Explore Dean’s Blue Hole: A Bahamas Icon Just a Hop From Sandals Royal Bahamian

For me, a great vacation is equal parts lounging and leaping into the unknown, and Dean’s Blue Hole delivers exactly that. This natural wonder is the kind of place you’ve probably seen in photos or videos, with its deep blue center ringed by soft white sand. Friends might have shared details about the divers who chase the depths here, but even if you’re just floating at the surface, the magic of it stays with you. It’s one of those spots that makes the choice to go feel effortless.

Located in Long Island, Bahamas, Dean’s Blue Hole is one of the deepest blue holes in the world. With stats like that, we wouldn’t blame you for arriving here with high expectations. Fortunately, everything falls into place the moment you see it. From above, it appears as a perfect circle in the turquoise sea, about 100 feet across. Divers from around the globe travel here to test the depths, while those on shore are just as captivated by the view.

If you’re planning a visit to Dean’s Blue Hole during your Bahamas vacation, here’s everything you need to know:

Picture: The all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian can be just the right homebase for a Bahamas vacation filled with exploration.

What Makes Dean’s Blue Hole So Unique?

Dean’s Blue Hole is known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and tranquil ambiance. It’s so peaceful here that it might even seem like you’ve hit the ever-elusive pause button of life. This blue hole is around 663 ft / 203m deep, and over the years, it has attracted both divers and coastal wanders from around the world. Part of what makes it so unique is its depth – it’s the second deepest blue hole in the world. To get a real sense of just how deep it is, it has been said that Dean’s Blue Hole could swallow a 60-story skyscraper, with room to spare!

There are other famous blues holes like this one, and one of the most popular is the Great Blue Hole in Belize. This blue hole is around 124 meters (407 feet) deep, and measures around 318 meters (1,043 feet) across. Much like Dean’s Blue Hole, it is almost perfectly circular. Belize’s blue hole is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, and it’s a must-see for divers in this destination.

Generally, blue holes are said to be formed during ice ages, when sea levels drop dramatically. With the seas pulled back, rain and groundwater carve caves deep into the limestone. Over time, some ceilings give way, creating vertical sinkholes. When the water rises again, these sinkholes flood, becoming the crystal-blue, circular wonders, we now call blue holes.

Where It Is and How to Get There

Dean’s Blue Hole in located Clarence Town, Long Island, Bahamas. Visiting this attraction is one of the top things to do in The Bahamas. During your vacation, you can catch a flight to get here from New Providence Island. Flights from Nassau, New Providence Island take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are a few airlines to choose from including Bahamasair and Southern Air Charter, flying from Lynden Pindling International Airport (Nassau) to Deadman’s Cay Airport or Stella Maris Airport on Long Island.

Once you arrive to the airport in Long Island, Bahamas, you can get a car rental. From there, getting to the beach is fairly straightforward if you follow the signs. The last stretch winds through sandy paths and brush, ending at the edge of an amphitheater of rock and sea. When exploring Dean’s Blue Hole, it’s best to start early and turn it into a full-day trip. The best time to go? Mornings between December and April, when the skies are clear and the water’s glassy.

Can you take a boat to Long Island in The Bahamas

It is possible to take a boat to Long Island, Bahamas, but this is less commonly done as there isn’t a direct ferry service between these two islands. There are other ferry routes you can take to other islands in The Bahamas if you plan to explore more of the territory during your trip. Overall, taking a flight to Long Island is the best option if you want to visit attractions like Dean’s Blue Hole and others as it just gets you there faster.

A Day at Dean’s Blue Hole: What to Expect

There’s something special about walking into the beach area on your way to Dean’s Blue Hole. The views are serene and inviting, and you can’t help but smile at the new discoveries just up ahead. A short walk along the beach, and you’re at the Blue Hole, likely thinking, “It’s so close to shore!”

