Conservation of the island's ecosystem and parks, cave systems and reefs, cays and environmental protection. GBNT Branch Chairman- Lloyd Cheong
Lucayan National Park - Established: 1970
Location: Grand Bahama
Lucayan National Park encompasses one of the longest-known underwater cave systems in the world, with over six miles of caves, caverns, and tunnels charted. The cool dark recesses of the
cavern provide shelter and nursery sites for migratory rare Buffy Flower bats in the summer. Specially adapted to dark, underwater environments, the blind Remipedia has existed in Grand Bahama caves for millions of years prior to its discovery in the late 1970s in the Lucayan caverns. The cave system protected in this park represents an important part of both the natural and historic heritage of The Bahamas. An extensive trail and boardwalk allows visitors to explore this feature. Epiphytic Bromeliads and orchids begin blooming along this trail in late spring to early summer while bonsai like Ming trees delight visitors year round. The spectacular Gold Rock Creek Beach, features one of the highest coastal dunes on the island, richly vegetated with Cocoplum, Sabal Palm, Cinnecord, Sea Grape, Casaurina and other tropical trees. The Park protects a portion of Gold Rock Creek which supports a productive mangrove ecosystem. From the boardwalk one may observe saltwater fishes, wading birds and waterfowl among the stilt like roots. Lucayan National Park is named after the original inhabitants of The Bahamas. In 1986, archaeologists discovered skeletal remains of indigenous Lucayans on the floor of Burial Mound, the second of two underwater caves in the park. In addition, artifacts were found in other areas of the park - evidence of pre-Columbian settlement in the area.
• What's Protected:
Remipedia which are known only to exist in the Lucayan National
Park caverns
Representatives of all vegetative zones in The Bahamas
Burial grounds of indigenous people of The Bahamas
One of the largest underwater cave systems in the world with over
6 miles of tunnels charted.
• Visitor Information:
Entrance fee charged for individuals and groups. Please Note: Nesting bats in caves. Visitor access restricted during season (June-July). To explore the caves, certified cave divers may contact Cristina Zenato - [email protected]
