Dog Rocks - Exuma Cays

Dog Rocks, up at Ship’s Channel Cay in the northern Exumas, is a pretty good spot, especially if you like a bit of topography. We found the top of the reef sits around 10 meters, before sloping down a little further, then just dropping into the deep blue of Exuma Sound. The main draw here is "The Cathedral," a proper cavern swim-through at about 12 meters. Sunlight streams in, catching the schools of silversides that often fill the space. It’s a nice dive for those who enjoy exploring the structure as much as the fish life.

Location
Exuma Cays, Bahamas, Caribbean
Coordinates
24.750000, -76.800000

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 Dog Rocks

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth range at Dog Rocks in the Exumas?
At Dog Rocks, the reef begins at 35 ft (10m) and slopes down to 50 ft (15m) before descending into the deep Exuma Sound. Divers can also explore The Cathedral, a unique cavern-like swim-through located at 40 ft (12m).
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Dog Rocks?
Divers at Dog Rocks can expect to encounter a vibrant reef environment with large terrain and proximity to deep water. A highlight is The Cathedral, a cavern-like swim-through at 40 ft (12m), where sunlight illuminates masses of silversides.
How challenging is the Dog Rocks dive site, and is it suitable for all diver skill levels?
The Dog Rocks dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. This means it is best suited for divers with some experience beyond entry-level certification, who are comfortable with deeper dives and potentially varied conditions. It may not be ideal for absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive Dog Rocks for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Dog Rocks for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, please consult our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or recommended for diving at Dog Rocks?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers visiting Dog Rocks should ideally possess an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures comfort and proficiency with the depths and features of the site, including the 40 ft (12m) swim-through.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Dog Rocks dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at the Dog Rocks dive site. It is always recommended to check local conditions with your dive operator prior to diving.