Despite its relatively small size, Bermuda is known around the world as an exceptional travel destination. There are many many wonderful aspects of Bermuda, and we do our best at Bermudaful Island Tours to champion the very best aspects of our beautiful island.
Today, we’d like to discuss one of Bermuda’s most unique features: its mesmerizing crystal caves that showcase the island’s unique, limestone-based geology. The Crystal Caves are truly magical and we hope that everyone reading this will add the Crystal Caves to their Bermuda itinerary after they read this guide.
And if you’d like to travel to Bermuda with Bermudaful Island Tours, please browse our Bermuda Island Tours and perhaps even consider a Custom Bermuda Tour as we can add in a Crystal Caves tour and anything else you would like to do on our beautiful little island.
How Were Bermuda’s Crystal Caves Formed?
Bermuda’s Crystal Caves are a series of limestone caves that formed over thousands of years. These caves are known for their stunning crystal formations and underground pools of clear blue water.
But the story of the Crystal Caves formation is more complex than this, taking into account the global temperature over a million years ago. In fact, it was roughly 1.6 million years ago when the caves’ story began, during the Pleistocene Ice Age…
During this time, it was so cold that a significant portion of Earth’s oceans froze over, causing the sea levels to drop (kind of the opposite direction to our current rise in sea level).
During this Ice Age, rainwater drained deep into the island, eroding away the caves and dissolving minerals, and then depositing them as the crystalized stalagmites and stalactites we see today. The result is some of the most enchanting limestone caves in the world!
How Were Bermuda’s Crystal Caves Discovered?
The Crystal Caves were discovered accidentally by two young boys in 1907. Edgar Hollis and Carl Gibbons had been playing cricket and were engaged in the courageous act of trying to find their lost cricket ball when they found themselves at the entrance to one of the magical Crystal Caves.
These caves, situated in Hamilton Parish, are the most famous and accessible of Bermuda’s numerous crystal caves and are most often referred to as The Crystal Caves. They are a prime example of Bermuda’s unique geology, characterized by its limestone-based landscape.
Experiencing Bermuda’s Crystal Caves
As you enter the Crystal Caves, you are instantly transported into a magical underground world. The stalactites and stalagmites hang from the ceilings and rise from the cave floor, creating a dramatic and ethereal atmosphere.
These natural formations, composed of calcium carbonate, have taken thousands of years to form and they continue to evolve as water slowly drips through the cracks in the cave ceiling, depositing mineral-rich droplets.
One of the most striking features of the Crystal Caves is the clear underground lake that shimmers below. The water in the lake is so transparent that it creates a mirrored reflection, amplifying the otherworldly beauty of the cave.
Visitors to the Crystal Caves can walk through the cave system on a floating pontoon bridge that sits peacefully on top of the underground lake, allowing visitors to get incredibly close to these enchanting geological formations.
The Mystery of Bermuda’s Crystal Caves
While the Crystal Caves are undeniably beautiful, they also carry a sense of mystery and folklore. As you explore the caves, your guide will share fascinating stories and legends associated with these subterranean wonders.
You will hear tales of pirates using the caves as hideouts and legends of hidden treasure buried deep within; the history and folklore add an extra layer of intrigue to the Crystal Cave experience.
Now you just have to decide which stories intrigue you most: the geological account of the caves’ formation or the tales of pirates and hidden treasure…
The Perfect Educational Tour for Kids
Visiting the Crystal Caves is not only a visual treat but also an educational journey. This makes the Crystal Caves the perfect option for parents looking for enriching experiences for their kids while on vacation. But the educational aspect of the tour is also ideal for curious adults too.
The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the geological processes that have shaped these caves over time, making it a fascinating destination for geology enthusiasts and curious minds alike. You will learn far more than the quick summary we provided in this blog.
Learning about the caves is a humbling reminder of the wonders of nature. You will learn about the stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate formations known as “helictites” that defy gravity and grow in twisted, spiraling patterns.
The Inspiration for Fraggle Rock
As almost everything the Jim Henson Company touched became an instant classic, the ‘80s children’s puppet show, Fraggle Rock, was universally loved by adults and children alike.
Fraggle Rock’s creator, Michael K. Frith, was born and raised in Bermuda. He had visited the Crystal Caves many times as a child, teenager, and adult, and had always been inspired and enchanted by their beauty.
So, when Jim Hensen asked Frith for an idea for a new children’s TV series, Frith had the setting ready in his mind: the magical crystal caves of Bermuda! Anyone who has watched Fraggle Rock will attest to the importance of the crystal cave setting, and this makes a visit to the real-life inspiration even more magical for guests.
And don’t worry about Fraggle Rock being too old and obsolete for today’s kids, as Apple TV and The Jim Henson Company made a modern version of the iconic kids’ show back in 2020, with an updated story, puppets, visuals, and the setting itself. The modern reboot looks even more like the real Crystal Caves found in the depths of Bermuda!
As you plan your trip to Bermuda, we hope you will find the time to visit the Crystal Caves. The crystal-clear lake and rock formations are hauntingly beautiful — this is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life! It’s a reminder that there are still hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, even in the most unexpected places.
And if you’d like to explore Bermuda with us, and you have a few questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your big Bermuda adventure awaits!
