Lost Blue Hole Andros

One of hundreds of blue holes surrounding Andros Island — a circular marine sinkhole accessible by boat that offers a unique Bahamian blue hole experience in the shallow waters of the Andros barrier reef system.

Overview

Andros Island has more blue holes per square kilometre than anywhere else on Earth — there are hundreds on land and offshore. Lost Blue Hole is one of the accessible offshore sinkholes on the vast, flat Andros reef shelf, reachable by dive boat from the lodges and operators on the island. The hole drops from the shallow shelf depth to 30 meters, with the classic blue hole profile of narrow entrance widening into a larger chamber. Andros’s blue holes are part of an extensive cave system that extends under the island and is connected to the ocean through tidal breathing — some of the holes flow in or out with the tides. The visibility in the offshore holes is excellent: 25–35 meters in clear Bahamas water.

Site Information

Detail	Value
Depth Range	3–30 m
Difficulty	Intermediate
Entry Type	Boat
Site Type	Cave/Blue Hole
Visibility	25–35 m
Current	Light (tidal breathing)
Water Temp	24–28°C

Marine Life

The blue hole environment supports a specialised community. The upper section (0–15 m) has a typical Andros reef community — parrotfish, angelfish, and blue tang from the adjacent shelf reef. The transition zone (15–25 m) is where the halocline (saltwater/freshwater interface) creates the characteristic blue hole visual distortion and the upper limit of the hole’s cave fauna. Below the halocline, visibility improves dramatically to crystal-clear salt water. Caribbean spiny lobster cluster near the halocline. Nurse sharks are frequently found resting on the ledges within the hole.

Dive Profile

Descent from the boat to the hole entrance at 3–5 meters, then controlled descent through the halocline at 15–20 meters to the clear saltwater below. The halocline creates a visible shimmering boundary and water temperature drop. Advanced divers explore the saltwater section to 30 meters while intermediate divers hover at the halocline for the visual experience before ascending.

Entry and Exit

Boat dive from Andros-based operators. Entry by giant stride from the boat. The hole entrance is typically identifiable from above as a dark blue circle against the light-coloured shelf. DSMB recommended for the open-water ascent.

Tips and Recommendations

The halocline is the defining visual experience of a blue hole dive — the shimmering boundary between the upper murky layer and the crystal-clear saltwater below is dramatic and disorienting at first encounter. Avoid strong finning through the halocline as it disturbs the layers and reduces the visual effect. Andros operators know which holes are currently most accessible and most spectacular — follow local guidance rather than relying on general maps.

Safety Considerations

Blue holes involve a degree of overhead environment — do not descend into the narrower lower sections without appropriate training. The halocline can cause temporary disorientation. Tidal flow in and out of some holes creates current — check with the operator on the day’s tidal state. Cave diving beyond the cavern zone requires technical cave certification. Recreational divers should not penetrate further than natural daylight penetrates.

Photography

The halocline is the primary photographic attraction of Andros blue holes — the shimmering interface layer creates a surreal visual effect that photographs dramatically with a wide-angle or fisheye lens. Looking up through the halocline from below, with the refracted surface light above, is a signature blue hole image. The circular opening photographed from below with sunlight streaming in is a classic composition.

Additional Resources

• Small Hope Bay Lodge: Andros-based diving lodge with extensive blue hole expertise
• Andros dive operators: guide divers to the most accessible and scenic blue holes on the shelf

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Sources: Scuba Diving Magazine - Diving Inland Blue Hole Cave System Andros, Discovery Channel - Andros Blue Holes, Explorers Web - Blue Holes of Andros, My Out Islands - Diving Blue Holes. Re-audited 2026-07-17: Andros’s “hundreds of blue holes”/highest concentration claim and halocline description independently re-confirmed via fresh search (Small Hope Bay Lodge, Caribbean Journal); no factual corrections needed. Last updated 2026-07-17.