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Haputo Caves Haputo caves are located
near "Double Reef", up by NCTAMS (Naval Comput & Telecom
Area Mast. Sta.) The caves and caverns can be found on both sides of
BA Beach. The one cave on the South side is the largest and has several
branches to follow to it's inner maze. The top of the cave can be seen
from the outside and is easily apparent on the surface as the boat approaches.
The depth of the entire cave is very shallow, 10 to 20 feet depending
on tide. Inside you can see zillions of silver fish flashing back and
forth. Back in the darker sections, anything can lurk (ghosts?). Oh well,
exploring the cave is a blast and only three things to worry about: (1.)
Your air supply (2.) Your way back to the light (3.) The lime growth
on the rocks that eats your fingers and knees while scraping your bald
head. Taking a photo shot from inside the cave looking out is fantastic.
Leaving this cave you can swim down a short ways to another cavern that
you can surface in. This one has a break going deeper into the cave but
you must remove your gear and drag it behind you to squeeze through.
I don't recommend anyone do this but we have found some beautiful shells
inside. On the North side of BA Beach is another very cool cave. Nothing
on the surface tells you there is a cave there. As you enter, there is
a sand patch leading the way to the back. As you get toward the back
of the cave you will start to see a thermocline forming in the layers
of water. The water's temperature will get colder and colder until you
can barely stand it. Taking your regulator out of your mouth you can
taste fresh water! This is because a fresh water stream pours into the
cave and seeps through the walls especially after a rain. Turning around
it gets warm again and taking the regulator out of your mouth will give
you the good old familiar blast of saltwater. None of these cave are
deep or lengthly, however they do present an overhead environment and
are considered dangerous. Not for anyone confined to a non overhead diving
plan. |
![]() Haputo Caves
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