Diving in Eleuthera & Harbour Island

Explore 14 dive sites in Eleuthera & Harbour Island, Bahamas. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Eleuthera & Harbour Island

The warmest water temperatures in Eleuthera & Harbour Island occur in January, averaging 26.0°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.0°C (air: 23.6°C)
  • February: 26.0°C (air: 23.6°C)
  • March: 26.0°C (air: 23.9°C)
  • April: 26.0°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • May: 26.0°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • June: 26.0°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • July: 26.0°C (air: 28.5°C)
  • August: 26.0°C (air: 28.8°C)
  • September: 26.0°C (air: 28.6°C)
  • October: 26.0°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • November: 26.0°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • December: 26.0°C (air: 24.4°C)

Marine Life in Eleuthera & Harbour Island

Home to 275 recorded species including 239 reef fish, 10 whales & dolphins, 6 sharks & rays, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 other, 3 seagrass & algae.

Recommended Packing List for Eleuthera & Harbour Island

Based on average water temperature of 26.0°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Eleuthera & Harbour Island

  • Conception Island National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Pelican Cays Land And Sea Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Green Cay Marine Park - Marine Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Bonefish Pond National Park - Ecological Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Moriah Harbour Cay National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Andros Northern Marine Park - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Andros Southern Marine Park - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • South Berry Islands Marine Reserve - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Westside National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Jewfish Cay Marine Reserve - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Pigeon Creek & Snow Bay National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Graham's Harbour - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Greens Bay National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • West Coast Dive Site - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • South Abaco Blue Holes National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • East Abaco Creeks - Cherokee - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Southwest New Providence Marine Managed Area - Marine Managed Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • East Abaco Creeks - Snake Cays - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • East Abaco Creeks - The Bight - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Cross Harbour National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Eleuthera & Harbour Island - Nearest Airports

  • Rock Sound International Airport (RSD), Rock Sound - 6 km away, approx 21 min travel time
  • Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), Nassau - 137 km away, approx 164 min travel time
  • San Salvador International Airport (ZSA), San Salvador - 185 km away, approx 217 min travel time

Dive Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions and visibility for scuba diving around Eleuthera and Harbour Island?
Diving around Eleuthera and Harbour Island offers pristine walls and current-swept channels, which are known to attract pelagic species. While specific visibility numbers are not provided, the description of 'pristine walls' suggests excellent clarity. During the best months for diving, water temperatures are a comfortable 25.96°C.
What kind of marine life, including sharks and rays, can divers expect to encounter in Eleuthera and Harbour Island?
Divers in Eleuthera and Harbour Island can expect to encounter a diverse range of marine life. Current-swept channels are particularly good for spotting pelagics, while shallow reefs are home to angelfish, parrotfish, and nurse sharks. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
What are the best dive sites in Eleuthera and Harbour Island, especially for unique experiences like drift dives or exploring wrecks?
For unique experiences, Eleuthera and Harbour Island offers excellent options. The dive site Eleuthera Diving: Wrecks, Reefs, Walls and Drifts is perfect for exploring a variety of underwater landscapes, including drift dives. Wreck enthusiasts will enjoy sites like ADVENTURA 1, GANGMAR, NEW PROVIDENCE, ISLAND SUN, and ATLANTIC PEARL, all offering intermediate-level wreck diving.
Is the diving in Eleuthera and Harbour Island suitable for beginner divers, or is it primarily for more experienced divers?
The diving in Eleuthera and Harbour Island is primarily suited for more experienced divers. All listed dive sites, including reefs, walls, and wrecks, are categorized as 'intermediate' difficulty. Beginners should consider gaining more experience or seeking guided dives with instructors before exploring these sites.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Eleuthera and Harbour Island, considering weather, water temperature, and marine life seasonality?
Based on the available data, the best time to go diving in Eleuthera and Harbour Island for optimal water temperatures is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when the water consistently reaches 25.96°C. While specific weather patterns or marine life seasonality are not detailed, these months offer comfortable conditions. For general guidance on dive planning, visit our When to Dive section.
What are the main transportation options for getting to Eleuthera and Harbour Island for a diving vacation?
Information regarding specific transportation options for getting to Eleuthera and Harbour Island for a diving vacation is not provided in the current data. Additionally, there are no dive centers listed for this sub-region, which may influence local dive trip arrangements.
Are there any notable wreck dives or unique geological formations like blue holes and caverns to explore in the Eleuthera and Harbour Island dive region?
Yes, Eleuthera and Harbour Island offers several notable wreck dives for intermediate divers, including ADVENTURA 1, GANGMAR, NEW PROVIDENCE, ISLAND SUN, and ATLANTIC PEARL. The site Off The Wall provides excellent wall diving experiences. However, the provided data does not mention any unique geological formations such as blue holes or caverns in this dive region.
What are the average water temperatures throughout the year for diving in Eleuthera and Harbour Island, and is a wetsuit typically recommended?
While average water temperatures throughout the entire year for Eleuthera and Harbour Island are not specified, the best months for diving feature a consistent water temperature of 25.96°C. For these comfortable temperatures, a 3mm wetsuit or a shorty is generally recommended to provide warmth and protection during your dives. You can find more information on dive gear in our equipment section.