Hamilton's Cave
The Bahamas' largest cave system with Lucayan artifacts and 160 years of family stewardship
Beneath the settlement of Hamilton's on Long Island lies the largest cave system in all of The Bahamas. These ancient chambers stretch through passages over 45 feet wide, their ceilings hung with stalactites formed over countless millennia. The caves have served as shelter for the Lucayan people, refuge during hurricanes, and now as a remarkable window into the islands' prehistoric past.
Since 1847, the Cartwright family has owned and cared for Hamilton's Cave and the surrounding 90 acres. Today, Leonard Cartwright continues this tradition, leading guided tours through the main passages and sharing stories that span over 160 years of family history intertwined with this extraordinary underground world.
Lucayan Heritage
Archaeological discoveries in 1936 revealed that Hamilton's Cave once sheltered the Lucayan people, the indigenous inhabitants of The Bahamas who arrived around AD 500. Artifacts recovered from the cave include pottery fragments, tools, and ceremonial objects that provide valuable insights into Lucayan daily life and spiritual practices. These finds helped establish Hamilton's Cave as one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country, offering tangible connections to the people who first called these islands home.
The Cave System
The main passage of Hamilton's Cave impresses with its cathedral-like proportions, reaching 15 metres wide and 3 metres high in places. Stalactites and stalagmites have formed over millennia, creating natural sculptures throughout the chambers. A freshwater spring flows through one section, while another area ebbs and flows with the ocean tides, demonstrating the cave's connection to the surrounding sea. Bat colonies inhabit deeper sections, their presence a sign of the cave's healthy ecosystem.
The Cartwright Family Legacy
Leonard Cartwright's ancestors came to Long Island in the 1770s and purchased Hamilton's Cave from the English Crown in 1847 for 27 pounds. Well-preserved inscriptions from 1865, written by Leonard's forebears, remain visible on the cave walls today. The family has carefully maintained and protected the site through generations, developing it as a destination for curious visitors while preserving its natural and historical integrity. Leonard's guided tours combine geological explanation with personal family history, making each visit uniquely memorable.
Getting there
Hamilton's Cave is located in the settlement of Hamilton's on Long Island, south of Salt Pond. The cave is on private property and visits are by guided tour only. Contact Leonard Cartwright in advance to arrange a tour. From Deadman's Cay Airport, drive north on Queen's Highway for approximately 15 minutes. Rental cars are available on Long Island, though taxis can also be arranged. Bring a flashlight and wear closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven surfaces.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I visit Hamilton's Cave without a guide?
- No, the cave is on private property and all visits require a guided tour with Leonard Cartwright or a family member. This ensures visitor safety and helps protect the cave's fragile formations and archaeological significance. Contact Leonard in advance to schedule a tour.
- How long does a typical cave tour last?
- A standard tour lasts approximately one hour, though longer explorations can be arranged depending on interest and fitness levels. Leonard adapts his tours to visitors' interests, spending more time on geological features, family history, or Lucayan heritage as requested.
- Is Hamilton's Cave safe for children?
- Yes, the main passages are suitable for children who can walk independently. The cave floor is relatively level, though some areas require careful footing. Young children should stay close to adults, and all visitors should follow the guide's instructions to avoid damaging formations or disturbing bat colonies.