Great Cut
A keyhole tunnel pierces through a split wall section 200 feet from shore
Great Cut showcases geological drama on a grand scale, where a section of wall has split away from the main reef to form a parallel ridge with a keyhole-shaped tunnel passing clean through. This architectural wonder ranks among San Salvador's most distinctive dive sites, offering advanced divers a through-the-reef experience unlike anything else in the Bahamas.
The site lies approximately 20-25 minutes south of Riding Rock Marina, accessed as a first dive of the day to accommodate its deeper profile. The primary feature is the 250-foot ridge running parallel to the main wall, separated by roughly 50 feet of open water and connected by the remarkable tunnel that defines this dive.
The Keyhole Tunnel
Several hanging rope sponges at 85 feet mark the entrance to Great Cut's signature feature. The tunnel is shaped like a keyhole, with the top at 95 feet and the sandy bottom sloping from 110 to 150 feet. Blue water glows through the passage, beckoning divers into the darkness.
The tunnel exits onto the outer wall, where divers emerge at depth before bearing right to circumnavigate the ridge. The passage through the reef creates a memorable transition from enclosed stone to open ocean, with the wall dropping away beyond comprehension.
The Split Ridge
The detached ridge runs approximately 250 feet parallel to the main wall, with its top at 60 feet and the gap between formations providing interesting swim-through territory. This geological anomaly resulted from the wall literally splitting apart, creating a channel that divers can navigate at various depths.
The huge crack where the ridge meets the main wall descends from 40 feet to 110 feet, offering an alternative descent route for those not passing through the tunnel. Black coral adorns sections of the vertical surfaces within this rift.
Dive Planning
Great Cut's depth profile demands careful planning. The typical route involves descending into the great cut, passing through the tunnel, circumnavigating the ridge at 100-120 feet, then ascending to the ridge top to follow it south before returning along the 40-foot wall edge to the mooring.
This circuit covers substantial terrain while managing decompression exposure. The site is scheduled as a first dive to ensure divers have full nitrogen loading capacity for the depth involved.
Getting there
Great Cut is located approximately 20-25 minutes south of Riding Rock Marina by dive boat. The site's depth profile means it is exclusively offered as a first dive when divers have maximum nitrogen capacity. San Salvador is reached via flights from Nassau, with Riding Rock Resort operating dive trips to the site.
Frequently asked questions
- What certification is required for Great Cut?
- Deep Diver certification or equivalent is strongly recommended given depths exceeding 100 feet. Advanced Open Water is the minimum, though experience with deeper profiles significantly enhances safety and enjoyment.
- Is the tunnel at Great Cut a true cave?
- The tunnel is a swim-through rather than a cave, with visible light from both ends throughout the passage. However, it does involve an overhead environment at significant depth, requiring appropriate experience and comfort level.
- What marine life can be seen at Great Cut?
- The site features black coral within the rift, rope sponges at the tunnel entrance, and typical wall species including groupers and snappers. The depth and architecture attract larger pelagics on occasion.