La Crevasse
A 200-foot maze of crevices and tunnels cuts through San Salvador's steepest wall
La Crevasse stands as San Salvador's most intricate wall dive, where a network of crevices and tunnels extends over 200 feet through the reef structure. Located near the blow hole at French Bay, the site rewards exploratory divers with an underground maze that opens onto one of the steepest wall drops in the Bahamas.
The main crevice begins at the wall's edge at 100 feet and branches into multiple passages as it penetrates shoreward. Parallel tunnels connect the crevice system, creating opportunities for varied routes through the reef. Beyond the labyrinth, the wall plummets from 40 feet to 150 feet in a nearly vertical drop that takes even experienced divers' breath away.
The Crevice System
The primary crevice extends over 200 feet from the wall edge toward shore, branching into several caves and connecting tunnels along its length. A secondary crevice system lies to the east, offering alternative exploration routes for extended dives.
Divers typically descend to the crevice mouth at 100 feet before swimming inland, watching for connecting passages to the right. The turn-around point comes at approximately 50 feet depth, from which divers return to the wall edge through parallel crevices and tunnels. This circuit approach maximizes exploration while managing bottom time effectively.
The Vertical Wall
Beyond the crevice system, the wall drops with dramatic steepness from 40 feet to 150 feet. This sheer face ranks among San Salvador's most impressive vertical profiles, creating a sense of exposure that defines world-class wall diving.
Abundant coral and fish populate the wall edge and top, providing vibrant reef life adjacent to the blue void. The combination of intricate crevice exploration and dramatic wall exposure gives La Crevasse a dual character few dive sites match.
Conditions and Timing
La Crevasse lies approximately 50 minutes by boat from Riding Rock Marina, making it among the more distant sites in San Salvador's portfolio. The journey is worthwhile for divers seeking advanced exploration opportunities.
Visibility can diminish during rough conditions due to the site's exposure. Calm days reward divers with the full scope of the crevice system visible from multiple vantage points. The site typically serves as a first dive of the day or as a dedicated shore dive for those based at French Bay.
Getting there
La Crevasse is positioned offshore near the blow hole at French Bay on San Salvador's southwestern coast. The 50-minute boat journey from Riding Rock Marina requires calm conditions for the best experience. San Salvador is accessed via flights from Nassau, with Riding Rock Resort serving as the primary dive operation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is La Crevasse suitable for recreational divers?
- Advanced certification and overhead environment experience are recommended. The crevice system involves penetration diving at depths reaching 100 feet, requiring proper training and comfort with enclosed spaces.
- How long does a typical dive at La Crevasse last?
- Given the depth profile and exploration involved, most dives run 35-45 minutes. The circuit through the crevice system and return along the wall can be completed within standard no-decompression limits with proper planning.
- What makes La Crevasse different from Double Caves?
- While both feature tunnel systems, La Crevasse offers more extensive penetration with its 200-foot crevice network. The wall here is steeper, and the site lies in a more remote location requiring longer boat travel.