Diving in Exuma Cays

Explore 18 dive sites in Exuma Cays, Bahamas. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Exuma Cays

The warmest water temperatures in Exuma Cays occur in August, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 24.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 24.7°C
  • February: 24.7°C
  • March: 25.1°C
  • April: 26.4°C
  • May: 27.6°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 30.2°C
  • August: 30.4°C
  • September: 30.1°C
  • October: 29.1°C
  • November: 27.4°C
  • December: 25.9°C

Marine Life in Exuma Cays

Home to 353 recorded species including 307 reef fish, 12 hard corals, 11 whales & dolphins, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 5 sharks & rays, 3 other.

Dive Site Difficulty in Exuma Cays

Exuma Cays has 6 beginner, 1 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Exuma Cays

Based on average water temperature of 27.6°C, currents 8 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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 Exuma Cays

  • Conception Island National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Joulter Cays National 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)
  • 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)
  • Cross Harbour National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Exuma Cays - Nearest Airports

  • Normans Cay Airport (NMC), Normans Cay - 14 km away, approx 31 min travel time
  • Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), Nassau - 96 km away, approx 120 min travel time
  • San Salvador International Airport (ZSA), San Salvador - 226 km away, approx 262 min travel time

Dive Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions like for diving in the Exuma Cays, including visibility, water temperature, and currents?
Diving in the Exuma Cays offers very warm water temperatures, with optimal months like August averaging 30.35°C, July 30.16°C, and September 30.07°C. Currents are a notable feature, as evidenced by popular drift dives such as The Washing Machine - Bahamas and Wax Cut Drift. Information regarding typical visibility is not provided in the available data.
What kind of unique marine life can divers expect to encounter in the Exuma Cays, and are there any seasonal highlights like specific shark sightings or whale migrations?
Divers in the Exuma Cays can expect to encounter nurse sharks, particularly around Compass Cay, which adds a unique element to the diving experience. The region is also known for some of the Bahamas' healthiest reefs, indicating a rich diversity of general marine life. Specific seasonal highlights like other shark sightings or whale migrations are not detailed in the provided information.
Which are considered the best or most popular dive sites in the Exuma Cays, and what makes them stand out?
The Exuma Cays are renowned for the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a no-take marine reserve boasting some of the Bahamas' healthiest reefs. Standout sites include a variety of wreck dives like the Austin Smith Wreck and drift dives such as The Washing Machine - Bahamas. The area also offers unique attractions like swimming pigs and nurse sharks at Compass Cay, enhancing the overall adventure.
What experience levels are suitable for diving in the Exuma Cays, and are there specific sites recommended for beginners versus advanced divers?
The Exuma Cays cater to both beginner and intermediate divers with a diverse range of sites. Beginners can enjoy sites like The Austin Smith (Wreck), Smuggler’s Plane, and Pillar Wall. Intermediate divers have a wider selection, including the Austin Smith Wreck, Highborn Kew Wall, and Normans Key Cut, offering various reef, wreck, and wall diving experiences.
What are the primary ways to get to the Exuma Cays for a diving trip, especially for those coming from international locations?
Information regarding the primary ways to get to the Exuma Cays for a diving trip, particularly for international travelers, is not available in the provided data. The region currently lists 0 dive centres, which may influence logistical planning for visitors.
What are the seasonal variations for diving in the Exuma Cays, and when is generally considered the best time to visit for optimal diving conditions?
For optimal diving conditions based on water temperature, the best time to visit the Exuma Cays is during July, August, and September, when temperatures average over 30°C. August typically sees the warmest waters at 30.35°C. While these months offer peak warmth, other seasonal variations in conditions are not detailed in the available data for when to dive.
Are there any notable drift dives or blue holes specifically located within the Exuma Cays dive region?
Yes, the Exuma Cays are home to notable drift dives, including the popular The Washing Machine - Bahamas and Wax Cut Drift, both suitable for beginner divers. However, there is no mention of blue holes specifically located within this dive region in the provided data.
Beyond reef sharks, what other types of sharks are commonly sighted while diving in the Exuma Cays?
Beyond reef sharks, divers in the Exuma Cays can commonly sight nurse sharks, particularly around Compass Cay. The provided data does not specify other types of sharks that are frequently encountered in the area, but you can explore more about marine life in our database.