The Hole
Sea Sage Road, Long Bay, Providenciales
The Hole is a naturally formed limestone sinkhole located in the Long Bay Hills area of Providenciales.
This feature has a diameter of roughly 50 feet (15 m), and a depth of about 60 feet (18 m) to the brackish water below. The depth continues below the water's surface for around 25 feet (8 m) under the northern side of the hole. It’s highly likely that the depth at one point in history was much greater than it is today.
The Hole is semi-tidal, which suggests a partial connection to the ocean or nearby marine ponds of Juba Sound.
The Hole is simply a fascinating geological site. Much of the wall face on the edges of the feature exhibit overprinting by erosion factors and is decaying, yet a tunnel and cave features can still be seen on the southern side.
How Was the Hole Formed?
Like nearly all the sinkholes, blue holes, and caves found in the Turks and Caicos, The Hole was created by what is called the Karst process: the slow action of slightly acidic rainwater dissolving the soft limestone. This in turn produced carbonic acid, which further fed into the process.
It’s very likely that The Hole was initially an enclosed cave system and that, at some point in history, the ceiling fell in (which results in the site you see today).
Due to varying ocean level height over time, the water lens likewise existed at different elevations. This is why the Karst process features identified in the Turks and Caicos may be seen at higher elevations—as in the case of The Hole—or may be hundreds of feet deep, as in the case of Cottage Pond or the colossal Middle Caicos Ocean Hole.
There’s a countless number of dry Karst sinkholes in the islands, most of which rarely exceed 30 feet (9 m) in depth. Many sinkholes are found throughout the country, but no other above-water example comes close to the size and depth of The Hole.
Dangers
The Hole is a short distance from the road, right in the middle of the path. It's not recommended to visit with small children, as they may run down the path directly into the hole.
Do not swim or jump into The Hole. There are hidden submerged rocks, falling rocks, and trash, and you may not be able to get back out.
Located in Long Bay
The Hole is located in the Long Bay Hills area of Providenciales. Take Long Bay Highway off of Leeward Highway into the Long Bay Hills residential region. After 0.9 miles (1.4 km), turn right onto Sea Sage Hill Road.
Continue half a mile (0.8 km) to The Hole, on your left. A small sign attached to a telephone pole indicates the spot. There is ample space along the road to park.