With the amazing 150 limestone cave systems Bermuda has nearly as much to explore underground as it does above. In fact, spelunker’s (cavers) are drawn from throughout the globe to delve into the maze of cave systems and find out a fantasy realm of stalactites and stalagmites, underwater caverns and grottos and crystal clear blue pools.
Most of Bermuda’s caves are found to the east of the Island between Harrington Sound and Castle Harbor and gives possibilities for all stages of cave explorers. Professional cavers can explore to their heart’s delight and reach some of the more untouched sections of the caves. Some sections of the caves also are underwater giving experienced cave divers the chance to explore more hard to reach areas only seen by the lucky few.
Even so, there are many caves with inland openings allowing easy access to this subterranean world. If you do decide to visit some of Bermuda’s caves, it’s worth remembering that some require access by way of a series of steps and that the cave floor can be wet, so wearing correct shoes or boots are advisable.
- Prospero’s and Cathedral Caves - These two caves can be found in the grounds of the Grotto Bay Beach Resort allowing visitors residing at the hotel limitless access. The main feature of the Cathedral Cave is a huge aqua blue lake fed by sea water leaking through fissures in the permeable limestone rock. A platform along side the lake allows visitors to take the plunge into its depths. For those not so keen on taking a dip the cave is well lit and has viewing platforms where to take in the cave’s beauty. Prospero’s Cave was the earliest cavern to be found in 1609 by Sir George Somers and was initially named Island Cave. It was later renamed to Prospero’s Cave. Tourists to this cave will likely be treated to magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations that rival those found in Cathedral Cave. Both caves are believed to be linked by underwater passageways.
- Crystal Caves - Perfectly located at the Hamilton Parish, the amazing beauty of the gorgeous rock formations in Crystal Caves ensure it is one of Bermuda’s top points of interest. Pontoons hovering on really clear underground lakes take you on a journey around a cave packed with spectacular shimmering white stalactites engrossed in crystallized soda straws. A site truly befitting of the name Crystal Caves. A glance into the subterranean lake will reward you with a stunning image of underwater rock formations seemingly just inches underneath the surface. These are in fact over 50 feet below the water’s surface but appear much closer as a result of clarity of the water in the lake. Crystal Cave is discovered quite by accident in 1905 by two local boys, Carl Gibbons and Edgar Hollis, when they went searching for a lost cricket ball. Whilst tourists to the caverns today enter using a specifically constructed entry, you can still see the hole where the boys very first entered the caves.
- Fantasy Caves - The Fantasy Caves are sister to the Crystal Caves and it’s easy to combine your caving outing to add a trip to both caves. The Fantasy Caves are just as exceptional as the Crystal Caves and offer tourists views of dazzling rock formations that look like frozen waterfalls. This effect is due to years of calcite mineral deposits building up on the walls creating some stunning effects. Looking down into the lake you will also begin to see the beginning of the passage ways linking the cave with the Atlantic Ocean.
- Devil’s Hole - The Devil’s Hole can be described as large sink hole formed when a subterranean oceanic cave collapsed. The blue hole this created now acts as a naturally formed aquarium where you can see a variety of native marine life. Angel fish, green moray eels, jacks, sharks and the Bermuda green turtle can all be viewed from specially built viewing platforms. The Devil’s Hole is one of Bermuda’s oldest tourist attractions and has been on the list of things to see since 1834. The local’s named it Devil’s Hole due to the eerie noise made by the sea water entering and leaving the hole making a sound like the moaning of the Devil.
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