected to.
It’s best when the sun is out, so the depths of the hole are a bit more visible and you can see more of the beautiful fish.
As other people have mentioned, snorkelling around/over the hole is the main attraction, but the beach itself is also amazing. You’ll stay longer than you expected to.
Written 2 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kayakerdiane
Denver26 contributions
Nov 2021
We snorkeled at the Blue Hole and enjoyed the experience. It was so surprising to find this exceptional feature at the end of a bumpy dirt road and with no businesses there to exploit visitors. It's very cool.
Written 13 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pat d
Maryland Line, MD423 contributions
Jul 2021
Visited July 2021. Nice place for a visit. Not over the top but a nice visit. There was a competition going on during our vist.
Written 27 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lynda M
Madison, Ms, USA46 contributions
Jul 2021
This is a beautiful place with great views and lots of beach to see. One word of caution. A small cruise ship has started coming to the island. At the moment it’s on Thursdays. We were there one day when they were setting up for the cruise tour to come. It would be a good idea to know the days they come because it could get really busy.
Written 19 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GRZ
Chicago, IL9,150 contributions
Jun 2021
I find it ironical that was lucky enough to visit the Great Blue Hole on the day of my birthday in the same year I was able to visit this long overdue beautiful destination of Long Island, Bahamas the home of the Dean's Blue Hole - I guess it's the year of the BLUE HOLES :) definitely a more positive twist after COVID 2020!
I am no free diver, or by no means a great swimmer, I grew up by the Baltic Sea where we had strong waves but no huge depths etc. so I must say seeing the Dean's Blue Hole underwater at first freaked me out - it took me a while until I decided to swim to the above the water platform :) I felt very accomplished haha the sand is like 45 if not more degrees literally the moment you step into the water, if you aren't comfortable with the water/do not how to swim absolutely do not attempt to get any further away then the edge of the circle - the view from the top hides pretty well what can be shown underneath.
If you don't swim, or if you don't dive, is it a must? Absolutely! This is one of the most beautiful and unique things not only in Long Island, Bahamas but also Caribbeans and worldwide - coming to Long Island, Bahamas and not visiting the Dean's Blue Hole is like goin got Chicago and not seeing the Sear's Tower or Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower - you know it's a tourist attraction but it's a great spot no matter what your background is, it's a "landmark" here despite being under underwater beauty!
If you come here don't just stop for the Blue Hole, do take advantage of the beautiful beach here as well - which makes this location even more surreal - I am still asking myself how is this deep blue hole next to such a shallow beach, somewhat separated from the ocean!? Life is amazing, Earth is amazing!!
TIP: the road from paved turns into sand/dirt road - don't get discouraged, we had a small passenger car and we were perfectly fine
TIP: no restrooms, food/drink to buy - come prepared
I am no free diver, or by no means a great swimmer, I grew up by the Baltic Sea where we had strong waves but no huge depths etc. so I must say seeing the Dean's Blue Hole underwater at first freaked me out - it took me a while until I decided to swim to the above the water platform :) I felt very accomplished haha the sand is like 45 if not more degrees literally the moment you step into the water, if you aren't comfortable with the water/do not how to swim absolutely do not attempt to get any further away then the edge of the circle - the view from the top hides pretty well what can be shown underneath.
If you don't swim, or if you don't dive, is it a must? Absolutely! This is one of the most beautiful and unique things not only in Long Island, Bahamas but also Caribbeans and worldwide - coming to Long Island, Bahamas and not visiting the Dean's Blue Hole is like goin got Chicago and not seeing the Sear's Tower or Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower - you know it's a tourist attraction but it's a great spot no matter what your background is, it's a "landmark" here despite being under underwater beauty!
If you come here don't just stop for the Blue Hole, do take advantage of the beautiful beach here as well - which makes this location even more surreal - I am still asking myself how is this deep blue hole next to such a shallow beach, somewhat separated from the ocean!? Life is amazing, Earth is amazing!!
