Abaco - Nassau & New Providence

Abaco, while a bit of a trek from Nassau proper, offers a rewarding experience for divers who appreciate robust reef systems. You’ll find impressive stands of star and elkhorn corals here, forming a strong backbone for the reef. The currents, particularly around areas like Fowl Cay and Pelican Cay, have sculpted some interesting formations, creating a dynamic environment that’s great for drift dives. It's a healthy system, and you’ll often spot a good variety of the usual Caribbean suspects, from parrotfish to snapper, without feeling like you're in an aquarium. We’d suggest this for divers who enjoy a natural, less-frequented reef dive and don’t mind a bit of a boat ride to get there.

Location
Nassau & New Providence, Bahamas, Caribbean
Coordinates
26.541700, -77.063900
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Marine Protected Area: Fowl Cays National Park

Best Time to Dive in Nassau & New Providence

The warmest water temperatures in Nassau & New Providence occur in August, averaging 30.4°C (up to 34.0°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 24.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 24.7°C (air: 21.2°C)
  • February: 24.6°C (air: 23.5°C)
  • March: 24.9°C (air: 23.8°C)
  • April: 26.1°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • May: 27.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • June: 29.0°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • July: 30.1°C (air: 29.3°C)
  • August: 30.4°C (air: 29.6°C)
  • September: 30.0°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • October: 28.9°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • November: 27.2°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • December: 25.6°C (air: 22.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Nassau & New Providence

Nearest Dive Centres to Abaco

Marine Life in Nassau & New Providence

Home to 539 recorded species including 455 reef fish, 24 hard corals, 19 whales & dolphins, 11 sharks & rays, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Abaco

Based on average water temperature of 27.4°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°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 are the typical depths of dive sites in Abaco?
The typical depths for dive sites in Abaco range from 5 to 20 meters. This range makes it suitable for various experience levels, offering both shallower reef explorations and slightly deeper dives.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can I expect to see when diving in Abaco?
When diving in Abaco, you can expect to encounter a diverse range of marine creatures within healthy ecosystems, particularly in marine reserves like Fowl Cay, Sandy Cay, and Pelican Cay. The area is also rich in underwater formations, with star and elkhorn corals in abundance, and features etched by tidal currents. For more details on species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the diving in Abaco, and are there sites suitable for beginners?
Diving in Abaco is generally considered to be of intermediate difficulty. While the overall rating is intermediate, the depth range of 5-20m suggests there may be shallower areas suitable for less experienced divers, though specific beginner sites are not detailed. It's always recommended to consult with local dive operators for sites best suited to your certification level.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Abaco for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings in Abaco. For general information on seasonal diving, you can refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in Abaco, especially for cave or wreck diving?
The provided data does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required for Abaco, nor does it mention cave or wreck diving opportunities. Generally, an Open Water Diver certification is a prerequisite for most recreational dives. For specific requirements, it's best to check with local dive centers.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at Abaco dive sites?
At Abaco dive sites, the islands are protected by a large barrier reef system, which helps moderate conditions despite the Atlantic Ocean and cooler water to the east. You can expect to encounter tidal currents, which have notably etched some of the underwater formations. These currents contribute to the dynamic environment and healthy ecosystems.