Attractions

Ocean Hole

Published on by troybook

Ocean Hole

Ocean Hole Eleuthera.
Ocean Hole Eleuthera.

Was something that we totally took for granted growing up. It was simply the local swimming hole. Some of the local fishermen had put a few local fish in the hole, which do very well and have become themselves an attraction.  The come it seems to the sound of foot steps on the steps leading down to the water. Many people bring old bread or other scraps along to cast to the fish competing for as much as they can get. It was my thinking that the tourists came to see the fish, not realizing the greatness of the ocean hole itself.

The attached video offers a great view of the ocean hole and the surrounding village.

Local Lore

Of course surrounding such a dark mysterious hole in the centre of the village stories and legends abound.

We all knew for example that Ocean Hole had no bottom, and there were very large animals living in it’s depths. These legends were almost confirmed when scuba diving legend Jacques Cousteau and his team made an attempt to pierce it’s depths. They were met with darkness so great that as I remember it they made it to only 65 feet before being forced to abort the dive.

Swimming

Each time we went swimming in ocean hole we would begin to challenge each other to make the swim across to the other side. We would eventually venture out into the depths with our hearts pounding in our chests swimming on top of what seems like an endlessly deep ink black depth. It felt as if we were paring into space itself. The really weird part is that the water is crystal clear on the top, and you can see light shafts disappearing into nothing. It makes me feel really small.

When you visit this great location, you must make the swim out into the depths, let us know what your impressions are.

Dive Bahamas for fun

Published on by troybook

 

2015 Reader’s Choice Awards: Top 100 Gold List

For the Top 100 Gold List, our readers voted on their favorite dive operators, liveaboards, dive bars, cheeseburgers in paradise and more, regardless of location. Results were determined by popular vote and ranked based on category.

Source: 2015 Reader’s Choice Awards: Top 100 Gold List

Here’s a good reason to plan your next trip to the Bahamas. I had a buddy come to visit me from a distant land who had always wanted to dive, but just never took the plunge.

We booked a trip and off we went. He had never even really snorkelled, but with in a little they had my buddy confident enough to dive in. We spent the day on two shallow dives and he tells me he will never forget that day.

Come on down and “dive” in.

Being bahamian though I’d like to say don’t do the live aboard thing. They are not bahamian and don’t really give you the best dive experience of the Bahamas.

Hundreds join in carnival parade | The Tribune

Published on by troybook

HUNDREDS of people lined the streets on Saturday to watch the Bahamas‘ first Junkanoo Carnival Road Fever parade.

Source: Hundreds join in carnival parade | The Tribune

Juncanoo Carnival is a new thing to the Bahamas. It is born amidst much local controversy, being greatly anticipated by some, and loathed by others crying cultural foul.

Never the less the party will go on. This is a great excuse to fly to the Bahamas to let your hair down, join the locals and have a good time to the rhythm of the goat skin drums.

Birds of a Feather

Published on by troybook
A Flamingo at Ardastra Gardens Zoo Nassau Bahamas.
A Flamingo at Ardastra Gardens Zoo Nassau Bahamas.
A Flamingo at Ardastra Gardens Zoo Nassau Bahamas.

“Birds of a feather flock together” is what I have always been told.

At Ardastra Gardens Zoo you have an opportunity to literally get face to face with the magnificent Flamingo. The Flamingo is definitely the star of the Show at Ardastra Gardens. Twice a day the parade them around the small arena showing off their incredible beauty. Visitors get a chance to take photos in the ring with these gorgeous birds. I ask, Where else can you go to get a pic with live flamingos? One of my favourite photos of my kids is in this little arena with the Flamingos and my two now almost grown kids standing on one foot. Priceless!!! I have not posted that image to save them the embarrassment.

There are many other indigenous bahamian animals as well as a collection of exotics at the zoo to enjoy. Ardastra is a definite hit with the young ones. You may not want to take the teens there unless they are animal buffs.

Another rare opportunity at the Ardastra Gardens is the opportunity to meet up close and personal the Bahamian Boa. Opportunities are given for anyone who wishes to have a photo opportunity with a Boa draped over your shoulders. It’s quite an experience as some of these snakes are 40 lbs plus.

Ardastra is a great little zoo, and in my book worth the trip.

There is a small concession stand where snacks and drinks can be purchased. The gift shop next to the concession stand is sure to please with gifts not found anywhere else.