Erik Trinidad is a journalist who has made more than 130 diving trips, from the Caribbean to Saudi Arabia. Erik Trinidad writes about a Caribbean snorkeling destination that is so rich, it rivals his dives.
In my travels to the Caribbean, as a scuba diver with a lot of experience, I look out for the best dive sites. One destination didn’t require me to use an air tank. I was able to enjoy the local marine life without it.
It is a good idea to get a hold of a local expert. Exumas—the sub-archipelago of The Bahamas comprising over 300 cays southeast of Nassau—I visited a magnificent site brimming with tropical fish. The “Thunderball Grotto” is a dramatic cave with jagged limestone that’s lit by sunlight shining down through holes in the ceiling. It looks like something out of a movie. It was a movie set. The “thunderball”, as its name suggests, is derived from the appearance of the cave in the 1965 film. James Bond It was a film starring Sean Connery and has made several Hollywood cameos ever since.
Thunderball Grotto, located between Staniel Cay & Big Major Cay is easily accessible by charter boats or any of the nearby islands. all-day boat cruises Stop at all of the popular Exumas locations. There are other “must sees” such as Pig Beach, which is literally a beach with pigs.
It can be difficult to reach the cave from the boat depending on currents and tides. You will have to swim or snorkel to get there. The effort is worth it once you reach the natural enclosure.
raksyBH/Getty Images
After I emerged from its waters, I noticed the cavernous interior, which was almost like a cathedral. The walls were made of limestone and reached up to the ceiling, which was adorned with skylights. Aerial roots of ficus tree hung from these natural skylights like a decorative drapery. This is a magnificent sight.
The real magic lies under the transparent, glassy waters. They are so clear that snorkeling is a dream. The central pool is surrounded by coral and sponge clusters that attract tropical fish. The Bahamas is a natural aquarium where you can see many species of fish.
It’s not essential to dive deeper. Thunderball Grotto can be seen near the surface.
