The world’s deepest salt water blue hole can be found near
Clarence Town on the coast of Long Island, The Bahamas.
A blue hole is an underwater cavern and sometimes it is also
called a sinkhole.
There is no shortage of blue holes on the planet, but Dean’s
blue hole is the deepest and considered one of the most beautiful ones as
well.
It is widely considered to be one of the world’s best diving
and snorkelling site.
The water is very clear as its visibility reaches up to 30 meters. The blue hole’s deepest point
is 202 metres (663 ft) but if you pass the hole and swim around, the depth of the water will be only waist-deep.
Because of its enclosed nature, wind does not reach it and there are no big waves either, making it an ideal place
even for beginner swimmers.
Typically, blue holes look like ponds, but Dean’s blue hole is a different one in many ways. It
is connected to the Atlantic through an inlet on one side and framed by cliffs and white sand beaches on the
other.
The diameter of the hole is between 25 and 35 meters, thus it is easy to swim past it. Once you
reach 20 meters below the water, the diameter of the blue hole extends to approximately 100 meters wide.
Besides being one of the best spots in the world to dive and swim, it is also a marvellous sight
in itself. Beaches around the blue hole are also clear and excellent spots to tan in the sun.
Formation
Although scientists still debate how exactly did Dean’s blue hole form, most geologists think
that it formed due to underwater erosion; a combination of dissolving limestone and a chemical reaction that
happens when fresh water and salt water meet.
Fauna
There is a great variety of sea animals to be found inside Dean’s blue hole. Snorkelers and
divers alike will be able to spot snapper fish, tarpons, turtles seahorses, rays and many colourful tropical
fish.
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