Lucayan National Park
Established: 1970
Size (acres): 40
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 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.
Above ground, the Park exhibits all of the Bahamian vegetative zones. An extensive trail and boardwalk (link to Support page) 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.
Lucayan Boardwalk in Need of Replacement
The Bahamas National Trust's Grand Bahama Regional Branch is spear-heading a project to replace the boardwalk at Lucayan National Park. The boardwalk has been one of the best infrastructural features of the park for 20 years, leading visitors safely through the spectacular mangrove system and out onto Gold Rock Creek Beach. This costly undertaking is a high priority for the park. If you are interested in contributing time or resources to the project please contact Barton Milligan or the Development Office of the Bahamas National Trust.
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 the Underwater Explorer's Society.
Partner and project links
Contacting the park
For more information contact the Rand Nature Center.