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Do The Bahamas Have Volcanoes? (Interesting FACTS!)

The Bahamas do not have Volcanoes. If you have Volcanophobia (it’s a real thing – look it up) or a fear of the possible disastrous side effects that appear with the eruption, then happy news! If you are obsessed with volcanoes or volcanic islands, maybe this is the wrong stop in the Caribbean region. (Sorry!)

The Bahamas is part of the Caribbean, and while there are 19 active volcanoes located (as confirmed by a study conducted by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Centre) in the beautiful Caribbean region – a majority occurring close to the plate boundaries, the Bahamas do not fall within that region nor have they really shown any type of volcanic activity.

Is The Bahamas Considered A Volcanic Island?

Bahamas Topography

So if the Bahamas is not exactly nestling in any fire-spewing mountains/hills, are they at least volcanic islands? Great question. Again – No.

While the volcanic rock created most Caribbean Islands, the Bahamas have a different story to tell. Instead of volcanic rock, the Bahamas and its islands are built on limestone. These breathtaking tropical paradise islands, which are surrounded by pristine, turquoise ocean waters were actually birthed as a result of coral reefs growing on the flat terrains of limestone. A process that took place perhaps as early as the age of Dinosaurs.

What Islands Belong to The Commonwealth of the Bahamas?

So let’s start off with the basics. The Bahamas one-oh-one!

The Bahamas make up an entire chain of islands (beautiful ones), and it spreads out over approx. 800 kilometres. There are nearly 700 islands and islets under the Bahamas and 2400 cays. You can take your beach excursions and island hopping to a different level if that’s the game plan for your vacation.

Starting off with Nassau (New Providence) – the capital, Grand Bahamas, Exuma, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador Island, Long Island, Acklins, Ragged Island, Crooked Island, Berry Islands, Mayaguana, the Bimini islands, Great Inagua and Great Abaco are the most popular ones.

You might be interested in: How To Spend a Day in Nassau, Bahamas

What’s the Highest Point In the Bahamas?

All the islands are low and pretty flat (no judgement). In fact, the highest point in the country is called Mount Alvernia (formerly known as Como Hill) it reaches a height of 64 meters. It stands high (as it can) and proud, on the stunning Cat Island. It is actually one of the ten mountain ranges that is found in the Bahamas.

Intriguing Facts About the Bahamas Islands

So maybe the Bahamas don’t have Volcanoes. (Big deal!) But here are some truly fascinating facts that might reignite your excitement and tickle your curiosity!

The Lusca – The Sea Monster Of The Bahamas!

From the Bahamian Iguanas, Flamingos, to the West Indian Manatee, Atlantic Spotted Dolphin to Spinner Dolphins to the Bahamas Nuthatch, the Bahamas is home to the most incredible wildlife/birdlife and marine life.

However, did you know that the Bahamian locals have their own version of a sea monster? A local legend speaks of a creature named Lusca – half shark, half octopus, which can grow up to 75 feet or more, rumoured to have been spotted near the Blue Hole off Andros.

It’s definitely not one of the creatures you’d like to spot at a close distance while taking a dip or a boat excursion in the Bahamas, but the marine life in the Bahamas is quite diverse. While the theory of the Lusca is yet to be proven, experts on marine life speculate that the most likely scenario is it’s a giant octopus – Which is still frigging cool – if real!

Bahamas Homes The World’s Third-Largest Barrier Reef On The Planet!

With a stunning reef barrier stretching approx. 300 kilometres, the Bahamas, claimed their spot in the top 3 by homing one of the largest barriers in the world. It’s nestled at the tip of Tongue of the Ocean (an underwater trench). Apart from being a colossal living terrestrial, the other insanely unique thing about this barrier reef is that it stretches 6000 feet down, deeper into the ocean.

Let’s not forget that it is home to some incredibly rich, and diverse marine life. We are talking wild and exotic fish and more! It is without a doubt one of the most incredible places you could hope to go snorkelling. Breathtaking.  

Once Upon A Time …It Snowed In The Bahamas…

Yes, the Bahamas are considered to be tropical islands. Therefore the only two seasons it should technically experience is dry and wet. So snowing could be a wild exaggeration, right?

Sorry but no. In 1977 the freezing winters of Florida managed to blow over to the tropical islands of the Bahamas. While it’s quite a feat to achieve, nature can be like that sometimes. As a result- it snowed in the Bahamas.

While it didn’t quite transform the place into a winter island, there was a slight flurry of snow – just enough for news to pick up! 

Also, check out: Is the Bahamas part of the US? | Does it Snow in the Bahamas?

The World’s Second Deepest Blue Hole Is In The Bahamas

Dean’s Blue Hole

For a tropical destination that boasts of clear shallow waters, who would have expected the world’s second deepest blue hole to be planted smack bang in the midst of it. Hop on to Long Island where Dean’s Blue Hole awaits (get your mind out of the gutter).

The drop is said to be approx. 660 ft. despite being located so close to the shore. If you enjoy going diving, then this is one blue hole you definitely should not miss (again, don’t dive into the gutter).

Which Islands Near The Bahamas Home Volcanoes?

Maybe the Bahamas don’t have any volcanic activities happening. But, here are some islands in the Caribbean waters that do!

Saba

This little island is located in the Lesser Antilles chain, in the Caribbean, is literally built on top of a dormant volcano. It is home to the volcano named Mount Scenery, which last erupted in 1640.

Eustatius

Better known as St. Eustatius – a tiny Dutch island in the Lesser Antilles chain has a volcano named The Quill. The last major eruption happened more than 2 centuries ago.

St. Kitts

St. Kitts is part of the dual island nation – Saint Kitts and Nevis. St Kitts is the larger of the two and home to Mount Liamuigia Volcano which last erupted nearly 200 years ago.

Nevis

The smaller island out of Saint Kitts and Nevis dual Island nation. The activities of the volcano, named Nevis Peak are not on record.

Montserrat

It is home to the volcano Soufrière Hills, which is a complex volcano with several lava domes forming on top. The last eruption of the volcano took place in 2012 and it has been under strict observation ever since to ensure it doesn’t erupt suddenly.

Guadeloupe

It is a group of islands (12 plus islands) in the southern Caribbean Sea. Le Grande Soufrière is an active volcano that is nestled on the island of Basse-Terre. It is also the highest mountain peak in the Lesser Antilles – rising approx. 1,467 m high. It last erupted (a.k.a. boom kaboom) in 1977.

Dominica

This island nation is full of mountains. That means it also has 9 volcanoes out of which Morne Watt was the volcano that erupted the most recently – which was in 1997. It however has no records of any other major magnetic eruptions in the last couple of centuries, so that’s rather comforting.

Martinique

It is the 3rd biggest island in the Lesser Antilles, it has Mont Pelée an active volcano that last erupted in 1932 and hasn’t shown much activity since.

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