🇧🇸Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in The Bahamas

North Atlantic Ocean

sea

Tropical Northwestern Atlantic

province

Bahamian

ecoregion

777

The dive site 777 features large, scattered coral heads rising from a sandy bottom at a depth of 18 meters (60 feet). Divers can explore numerous swim-throughs while observing a healthy population of sharks. The coral profile ranges from 5 to 8 meters (15 to 25 feet), providing opportunities to encounter various marine life, including macro species such as head shield slugs and tunicates. Additionally, rays, Hawksbill turtles, and garden eels can often be seen in this area. The site allows for close, safe interactions with the curious shark population without the need for feeding.

25.4958, -79.2632

Barracuda Shoals

Barracuda Shoals is a dive site located in the Exumas, near George Town, characterized by its clear waters, making it suitable for novice divers and snorkelers. The site is named for the numerous barracuda that inhabit the area. Divers can expect to see both small and large barracuda, along with a variety of Caribbean reef fish, including queen, French, and gray angelfish, trumpet fish, snapper, and butterfly fish.

23.6100, -75.8798

Bimini Barge (Wreck)

The Bimini Barge is a deep wreck located off the coast of Bimini in the Bahamas, positioned at the edge of a drop-off. The site begins at a depth of 76 feet (23 meters) and is known for its strong currents, making it suitable for advanced divers. The wreck attracts a variety of pelagic species, including schools of permit and African Pompano. Divers can also expect to see typical Caribbean marine life such as parrotfish, barracuda, jacks, and the possibility of encountering sea turtles.

25.7361, -79.3328

Blue Chromis - Bahamas

Blue Chromis features a sloping reef that ranges in depth from 10 to 21 meters (35 to 70 feet). The site is characterized by numerous swim-throughs and overhangs, which provide habitats for lobsters, eels, and rare blennies. Visibility is typically excellent, showcasing vibrant colors from gorgonians and sea fans at the surface, while healthy hard corals and sponges are found along the spur and grooves. Divers should be aware that currents can be present, making this site suitable for drift diving. Entry is from the shore.

25.5116, -79.2804

Bull Run

Bull Run is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates 25.500600, -79.264100. The site features a depth range of 10 to 18 meters (35 to 60 feet) and is characterized by large, scattered coral heads over white sand and algae beds. Divers can explore coral formations that create caverns and maze-like pathways. The area is known for the presence of 3 to 8 female Caribbean Reef sharks that are often seen in the vicinity. Additionally, divers may encounter various marine life including goliath grouper, angelfish, grunts, snappers, nudibranchs, and head shield slugs. Lionfish are also prevalent due to the prohibition of spearing in this location.

25.5006, -79.2641

Donut - Bahamas

Donut is a small, circular reef located at a depth of approximately 30-40 feet (9-12 meters), surrounded by fine white sand. The site is home to large schools of grunts and snappers, along with lobsters and eels. Divers may encounter small ledges and overhangs that provide shelter for unique species such as flame fish and drum fish. This site is particularly notable for night dives, where the abundance of marine life can obscure the reef itself.

25.3857, -79.2099

Freeport Bahamas

Freeport, Bahamas offers diverse diving experiences, including encounters with bottlenose dolphins and various shark species such as Caribbean reef sharks and black-tip reef sharks. Divers can also observe large southern stingrays and a variety of Caribbean reef fish. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore the marine life in the area.

26.5043, -78.6619

Great Blue Hole - Bahamas

The Great Blue Hole, located off the coast of Andros, is a distinctive underwater feature measuring approximately 30 meters in diameter and exceeding 60 meters in depth. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including large southern stingrays, turtles, various shark species, groupers, and both reef and pelagic fish. The site is characterized by its unique geological formation and diverse ecosystems. Entry to the dive site is conducted via boat.

24.8080, -77.8100

Hammerhead Site

The Hammerhead Site is characterized by a sandy bottom located just outside Bimini harbor. This dive site is primarily known for encounters with Hammerhead sharks, particularly during the feeding dives that occur from November to April. The site does not have notable underwater features, and its exact location may vary slightly due to tidal changes, visibility conditions, and boat traffic. In addition to Hammerheads, divers may also encounter Tiger sharks and Bull sharks in the area.

25.7090, -79.3055

Hollywood Bowl

Hollywood Bowl, also referred to as Goulden Cay, is located directly west of New Providence. This site is accessible from the shore and is suitable for snorkelers and novice divers. The underwater environment showcases typical Caribbean marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Divers may also encounter turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper.

25.0334, -77.5720

James Bond Wrecks

The James Bond Wrecks are a series of intentionally submerged vessels that serve as artificial reefs, attracting a variety of marine life. Located in the Bahamas, these wrecks were used for filming several James Bond movies, taking advantage of the region's clear waters. Divers can expect to encounter a range of typical Caribbean species, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Turtles, stingrays, and numerous fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper are also commonly observed in this area. The site is accessible via shore entry.

