Dive Site: Amberjack Reef

About Amberjack Reef

Amberjack Reef is a prominent shark diving destination nestled within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. This site is renowned for its consistent presence of Caribbean reef sharks, which congregate here in significant numbers, offering divers thrilling interactions. The reef itself spans approximately 50 feet in length, reaching a maximum depth of 60 feet. Its topography includes coral heads, sandy patches, and walls, supporting a diverse ecosystem. Exceptional visibility, often exceeding 130 feet, enhances the underwater experience. While historically a shark feeding site, current park regulations prohibit artificial attraction methods. However, the sharks' established conditioning ensures their continued presence, allowing for natural observation. Beyond the numerous reef sharks, divers frequently encounter large groupers, nurse sharks, and colonies of garden eels. Amberjack Reef is suitable for open water certified divers comfortable with shark encounters. Its protected status and relatively calm conditions within the cays make it an accessible site for intermediate divers seeking a rich marine life experience.

Dive site facts: Amberjack Reef

Depth

max 18 m

Typical dive

12–18 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

40 m+

Water temperature

24–31°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Reef, shark, macro

Region / port

Exuma Cays, Bahamas

Coordinates

24.2882° N, 76.6805° W

Conditions & Currents

Amberjack Reef is situated within the Exuma Cays, an area generally known for light currents, making for relatively calm diving conditions. However, the sandy areas surrounding the reef can exhibit subtle water movement, where garden eels sway in the current. Dive vessels typically moor directly at the site, allowing for a straightforward entry. While strong currents are not a dominant feature, divers should remain aware of their position relative to the reef structure. The consistent high visibility and absence of significant surge contribute to a relaxed dive experience, suitable for divers comfortable with intermediate conditions.

Marine life & sighting chances

Caribbean reef shark

common

Nurse shark

common

Black grouper

common

Yellowmouth grouper

common

Yellowfin grouper

common

Garden eel

common

Pirate blenny

common

Horse-eye jack

common

Atlantic spadefish

common

Channel clinging crab

common

Turtle

occasional

Ray

occasional

Mackerel

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Amberjack Reef typically begins with a boat entry, often directly onto the mooring line, where schools of Atlantic spadefish and horse-eye jacks may gather. The dive generally follows the reef structure, which reaches a maximum depth of 60 feet (18 meters). You'll spend time observing Caribbean reef sharks, which often circle divers, and nurse sharks resting on the sandy patches between coral heads. Large black, yellowmouth, and yellowfin groupers are commonly encountered patrolling the reef. Attention to the reef's crevices may reveal pirate blennies, while the surrounding sandy areas host colonies of garden eels. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent along the reef, with the safety stop typically performed at 15 feet (5 meters) near the boat, offering further opportunities for marine life observation in the shallows.

Underwater photography

Amberjack Reef's exceptional visibility and abundant megafauna make it a prime location for wide-angle photography. A fisheye lens is ideal for capturing the circling Caribbean reef sharks and the expansive reef structure. Utilize strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and ensure well-lit shark encounters. For macro enthusiasts, a dedicated macro lens will highlight smaller subjects like pirate blennies peeking from coral holes and the delicate garden eels in the sand. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the reef or stirring up the sandy bottom, preserving the clear conditions for fellow photographers. Approaching marine life, especially the groupers accustomed to divers, should be done slowly and respectfully to capture natural behaviors.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Pillar Wall

  Pillar Wall is an Exumas wall dive, accessible only by boat, starting from a shallow reef top.

• Lobster No Lobster

  Lobster No Lobster is a renowned shallow coral head reef situated in the northern Exuma Cays of the Bahamas, often accessible via…

• Hammerhead Gulch

  Hammerhead Gulch is a notable dive site located within the Exuma Cays, accessible by liveaboard from Nassau.

• Blacktip Wall

  Blacktip Wall is a renowned dive site located within the Exuma Cays, specifically noted for its dramatic wall diving experiences.

• Cracked Coral Head

  Cracked Coral Head is a notable dive site located in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas, renowned for its diverse underwater topography and rich…

• Austin Smith

  The Austin Smith wreck, also known as the HMBS Flamingo, is a former 90-foot Bahamian Defense Force Cutter that was decommissioned in 1995.

Getting there & logistics

Amberjack Reef is primarily accessed via liveaboard dive vessels cruising the Exuma Cays or by chartered dive boats departing from Staniel Cay. The site is situated within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, requiring adherence to its no-take regulations. Major international airports for reaching the Bahamas include Lynden Pindling International Airport (Nassau) and George Town International Airport (Exuma). From these hubs, inter-island flights or ferry services connect to smaller islands like Staniel Cay. Liveaboard itineraries typically last 7 to 8 days, offering comprehensive exploration of the Exumas, while day trips from Staniel Cay depend on local operators and conditions. No specific dive permits are generally required beyond standard liveaboard fees, which often include park access.

Safety & environment

Divers visiting Amberjack Reef should be aware that the nearest recompression chamber is likely located in Nassau, requiring significant evacuation time in case of a dive emergency. Comprehensive dive insurance, covering emergency evacuation and medical treatment, is highly recommended. While Caribbean reef sharks are accustomed to divers and generally not aggressive, they are wild animals; maintaining a respectful distance and following guide instructions are crucial. The maximum depth of 60 feet is within recreational limits for Open Water certified divers, but comfort with shark encounters is important. All diving within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park must adhere to strict no-take regulations, prohibiting the collection or disturbance of marine life.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Amberjack Reef FAQ

Liveaboards diving Amberjack Reef

These liveaboards may visit Amberjack Reef on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

All Star Blackbeards Morning Star

Bahamas

24 guests19.81 m

$156/day

Bahamas Aggressor II

Bahamas

20 guests33.5 m

$328/day

Blue Marlin

Bahamas

26 guests42 m

$318/day

All Star Aqua Cat

Bahamas

30 guests31.09 m

$312/day

All Star Cat Ppalu

Bahamas

12 guests20 m

$237/day