Big Blowhole | Sunset Cliffs

Sunset cliffs abounds with sea caves but this is the biggest and baddest of them all. This one is called the Big Blowhole for obvious reasons and is only accessible when the tide is very low. It requires scrambling over rocks and rough terrain to reach, not an adventure to take lightly.

Being inside the cave is wonderful, it's a natural marvel but I know it won't exist forever. The sandstone walls and ceiling are crumbling and eventually erosion will collapse the sides of the cave. The large rocks in the center under the opening are a testament to that.

I've been here a few times, but this photograph is from my first visit. When I came here, the tide wasn't optimal. While it was low going in, the levels rose during the time I was there and it was higher than it should have been on the way out. I had to wade through some waist deep areas but no camera gear was ruined. I have seen people stay too long and face almost disastrous consequences because once the tide rises and if you have a few feet of surf it can be dangerous getting out.