Ben's Cave is an ancient cave that is home to rare species, fossilized marine life and intriguing natural features. The cave is one of the entrances to an extensive underwater system, which includes 6 miles (10 kilometers) of surveyed tunnels. Admire the deep blue waters from the viewing platform inside the cave or head farther into this eerie underwater world by arranging a scuba diving excursion.
The cave is named after famed local diver Ben Rose, who co-discovered a new species here in 1982. Named remipedia, this rare species resembles a swimming centipede, but it’s actually classified as a crustacean. Try to spot a remipede and other unusual species as you explore the cave.
Descend the spiral staircase leading down to a wooden viewing platform suspended over the cave’s waters. Bring your camera to take a few photos. The effect of the sunlight reflecting on the bright blue waters can be quite stunning. Depending on the time of year, you might see the migratory bats that sometimes inhabit the cave.
Make arrangements in advance to tour the cave with a dive instructor. Despite the complexity of the cave’s underwater system, the dive is suitable for novice divers because it’s easy to find your way back to the main opening.
Scuba diving is the best way to inspect the cave’s striking natural features, which include haloclines, stalactites, stalagmites and bivalves. If you look closely, you’ll see fossilized conch shells close to the ceiling on the walls as well as variations in strata coloration, evidence of how the cave’s water levels have changed over the centuries.
Ben's Cave is located in Lucayan National Park, about 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Freeport. There is a fee to enter the national park. Be aware that divers must be accompanied by an authorized dive instructor and dives have to be arranged in advance of your visit. The cave is typically closed during June and July for the bat nursing season.
