Lucayan National Park
An Ecological and Historical Landmark
Lucayan National Park is a beautiful and ecologically diverse protected area located on the island of Grand Bahama in The Bahamas. Spanning over 40 acres (16 hectares) of diverse ecosystems, the park is home to pine forests, mangroves, and coastal zones.
Established in 1982 and managed by the Bahamas National Trust, the park is notable for housing one of the world’s longest charted underwater cave systems, with over six miles of mapped tunnels. It also features Gold Rock Beach, recognized for its natural beauty and ecological significance.
It is named after the indigenous Lucayan people who inhabited the region before the arrival of Europeans.
Ecological Significance
Lucayan National Park is unique in that it contains all six of the Bahamas’ terrestrial ecosystems within its boundaries. These include pine forests, mangrove swamps, coppice forests, rocky coppice, sand dunes, and palm forests. This diversity supports a wide range of flora and fauna, making the park an important site for conservation and ecological studies. The park is also designated as an Important Bird Area, providing habitat for species such as the Bahama swallow and the olive-capped warbler.
Gold Rock Beach
Gold Rock Beach, often referred to as “The Welcome Mat of Grand Bahama,” is part of the park’s coastal ecosystem. The beach is famous for its clear waters, fine sand, and the fact that it appeared on “Pirates of the Caribbean”. It is also adjacent to a healthy reef system, benefiting from the nearby mangrove nurseries that support marine life.
Underwater Cave Systems
The park’s underwater cave system is among the most extensive globally, with two caves accessible to the public: Ben’s Cave and Burial Mound Cave.
Burial Mound Cave
Burial Mound Cave takes its name from the remains of 6 Lucayans (the earliest inhabitants of the island) found in here in 1986, evidence that there was pre-Columbian settlement on Bahamas.
It is presumed that Lucayans used the caves as a source of freshwater and for ceremonial burials.
Ben’s Cave
Ben’s Cave has a total of 60 foot of water, with a mix of both fresh and salt water. It appeared on the James Bond movie “Never say never again”. This environment supports unique aquatic life, including species adapted to the cave’s conditions.
Visitor Information
Admission Fees: $12 for adults, $6 for children under 12, and $9 for seniors (60+). Bahamas National Trust members receive free entry.
Operating Hours: The park is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Facilities: Amenities include restrooms, boardwalks, and informational signage. Guided tours can be arranged in advance through the Bahamas National Trust.
Location
Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?
This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.
Are you ready to start discovering Bahamas?
This is the tour I did during my time in the Bahamas and personally recommend—leaving the link below so you can check it out for yourself.
