Cartwright's Cave

Useful Information

Location:	South of Deadman's Cay, Long Island, Bahamas. Signposted.
Open:	All year daily. [2014]
Fee:
Classification:	Karst cave
Light:	bring torch.
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:	Allowed
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Leonard Cartwright, Queen's Hwy., Deadman's Cay, Long Island, Tel: 242-337-0235, Tel: 242-472–1796. Long Island Tourist Office, Tel: 242-338-8668, Fax: 242-338-8669.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

Cartwright's Cave, located south of the main settlement on Long Island, Deadman's Cay, is said to be one of the most fascinating cave systems in the Caribbean. The cave has numerous speleothems like stalactites and stalagmites. It is home to numerous bats.

Archaeological findings show it was once used by the natives of Long Island, the Lucayan Indians. They left carvings and writings on the cave walls. Stories about 17th century pirates using the caves as a base and hiding place are just legends, evidence has not been found. If you find a lost treasure chest, that would verify the legends.