The beauty of it all gets you right away. You might even find yourself admitting even before dipping a toe in the water that this just might be the coolest thing you’ve ever seen. The natural rock amphitheater feel and white sand beach surroundings bring something to your beach day that you might not have expected, but totally welcome. Not only is swimming and snorkeling possible, but so is cliff jumping (if you’re brave enough) with plenty of room for photo ops.

Without a doubt though, the main attraction is diving into the Blue Hole. Who would want to come this far and not see what this experience is really like? Certainly not me, even if it’s just a few seconds of diving, just to see what it’s really like beneath the waves at this unique attraction.

Now, there are different ways to go about it. You can arrive already with swim-wear on, or you can change when you get there, it’s entirely up to you. It can be much easier though, to come already prepared as much as possible. Once that’s covered, you can simply get your dive gear on and take a gentle walk in.

The drop off at Dean’s Blue Hole is quick, but you’ll have a few moments to get a feel of things first as you walk in. The water is clear and transcendent. If you haven’t had a beach day in a while, you might wonder right away why you’ve been away from the water for this long.

You may even inhale deeply as you soak up the peaceful feeling that often comes with being near the ocean. No matter how long it might have been, that feeling comes back like it never left. And as you take it all in, you’re free to dive, with the possibility of spotting small reef fish, schools of snapper, parrotfish, and angelfish near the edge. Along the rim, you might see coral heads, sea fans, and sponges. With rays and the occasional turtle passing through, this truly is one of the best places to dive in The Bahamas.

Good to know: Dean’s Blue Hole is located within a protected cove, so the surface tends to be calm with gentle ripples. This makes it good for relaxed swimming and floating. Keep the drop off in mind, which is quite near the shore. After that, the seafloor drops hundreds of feet. There are no lifeguards at the blue hole, and strong swimming skills are recommended.

The Thrill of Freediving at Dean’s Blue Hole

Alright, so let’s get to the heart of the matter—free diving at Dean’s Blue Hole. This is the draw for many divers to this location, so much so, that the area has become the home of the annual Vertical Blue freediving competition. Every year, spectators gather here to see some of the best free divers in action, many hoping to see another world record secured. Records like William Trubridge’s come to mind easily for divers who love this sport. Trubridge is a multiple world record holder in various freediving disciplines and operates the Vertical Blue Freediving School and competition at Dean’s Blue Hole.

Aside from the pioneering dives of Trubridge (who even managed a 102-meter dive without fins), many others come to mind. Names like Alexey Molchanov (Russia), Arnaud Jerald (France), Alenka Artnik (Slovenia), Alessia Zecchini (Italy), and Walid Boudhiaf (Tunisia) stand out, diving to the 136m, 125m, 123m, 123m, and 120m marks, respectively.

But, before you just go freediving at Dean’s Blue Hole, let’s put it all into perspective. There are various free diving disciplines; some use ropes, some use weights, and others use fins. Elite free divers can hold their breath for several minutes, 4-5, for maximal deep dives. Record holding free divers like the late Natalia Molchanova was known for holding her breath for nine minutes or more. This aligns with the science that in static breath-hold disciplines (lying still in water), many expert freedivers can reach 7–10 minutes or even longer.

Experience doesn’t entirely take away from the dangers of this complex sport. And for this reason, visitors should refrain from attempting to deep dive at Dean’s Blue Hole, or any other blue hole for that matter, without the proper training and guidance.

Good to know: There are other destinations that are well known for natural attractions similar to blue holes. This includes Mexico and Belize. People sometimes call Mexican cenotes “blue holes” because they’re also vertical, deep, clear-water holes in limestone. But geologists differentiate them based on freshwater vs. saltwater and connection to the ocean.

Nature and Local Life Around Dean’s Blue Hole

With a visit to Dean’s Blue Hole, you’ll be in just the right place to explore attractions like Hamilton’s Cave and Salt Pond in Long Island, as well as visit local eateries for a taste of Bahamian cuisine. This is an excellent spot to learn more about the wildlife and underwater ecosystems of The Bahamas, soak up cultural tidbits and get to know more about local legends along the way.

