Diving in Long Island

Explore 37 dive sites in Long Island, Bahamas. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Long Island

The warmest water temperatures in Long Island occur in September, averaging 30.1°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 25.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 25.1°C
  • February: 25.3°C
  • March: 25.5°C
  • April: 26.9°C
  • May: 28.1°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 29.9°C
  • August: 30.0°C
  • September: 30.1°C
  • October: 29.1°C
  • November: 27.5°C
  • December: 26.0°C

Marine Life in Long Island

Home to 366 recorded species including 321 reef fish, 15 hard corals, 7 whales & dolphins, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 5 sharks & rays, 4 other.

Dive Site Difficulty in Long Island

Long Island has 2 beginner, 1 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Long Island

Based on average water temperature of 27.7°C, currents 12 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 Long Island

  • Conception Island National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Moriah Harbour Cay 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)
  • Bight of Acklins National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Long Island - Nearest Airports

  • Stella Maris Airport (SML), Stella Maris - 21 km away, approx 37 min travel time
  • San Salvador International Airport (ZSA), San Salvador - 73 km away, approx 94 min travel time
  • Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), Nassau - 285 km away, approx 326 min travel time

Dive Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water temperatures and visibility for scuba diving in Long Island, Bahamas?
Scuba diving in Long Island, Bahamas offers warm conditions, with the best water temperatures recorded in July (29.85°C), August (30.01°C), and September (30.09°C). These months provide ideal conditions for comfortable diving. Specific data on typical visibility is not available in our current context, but the region is known for its pristine reef systems. For more information on seasonal variations, visit our When to Dive guide.
What marine life can divers expect to encounter in Long Island, Bahamas?
Divers exploring Long Island, Bahamas can anticipate exciting shark encounters, particularly on the wall dives. The region's pristine reef systems also host a variety of marine life, though specific species beyond sharks are not detailed in our current data. For general information on marine species, you can consult our wildlife database.
Are there frequent shark encounters or specific shark diving opportunities in Long Island, Bahamas?
Yes, Long Island, Bahamas is known for shark encounters, especially during dives along its impressive wall sites. While not explicitly listed as dedicated shark diving opportunities, these encounters are a notable feature of the local diving experience. Divers should be prepared for potential sightings of these magnificent creatures.
What are the top dive sites in Long Island, Bahamas, including blue holes and wrecks?
Long Island, Bahamas boasts a diverse array of dive sites, including the world-renowned Dean's Blue Hole, the deepest known saltwater blue hole at 202 metres, and Angelfish Blue Hole. Wreck enthusiasts can explore sites like the CAPTAIN MOXEY, CARIBBEAN EXPRESS, and MV Comberbach Wreck. Other popular sites include the advanced Deep South Reef and the beginner-friendly North Pole Cave.
What diving experience level is recommended for the dive sites in Long Island, Bahamas?
Diving in Long Island, Bahamas caters to a range of experience levels, though most sites are recommended for intermediate divers. For example, Dean's Blue Hole and numerous reef and wreck dives are suitable for intermediate experience. Beginners can explore North Pole Cave, while advanced divers will enjoy the challenges of Deep South Reef.
How do travelers typically get to Long Island, Bahamas, for a dive trip?
Information regarding typical travel routes to Long Island, Bahamas for a dive trip is not available in our current data context. We recommend consulting general travel resources for the Bahamas to plan your journey.
What are the seasonal variations for diving in Long Island, Bahamas, regarding weather and marine life?
Regarding seasonal variations for diving in Long Island, Bahamas, our data highlights the warmest water temperatures occurring in July (29.85°C), August (30.01°C), and September (30.09°C). Specific seasonal changes in weather beyond water temperature or marine life patterns are not detailed in the provided context. For general information on diving seasons, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What are the conditions and difficulty of diving Dean's Blue Hole in Long Island, Bahamas?
Dean's Blue Hole in Long Island, Bahamas is renowned as the world's deepest known saltwater blue hole, plunging to an impressive 202 metres. Diving this unique cenote is recommended for intermediate-level divers due to its depth and specific environment. It offers an extraordinary experience for those with the appropriate training and experience.