Admire the deep blue waters of Dean’s Blue Hole from above or snorkel around its rim to get an idea of its amazing depth. If you’re a confident swimmer, jump into this giant sink hole from the cliffs or freedive in to see its awe-inspiring underwater world.
To see this blue hole on Long Island from above, simply scale the cliffs above it. Bring some shoes, because the crumbling rocks are sharp. The cliff you are standing on goes on for 663 feet (202 meters) below the surface. If you’re game, you can find a safe spot to jump some 32 feet (10 meters) down into the blue hole. It’s a thrilling experience, even just to watch others do it.
Along the eastern walls you can often spot some colorful fish, so bring your snorkel set. Because seaweed and plastic waste float around in the sinkhole, it’s not the island’s prime snorkeling location but experiencing the drop-off makes it worth it.
After descending 66 feet (20 meters), the hole widens into a cavern that is 330 feet (100 meters) wide. Usually, only experienced freedivers get this far down. The New Zealander William Trubridge organizes the Vertical Blue international freediving international competition here each year. In 2016 he himself swam 335 feet (102 meters) down on a single breath using constant weights, but no fins or rope.
If the professional freediving platform is set up during your visit, you can try some freediving of your own if you bring a buddy.
After freediving or snorkeling, relax and warm up on the stunning sweep of white sand beach that leads up to the blue hole.
Dean’s Blue Hole is located in a bay west of Clarence Town on Long Island. The road out is a little rough, but you won’t need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get there. You can also get here on a tour.
If you are staying for longer, a beach umbrella or lightweight shade tent may come in handy, because there is no shade. Apply baby oil to protect yourself from the sandflies, which can be a problem at certain times of year.
