Bahamas Swim Camp - The Sea Hiker's Guide to the Blue Hole
Bahamas Swim Camp Day 3 - The Sea Hiker's Guide to the Blue Hole
As expected there was "oohing" and "aahhing" and then the obligatory camera grabbing. While some headed for the water, the more adventurous began to plan their cliff jumping expedition - there was definitely something for everyone here.
Dean's Blue Hole is the deepest in the world, measuring 660 ft (202 metres) in depth. With a diameter of 82-115 ft (25-35 metres) near the surface it consumes your vision as your snorkel above it. And then at about 65 ft (20 metres) below the surface the hole widens into an astonishing 330 ft (100 metre) diameter. It's easy to experience a strange sense of vertigo and free falling as you take in all that is below you.
After everyone had settled down and come to terms with our surroundings, we began our swim lesson along the beach, and away from eerie distractions of the Blue Hole. We wanted to ensure everyone felt comfortable being so close to a 200m deep end. We continued with our underwater stroke drills and body rotations, building on what we had learnt in the previous days and swimming along the shore line for most of the morning.
For lunch, we headed to Max's Conch Bar, a world famous road side establishment, known for its amazing conch salad as well as its eclectic decor. Despite being our fourth day on the island, we were still yet to adjust completely to 'Island time', and as we waited for our food, we were serenaded by Caribbean and Reggae renditions of such holiday classics as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Back to the Blue Hole for an afternoon adventure in the Blue Hole itself.... a mecca for freedivers. Freediving or breath hold diving is one of my passions and I was very happy to share this amazing place with other water enthusiasts.
As we set up by the pontoon, I explained some of the basics of equalising, taking breath and what they could expect to feel throughout their bodies at depth. Everyone had a chance to descend the line to experience some new sensation, and most jumped at a second chance to try it again.
The afternoon went by quickly and we were all able to relax and enjoy the ocean. Some continued to play in the deepest hole they're ever likely to see, while others happily chased fish and splashed about. Those eager to keep swimming headed off along the shore line, safe inside the breaking waves of the Atlantic ocean's swell. And a few could be seen wandering along the sand looking for shells.
By the end of the day, we were certainly tired out but happy with our new found skills. And as we looked forward to another sunny day in the Bahamas and more swimming adventures we knew it had been a special day.
Next post: Day 5 - Cape Santa Maria