Stargate Blue Hole

The Descent into Stargate

Reaching Stargate requires a short walk from the Queens Highway along a marked path through South Andros bush. The entrance is a roughly circular opening in the limestone surface, with the water level visible about 20 feet below. Divers typically lower gear and enter via ladder or careful descent down the rocky walls.

Once in the water, the dive reveals the true scale of Stargate. At approximately 50 feet, an overhang extends around the entire perimeter, effectively doubling the chamber's diameter beneath this ledge. The maximum depth is 82 feet, making it accessible to advanced recreational divers with appropriate cave or cavern training.

Stalactites and Geological History

The stalactite formations inside Stargate are evidence of its origins as a dry cave during the last ice age, when sea levels were 300 to 400 feet lower than today. As glaciers melted and the Bahama Banks flooded, these limestone caverns filled with water, preserving formations that took thousands of years to develop in the open air.

Divers swimming beneath the overhang encounter curtains of stalactites in browns, grays, and whites, some reaching several feet in length. The crystalline water provides exceptional visibility for photography, though the enclosed environment requires careful buoyancy control to avoid disturbing sediment on the cave floor.

Archaeological Significance

Stargate achieved fame in archaeological circles when explorations revealed Lucayan Indian artifacts, including skeletal remains and a carved wooden canoe. The Lucayans were the indigenous people of the Bahamas, and their use of blue holes for ceremonial purposes or water collection remains a subject of ongoing study.

These discoveries are now protected, and divers should observe a strict look-but-do-not-touch policy. The artifacts remain in situ, making Stargate both a natural wonder and an underwater museum. The site featured in National Geographic coverage and continues to draw scientific expeditions alongside recreational cave divers.

Diving Requirements and Safety

Stargate is not a beginner dive. At minimum, divers should hold Advanced Open Water certification and ideally a cavern or introductory cave certification. The overhead environment, limited visibility during ascent if sediment is disturbed, and remote location all demand conservative planning and self-rescue capability.

Dive operators in South Andros provide guided trips for qualified divers, typically including transportation from Kemps Bay or nearby lodges. Surface support and safety protocols are essential given the inland location. Divers should carry redundant lights and maintain awareness of their gas supply throughout the dive.

Getting there

Stargate Blue Hole is located in South Andros, accessible via a short walk from the Queens Highway near Long Bay Cays. Divers typically arrange trips through Andros Beach Club or other South Andros dive operators based in Kemps Bay. Flights arrive at Congo Town Airport (TZN) in South Andros, with ground transportation arranged through lodges. The site is also accessible on guided excursions from North Andros operations, though this involves longer travel times.

Frequently asked questions

Can recreational divers explore Stargate Blue Hole?

Yes, the 82-foot maximum depth is within recreational limits, but the overhead environment requires cavern or introductory cave training. Divers without cave certification should dive with an experienced guide and stay within the light zone near the entrance.

What is a halocline and will I encounter one at Stargate?

A halocline is a boundary layer where fresh water meets salt water, creating a shimmering visual effect and sometimes reduced visibility. Stargate's upper layers are fresh water, with a halocline present at depth where salt water intrusion occurs.

Are the Lucayan artifacts still visible at Stargate?

Some artifacts remain in situ and can be observed during dives, though they are protected and must not be touched or disturbed. The ceremonial canoe and skeletal remains discovered by Rob Palmer are among the most significant Lucayan findings in the Bahamas.