This is one of Bermuda’s top attractions…and for good reason. Many caves have large stalactites and stalagmites (Crystal Caves certainly has their fair share of these) but what sets this cave apart are the delicate long and narrow crystal tube like formations that glitter in the light. The cave was discovered in 1905 by two young teenagers who lost their cricket ball in a “hole in the ground”. One of the kids was lowered into the hole on the end of a rope with a small lamp. Imagine his surprise when he saw this amazing underground world and being the first human to experience it! And no he never found his cricket ball.
The original entrance was a steep set of wooden steps through the hole where the original discovery was made. This entrance proved to be too steep and the current entrance was blasted through the limestone rock a few years after their discovery.
The bottom of the cave is covered in sea water which rises and falls with tidal fluctuations. It is extremely clear. A number of decent sized stalagmites are under water – clearly evidence the floor of this cave used to be above water. A floating pathway leads through the main cavern – you are surrounded by crystal spires – formed over eons by the dripping of water containing mostly calcium carbonate. Bermuda has a number of caves on the island. A tour here is guided and lasts about 40 minutes. Visit: www.caves.bm
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