While you’re on Long Island, make time to wander through Clarence Town, the island’s capital on the east coast. Back in 2010, the census counted just 86 residents here. Today, it remains a small but lively settlement with a marina, a couple of restaurants, a grocery shop, a pub, and a community centre.

Across the island, the total population of Long Island is estimated at around 3,094 people, based on census data and recent reports.

Insider Tips for Visiting Dean’s Blue Hole

Calm waters and a refreshing stillness only begin to capture the magic of Dean’s Blue Hole. Many divers first hear about it early in their journey, and that spark of curiosity never fades. With history, nature and adventure meeting beneath the surface, this is a place that pulls you in. If you’re planning a visit, here are a few things to keep in mind:

● What to pack – When heading to the blue hole in The Bahamas, you’ll want to bring along things like snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes.

● Safety tips – Skip night swimming at Dean’s Blue Hole, and take care when walking the narrow, rocky path down to the water.

● Guide support – Go with a local guide and follow their lead to keep the experience safe and smooth.

● Pet friendly – Furry friends are welcome, but keep them on a leash for safety along the trail.

● Dive coverage – If you plan to dive, consider travel insurance that includes adventure activities.

Why Dean’s Blue Hole is Worth the Trip from Nassau

Dean’s Blue Hole stands out for both its depth and accessibility, making it well worth the journey during your time in The Bahamas. If you’re staying in Nassau and looking to add an off-the-beaten-path adventure to your itinerary, this is a great choice. Visiting a site like Dean’s Blue Hole takes you beyond the busier attractions and into a setting where you can truly feel the soul of the islands. Getting there from Nassau is straightforward, as the city serves as the hub for travel to many of The Bahamas’ Out Islands.

Long Island itself is a destination you won’t want to miss. It has that castaway vibe that lets you slow down and take it all in. While exploring, you’ll also find other highlights worth visiting, from historical landmarks to the natural wonder known locally as the shrimp hole in Bight, Long Island, a freshwater spring that’s a rewarding find after a short walk.

Extend the Experience with Sandals Royal Bahamian

An all-inclusive escape to The Bahamas is a dream for many travelers. With over 700 islands and cays forming this lush, tropical archipelago, it’s easy to see why the region continues to capture hearts. Whether you’re drawn by legendary dive spots like Dean’s Blue Hole or simply want to relax along sun-kissed shores, The Bahamas always delivers a reason to return.

Picture: At Sandals Royal Bahamian, island adventure blends with indulgence and laid-back good times.

For vacations that make it effortless to balance exploration and nightlife, Sandals Royal Bahamian stands out. This Nassau resort offers the perfect island reset while keeping in tune with the rhythm of Bahamian culture. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, explore the city’s lively scene, and return to a resort with themed restaurants, stylish bars, and even a private offshore island. Nassau is easy to reach with direct flights from many U.S. cities into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). From there, it’s just a 15-minute ride to the resort. Airport transfers are included with your stay at Sandals Resorts, with Rolls Royce transfers available for select top-tier suites.

Picture: Refresh at the spa after a day of discovery. Whether you’re chasing romance, relaxation, or all-inclusive ease, you’ll find it beachside at Sandals Resorts in The Bahamas.

Bonus: Other Blue Holes in The Bahamas

As The Bahamas sits on a massive limestone plateau, conditions here are ideal for the formation of blue holes, and there are several (over 200) surrounding the islands in the territory. Here are a couple that you can visit while in The Bahamas:

Hoffmann’s Cay Blue Hole, Berry Islands, Bahamas

The dark blue waters of Hoffmann’s Cay Blue Hole and its wide, open feel can seem a little intimidating at first, but this spot is one of the most famous blue holes in The Bahamas. With lush greenery all around, you can dive or take the leap from the cliffs. Hoffmann’s Cay has a calm, quiet vibe, and its layout is quite different from Dean’s Blue Hole since there is no white sand to stretch out on, just a thick frame of trees.

