Improvements to the Crystal Caves

Brian Kakuk is the founder and director of the Bahamas Caves Research Foundation . He also operates Bahamas Underground, located in Marsh Harbor, Abaco, Bahamas. The Bahamas Underground is the only technical and cave diving oriented training and adventure facility in the Bahamas! Through years of dedicated hard work, exploration, and difficult politics, he has made the most beautiful of the Bahamas hidden treasures available for exploration to experienced divers from all across the world. He has never stopped fighting for conservation, while he also contributes everything he can to support scientists who wish to study these uniquely diverse ecosystems. 

Today we are trying to raise the necessary money to make some improvements on the public land near the entrances to Dan's Cave and Ralph's Cave, both located in Marsh Harbor. Brian would like to build platforms, steps, and tables at both locations. Most importantly these improvements will allow for a safer entry and exit of the cave systems which can be incredibly difficult with gear. There have already been several injuries with the current setup. Brian himself has taken two significant falls recently at these caves. It's not just important because of the customers he is guiding, but also for Brian while he is exploring these caves alone. The benefits of the new infrastructure go beyond just safety. They will allow visiting divers to keep their equipment out of the mud before and after dives during the rainy season, and even create a beautiful destination for the general public to enjoy picnics, day tours, and birding tours! As I mentioned before, these improvements are being made on public land for all to enjoy.

Those of you who know Brian, know how dedicated he is to these caves. Just recently Brian and others were successful in getting many of these natural wonders protected as new National Parks for the Bahamas so that people, including nondivers, will be able to continue to enjoy these magical places, but their work is never done! The improved safety and accessibility of these caves will ensure that visitors from all over the world can continue to visit Bahamas Underground for some of the most thrilling dives and breathtaking scenery on the planet!

Any additional funding recieved will be applied to ongoing conservation, exploration, education and preservation of these natural Bahamian wonders!


For more incredible photos of these cave systems visit Brian's Facebook or his Instagram!

Interested on learning more about what Brian does? Check out this Washington Post Article.