Austin Smith Wreck - Exuma Cays

The Austin Smith Wreck, a former Bahamian Defence Force cutter, has been sitting upright in the Exumas since 1995, and it’s a good little dive if you’re in the area. We usually find it in about 18 meters of water, bow pointing east, with the structure still largely intact. Over the years, plenty of jacks and snappers have made it home, darting around the wheelhouse and cargo holds. It’s a comfortable wreck, not overly challenging, making it a solid choice for divers looking for a straightforward penetration or just a leisurely swim-around. You’ll often spot a reef shark cruising by, too.

Location
Exuma Cays, Bahamas, Caribbean
Coordinates
24.700000, -76.833300
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Exuma Cays

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Austin Smith Wreck

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