Great Exuma
Explore ExumasDiving in the Exumas offers an unparalleled underwater adventure that draws divers fro
Explore Exumas
Diving in the Exumas offers an unparalleled underwater adventure that draws divers from around the globe. Known for its crystal-clear waters, the Exumas boast a variety of dive environments, including vibrant coral reefs, dramatic walls, and intriguing shipwrecks, all of which serve as a backdrop for a rich tapestry of marine life. With water temperatures ranging from 27°C–31°C/80°F–88°F, it's no surprise that this Bahamian paradise is a year-round diving destination.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, the Exumas have something to offer. Gentle currents and manageable depths make it an ideal spot for newcomers to the sport, while advanced divers can explore blue holes, cave networks, and partake in thrilling shark dives. The famous Washing Machine site promises an exhilarating drift dive, where currents carry you through a vibrant marine spectacle. For those seeking a more immersive experience, liveaboard options provide access to remote sites, ensuring you'll witness the full spectrum of underwater wonders, from macro critters to majestic pelagics.
The marine biodiversity in the Exumas is nothing short of impressive. Divers can expect encounters with colorful reef fish, Nassau groupers, and schools of barracudas and silversides. The region is also teeming with various shark species, particularly in the winter and spring months, including Caribbean reef sharks, lemon sharks, and even the occasional hammerhead. For an even more unique dive experience, explore the stromatolites, some of the oldest known macro-fossils on earth. With its stunning underwater landscapes and diverse marine life, the Exumas truly stand out as a premier diving destination.
Places to explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Exuma
Exuma, located in the Bahamas, offers a variety of stunning dive sites that cater to both shore and liveaboard divers. One of the most notable wreck dives is the "Austin Smith Wreck," a former Bahamian Defense Force cutter that now serves as an artificial reef teeming with marine life. This site is popular among divers for its vibrant coral and frequent sightings of reef sharks. For those preferring shore dives, "Thunderball Grotto" is an iconic spot, famous for its role in the James Bond movie. Here, divers can explore its intricate cave system and encounter schools of colorful fish. Unique underwater experiences in Exuma include night dives at "Shark Reef," where divers can witness the fascinating behaviors of nocturnal marine creatures. With a balance of shore diving convenience and the expansive explorations offered by liveaboard trips, Exuma presents a diverse and captivating underwater adventure.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Exuma
Exuma, part of the Bahamas, boasts a diverse array of marine life that attracts divers from around the world. The vibrant coral reefs are home to a plethora of common reef fish like parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, which can be seen year-round. These species create a colorful underwater tapestry that is typical of the Caribbean sea. Seasonal highlights in Exuma include sightings of nurse sharks, which are frequently encountered in the warmer months. During the summer, divers may also spot sea turtles gracefully swimming near the reefs. Southern stingrays are another notable species, often seen gliding along sandy bottoms throughout the year. The likelihood of encountering these fascinating creatures varies, with certain areas renowned for more frequent sightings, particularly around protected marine parks and quieter, less disturbed locations.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
318 Sightings
J
19
F
13
M
39
A
14
M
24
J
26
J
57
A
27
S
14
O
25
N
34
D
26
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
84 Sightings
J
2
F
3
M
2
A
9
M
0
J
10
J
18
A
17
S
5
O
4
N
9
D
5
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
53 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
13
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
8
A
19
S
0
O
0
N
11
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
21 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
8
A
1
S
0
O
2
N
3
D
5
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 80
iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays
409 Sightings
J
34
F
23
M
41
A
17
M
20
J
43
J
53
A
35
S
32
O
36
N
38
D
37
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 12
iStock/cinoby
Lionfish
358 Sightings
J
23
F
11
M
39
A
18
M
5
J
41
J
61
A
49
S
12
O
22
N
49
D
28
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
328 Sightings
J
23
F
6
M
31
A
11
M
1
J
43
J
59
A
51
S
18
O
17
N
35
D
33
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
324 Sightings
J
16
F
10
M
35
A
14
M
20
J
36
J
44
A
41
S
22
O
17
N
39
D
30
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
311 Sightings
J
26
F
7
M
38
A
22
M
12
J
36
J
53
A
45
S
20
O
15
N
14
D
23
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
Blacktip Reef Shark
231 Sightings
J
10
F
6
M
24
A
9
M
18
J
23
J
25
A
9
S
33
O
30
N
29
D
15
The best Months to dive in Exumas
Diving in Exuma is possible year-round, with consistently warm water temperatures ranging from 24°C/75°F in winter to 30°C/86°F in summer. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 30 meters/100 feet, making it ideal for exploring the vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs that the islands offer.
While diving is feasible throughout the year, the best conditions are generally between November and April, when the weather is drier and winds are less intense. From June to November, divers should be aware of the hurricane season, which can occasionally disrupt plans due to increased winds and currents. However, many divers still find opportunities to enjoy the underwater beauty during these months with proper planning and flexibility.
