Owl's Hole

Owl's Hole is an inland blue hole in the pine forest east of Freeport: a collapsed limestone chamber with an opening in the roof, a pool of fresh water over salt at the bottom, and a rope ladder or knotted line down the rock face for those who want to swim. Barn owls have nested in the ledges, which is where the name comes from. It is unsigned, unfenced and entirely undeveloped, which is both the appeal and the warning.

What you actually see

• The collapse opening - a hole in the forest floor dropping into the chamber.
• The pool - fresh water lying over salt in the flooded cave below.
• The rock walls - the limestone chamber with ledges and roots hanging down.
• The pine forest - the surrounding Caribbean pine with the hole hidden in it.

When to go

November to April is the dry season and the most comfortable. The water temperature changes little through the year. The track in is easier when dry.

Honest expectations

There is no fencing, no ladder maintenance and no rescue: the descent is on a rope or knotted line over rock and people have been hurt here. It is unmarked and finding it needs directions or a guide. Nothing about this site is supervised.

Nearby

Freeport is west, and Lucayan National Park is east along the highway.