It might take a little courage to make that first jump, but once you do, the water is inviting. The hole is ringed by trees, and you might spot turtles, jellyfish, or other marine life below. Even with that said, marine sightings are limited here. Oysters though, are abundant.

Along the edges of Hoffman’s Cay Blue Hole, there are ledges where people often climb or rest, and some of the biggest ones are used for jumping in. These ledges also give a touch of shade and feel a bit like open caves at the water’s edge. Hoffmann’s Cay is around 30–40 ft (9–12 m) deep and 600 ft wide.

Captain Bill’s Blue Hole, Andros (Blue Holes National Park)

Captain Bill’s Blue Hole is again, another almost perfectly circular blue hole. You’ll find this tranquil blue hole tucked into Andros’ pine forests. There’s a shady boardwalk and gazebo where you can take what locals lovingly call the “Leap of Faith”, a jump of about 15 ft into calm, freshwater. If you prefer to just ease in, you can also take the stairs. At this site, there’s a staircase that’ll lead you right into the water. Captain Bill’s Blue Hole is over 100 ft deep, and there’s a floating dock here that makes exploring a little more convenient.

Skip the Crowds & Go Deeper at Dean’s Blue Hole in The Bahamas

Attractions like Dean’s Blue Hole prove that the Bahamian experience isn’t just about nightlife and shopping. Sure, you can find incredible all-inclusive beach resorts, restaurants, and lively places to take in some entertainment, but the real pull of this destination is discovering. And when you really think about it, the untouched is often more rewarding.

As someone who calls the Caribbean home, I can tell you this that Dean's Blue Hole is one of those locations what you see is exactly what you get—and in the best way possible. Step into its crystal-clear waters and it feels as if time slows, yet keeps moving at just the right pace. The clouds mirrored on the surface, the greenery blending into ocean blues, the dive-ready wonder of it all… proof that this is the kind of place vacations are made for.

Insider tip: Once you’ve gotten your fill of this adventure, cap your day off with a soul-replenishing Bahamian sunset, then retreat to your all-inclusive resort in The Bahamas. Rest, dine (multiple restaurants available), and reflect on all the things that make The Bahamas simply irresistible.

Picture: From all-inclusive island indulgence at Sandals Royal Bahamian to wonder on Long Island—it’s all part of one beautiful story.

FAQs: Dean’s Blue Hole, The Bahamas

How deep is Dean’s Blue Hole?

Dean’s Blue Hole plunges to 663 feet (203 meters), making it one of the deepest blue holes in the world.

Where is Dean’s Blue Hole located?

It’s found just west of Clarence Town on Long Island, Bahamas—part of the southern Out Islands.

How do I get to Dean’s Blue Hole from Nassau?

Take a short domestic flight from Nassau (Lynden Pindling International Airport) to Stella Maris or Deadman’s Cay, then a car ride to the site.

Can I visit Dean’s Blue Hole from Sandals Royal Bahamian?

Yes! It's a great day trip adventure. The resort’s concierge can help coordinate flights and transportation.

Is it safe to swim in Dean’s Blue Hole?

Yes, but only for confident swimmers. There are no lifeguards, and the depth drops quickly. Stay close to the edges if you’re not diving.

Is Dean’s Blue Hole suitable for beginner snorkelers?

Absolutely—visibility is excellent, and you can spot marine life near the rim. Just don’t venture too far into the deeper center.

Are there any guided tours available to Dean’s Blue Hole?

Yes, several local operators offer guided trips including snorkeling, sightseeing, and cultural stops on Long Island.

Is there an entry fee to visit Dean’s Blue Hole?

No, it’s free to the public and open year-round.

When is the best time to visit Dean’s Blue Hole?

December through April offers the best weather and visibility, though it’s accessible year-round.

What should I bring for a trip to Dean’s Blue Hole?

Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (reef-safe), snorkel gear, water shoes, drinking water, and a waterproof camera for epic shots.