25.0065, -77.5667

Jose'S Wreck

Jose's Wreck is a 12-meter (40-foot) tugboat located at a depth of 19 meters (62 feet) off the southern end of Grand Bahama. The wreck, which has been submerged since 1986, provides habitat for various crustaceans like spiny lobsters and crabs. During winter months, large numbers of tiger groupers can be seen here. This dive site is accessible by boat from Nassau and offers good visibility.

26.4778, -78.6549

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme features a dramatic wall dive that begins at a depth of 19 meters (65 feet) and showcases a spur and groove formation. The site is often affected by currents, making it suitable for drift diving. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including pelagic species, sea turtles, sharks, and numerous schools of reef fish. The area is also home to a healthy population of sea fans, gorgonians, and hard corals.

25.5543, -79.2886

Lewda

Lewda, also known as Kinks, features a low-profile coral structure situated over white sand at depths of 45 to 50 feet. The site is marked by large concrete cubes and is home to multiple old anchors. Divers should be aware that currents can be present, offering limited protection. This area was previously utilized for acoustic studies on fishlife by Lerner Marine Lab, and remnants of cables can still be observed across the reef. The marine life is diverse, with sightings of large fish shoals, rays, turtles, and various sea fans and gorgonians. Additionally, lobsters and crabs inhabit the area, and it is not uncommon to hear or see dolphins nearby.

25.7243, -79.3025

Lunkhead

Lunkhead features a collection of prominent coral heads situated in a sandy area at a depth of 50 feet (16 meters). The site offers excellent visibility and includes a swim-through located within the largest coral head. Divers can explore numerous nooks and crannies, where various marine life can be observed, including nudibranchs, headshield slugs, garden eels, flounder, and stingrays.

25.4636, -79.2431

Nassau

Nassau offers a variety of diving experiences around New Providence, featuring both vibrant reefs and historical wrecks. Divers can expect to encounter a range of marine life typical of the Caribbean, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Turtles, stingrays, and various fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper are also commonly observed. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore the underwater ecosystem.

25.0385, -77.3692

North Pole Cave

North Pole Cave is situated on the southwest coast of San Salvador Island in the Bahamas, with coordinates of 23.999600° N and -74.547900° W. This dive site features a prominent chimney or large crack in the wall, making it a unique cave dive. The wall is adorned with tube coral, providing an interesting habitat for marine life. Divers can expect to explore depths that vary significantly, with the wall dive offering a range of experiences. Entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore this underwater feature.

23.9996, -74.5479

Periwinkle Reef

Periwinkle Reef is situated off the coast of New Providence, with depths ranging from 21 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters). The site is accessible by boat and typically offers excellent visibility. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Additionally, sightings of turtles, stingrays, and various fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper are common.

25.0227, -77.2586

Pillar Wall

Pillar Wall is a dive site that begins at a depth of 30 feet and gradually descends to 50 feet before dropping off to depths exceeding 150 feet. The site features numerous caves and crevices that divers can explore. Marine life commonly observed includes various Caribbean fish species such as angelfish, snapper, and barracuda, along with a notable colony of Yellowhead jawfish located within the reef. This dive is accessible by boat.

24.5726, -76.7492

Rainbow Valley

Rainbow Valley is part of the Victory Reef system, featuring a sloping wall that descends from 11 meters to 23 meters. The site is influenced by Gulf Stream currents, which can be strong at times. Divers can explore numerous swim-throughs and find sheltered areas among the coral structures. The marine life here includes gorgonions, sea fans, various species of grunts and snapper, filefish, sea turtles, and the occasional shark, making it a diverse underwater environment.

25.5508, -79.2866

Ray of Hope (Wreck)

The Ray of Hope is a 200-foot Haitian freighter that was intentionally sunk in 2003 to serve as an artificial reef. The wreck is fully intact, providing opportunities for divers to explore its interior, including cabins and gangways. The dive site is located at a depth of 40 to 60 feet, making it accessible for divers of all experience levels. Marine life around the wreck includes nurse sharks, reef sharks, and potential sightings of eagle rays and turtles. Additionally, divers can observe various fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, and grouper, along with anemones.

24.9946, -77.5239

Sand Chute

Sand Chute is a reef dive located on the southwest corner of New Providence, accessible by boat. The site is characterized by a diverse marine ecosystem, where divers can encounter various species typical of the Caribbean, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Additionally, sightings of turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper are common. The active reef environment provides ample opportunities for exploration and observation.