TIP: the road from paved turns into sand/dirt road - don't get discouraged, we had a small passenger car and we were perfectly fine
TIP: no restrooms, food/drink to buy - come prepared
Written 18 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
615native
Nashville, TN35 contributions
Is it easy to get reliable transportation to Dean’s Blue Hole? Our cruise offers a package but we thought it might be better to just get transportation on our own. Definitely don’t want to get stranded though.
CaribbeanDiana
North Carolina633 contributions
I don't think that would work well. We rented a car for the week we were there and Dean's Blue Hole is a long way from anything else - pretty much out in the middle of nowhere. (Which we loved.)
To be honest, Long Island is a quiet island that is not set up well for cruises, and I, frankly, hope cruise line companies don't make it a regular stop.
Hi!
I'm travelling to Long Island on November and I'd like to get some recommendations about the hotels and the food in the area. I'd be glad if anyone could share some experiences. My main purpose on this trip is to go freediving in dean's blue hole. Is there anyone who provides for example scuba diving equipment or anything related? I dont have a freediving partner with me so it would be nice to have safety diver with me. Please tell me if you have any experience with these concepts!
With kind regards,
Miro S.
Finland
Beth B
Bel Air, MD83 contributions
does anyone have a high resolution photo of deans blue hole? I only had my phone camera and now I am trying to recapture the great memory for my family. It was the last big trip before the kids have "moved out of the nest" and I would like to enlarge a photo to maybe 4' and frame it and make it the focal point of our living room. Any help welcome!
thanks Beth
Beth B
Bel Air, MD83 contributions
Need high resolution picture of Deans Blue hole- Long Island was the last family vacation we took before our kids "left the nest". Jumping off the cliffs and snorkeling at Deans Blue Hole was the highlight of trip. I want to recapture that memory by enlarging a photo to about 4' then frame it and make it the focal point of our living room. My photos are not high enough resolution to blow up that large. Do you have any suggestions where I might find that crisp a photo or a photographer to contact?
andrea l
Rome, Italy10 contributions
Salve. Mi chiedo esistono delle escursioni che ti portano a vedere questo posto? Da dove partono? A chi ci si deve rivolgere? Grazie.
How can you get to Deans Blue Hole from Great or Little Exuma?
Walksalotbend
Bend, OR35 contributions
You'll have to fly to Long Island. There are two airports - Dean's Blue Hole is at the south end of the Island. Stella Maris Airport is the one at the North end and it's at least an hour drive from north end to south end of the island.
How far is Dean's Blue hole from Nassau Bahamas?
Jeanette W
23 contributions
You'd need to fly to Deadman's Cay on Long Island with Bahamas Air. Then catch a cab to Dean's Blue Hole.
Dean's Blue Hole is on the Bahamas Out-Island ... Long Island.
RobyletheMLG
San Jose, CA
How much does it cost to go to dean's blue hole
Shelley M
Burlington, Canada156 contributions
Free to visit Dean's Blue Hole.
Indirect costs would include: getting to Long Island, Bahamas and renting a car to get to Dean's Blue Hole, accommodation, food for the day
It cost us $80 USD to rent a 4 wheel drive for 1 day (last week). Gas is expensive on the island as well.
There could be day trips that take you there from Stella Maris Resort or possibly Cape Santa Maria Resort.
DEAN'S BLUE HOLE (Clarence Town) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Dean's Blue Hole
- Hotels near Dean's Blue Hole:
- (0.78 km) Cottage At Dean's Blue Hole - Walking Distance To The Blue Hole!
- (0.85 km) Beach House At Dean's Blue Hole - Walking Distance To The Blue Hole!
- (0.88 km) House of Blues at Deans Blue Hole
- (5.34 km) Gems At Paradise Beach Hotel
- (2.67 km) Winter Haven Inn
- Restaurants near Dean's Blue Hole:
- (11.55 km) Max's Conch Bar & Grill
- (1.54 km) Lloyd's Restaurant And Sports Lounge
- (4.93 km) Lighthouse Point
- (14.05 km) Seaside Village at Jerry Wells
- (11.71 km) the forest 2