24.9893, -77.5464

Sponge Gardens

Sponge Gardens features a sloping reef that begins at a depth of 45 feet (13 meters) and descends to 90 feet (27 meters). The site is characterized by a spur and groove formation, which includes various swim-throughs and channels. Located at the edge of the Gulf Stream, divers may encounter currents. This site is known for drift diving and is frequented by pelagic species. Common marine life includes sea turtles, nurse sharks, triggerfish, surgeonfish, and jawfish.

25.5251, -79.3030

SS Sapona (Wreck)

The SS Sapona is a concrete ship that ran aground in the early 1900s. Originally a vessel for rum-running, it later served as a practice target for the USAF. Now, it functions as an artificial reef at a shallow depth of approximately 15 feet. Divers should be aware of tidal currents and fluctuating water temperatures, making it advisable to dive during slack or incoming tides. Marine life around the wreck includes a variety of crustaceans, large porcupine fish, occasional tarpon near the stern, southern stingrays, yellow rays, needlefish, and nudibranchs.

25.6499, -79.2938

Stuart Cove’s Shark Arena

Stuart Cove's Shark Arena, commonly referred to as 'The Arena,' is a notable dive site where divers can engage in close encounters with Caribbean reef sharks. During the dive, participants will kneel on the sandy bottom and arrange themselves in a semicircle around a professional shark feeder. The feeder will place a bait box in the center to attract the sharks, allowing for an immersive experience with these marine predators. This site is specifically designed for shark interactions, making it a unique location for divers interested in observing these species up close.

24.9645, -77.4911

The Barge/Coliseum

The Barge, a former World War II shipping vessel, now serves as an artificial reef situated at depths ranging from 60 to 80 feet. Divers can navigate around the wreck and explore the adjacent coral structures leading to a false wall. This site is home to a variety of marine life, including nudibranchs, sharks, rays, eels, lobsters, and schools of fish. Entry to the site is from the shore.

24.7511, -77.7600

The Pumpkin Patch

The Pumpkin Patch is a shallow reef dive located off the southwest coast of New Providence, accessible from the shore. This site benefits from nutrient-rich water flowing from the Great Bahama Bank during tidal changes, creating an environment that supports diverse marine life. Divers and snorkelers can expect to see a variety of Caribbean species, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, possible sightings of eagle rays, turtles, stingrays, and numerous fish such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper.

24.9498, -77.4946

The Strip

The Strip is a shallow dive site located at a depth of 40 feet (12 meters), characterized by a narrow coral formation surrounded by sandy areas and algae beds. The site features a low profile with various ledges and overhangs, providing habitat for a diverse array of marine life. Divers can observe large schools of grunts and snappers, as well as eels, sea turtles, and nurse sharks. Additionally, the site offers ample opportunities for macro photography, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. It is also recognized as one of the prime locations for night dives, where rare eels, crustaceans, and nudibranchs can be encountered.

25.7472, -79.3033

The Tunnels - Bahamas

The Tunnels is located in Fowl Cay National Park near Abaco Island. This dive site is characterized by its abundant marine life and can offer visibility exceeding 150 feet. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of typical Caribbean species, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray. Other marine life includes turtles, stingrays, and numerous fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrotfish, and grouper. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers of varying experience levels.

26.5769, -76.9723

Tiger Beach

Tiger Beach is a renowned dive site located approximately one hour by boat from the West End of Grand Bahama Island. This shallow sand flat is particularly famous for tiger shark encounters, which are most prevalent outside of the summer months, with July and August being less favorable for sightings. In addition to tiger sharks, divers can also observe lemon sharks and Caribbean reef sharks in the area, making it a diverse shark-watching location.

26.7500, -78.9830

Turtle Rocks - Bahamas

Turtle Rocks features an extensive ledge system characterized by numerous overhangs and a variety of hard coral heads ranging from small to large sizes. The site is rich in macro life, making it ideal for slow-paced dives, particularly during daylight hours when divers can utilize flashlights to explore the nooks and crannies. Marine life includes high hats, spotted drums, and spotted eagle rays, with occasional sightings of sharks and turtles. Lobsters and crabs are abundant, along with flamefish and shrimp that can be found hiding in the crevices.

25.6752, -79.3197

Twin Sister Wrecks

The Twin Sister Wrecks consist of two small tankers, one at 13 m and the other at 30 m depth. Divers can explore the wrecks' holds through large openings drilled in the decks. Visibility is good, and you can observe light rays filtering through the wreck structure.

24.9864, -77.5298

Wax Cut Drift

Wax Cut Drift offers a dive lasting around 30 minutes at an average depth of 7.5 meters, with a maximum depth of 10.4 meters. This site is located within the Exuma Cays and requires a vessel for support due to its remote nature. Divers should pay attention to local tidal conditions. During the dive, it is possible to encounter various marine life including sharks, turtles, and stingrays. The sides of the dive site feature fire corals.

24.5880, -76.7710