Dive Site: Angelfish Blue Hole

About Angelfish Blue Hole

Angelfish Blue Hole, an advanced dive site located in an enclosed bay off Stocking Island, is a distinct dark blue circle against the lighter, shallower bay waters. This unique geological feature is one of the world's rare tidal blue holes, formed above sea level during past ice ages when sea levels were significantly lower. The site connects to inland sinkholes through an extensive cave system, offering a compelling cavern dive experience. Diving here involves descending into a bell-shaped chamber where walls are adorned with stalactites and mineral formations, reaching a maximum depth of approximately 28 meters. The entrance is visible from the surface, leading to a primary chamber that provides a habitat for various marine species. While the surrounding bay often offers a calm approach for boat entry, successfully navigating the blue hole requires precise timing around slack tide. This ensures divers avoid challenging conditions created by very strong tidal currents that can occur at other times. The site is characterized by its unique geology, intricate tidal dynamics, and a history of exploration, including early visits by Jacques-Yves Cousteau. It offers a memorable dive for those with good buoyancy and deep diving experience, emphasizing focused exploration within a specific current window. Marine life encounters include large angelfish, lobsters, and copper sweepers within the darker recesses, while horse-eye jacks often circle the entrance. Visibility can vary, but the clear waters typically allow for excellent viewing of the geological formations and resident creatures.

Dive site facts: Angelfish Blue Hole

Depth

27-28 m

Typical dive

90 ft, 50-60 min

Current

Mild to very strong (tidal)

Visibility

18-30 m

Water temperature

24-31°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced, cavern experience helpful

Dive type

Blue hole, cavern

Region / port

Exumas, Bahamas

Coordinates

23.5257, -75.7603

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Angelfish Blue Hole are primarily tidal and can be very strong, necessitating precise dive planning for slack tide. Divers must time their entry to coincide with the brief periods of minimal water movement to avoid challenging pulls. The blue hole's unique tidal nature creates significant water movements as it connects to the open ocean and inland systems. Entry is typically by boat, with the surrounding bay often providing a sheltered approach despite potential surface waves. Visibility can be affected by tidal flow, and a thermocline is often present during the descent, marking a noticeable temperature change. Divers should be experienced in current management and capable of quick descents and ascents, with careful gas planning due to the deep cavern environment and potential for rapid current changes.

Marine life & sighting chances

Angelfish

common

Lobsters

occasional

Copper Sweepers

occasional

Nurse Sharks

occasional

Moray Eels

occasional

Tarpon

occasional

Horse-Eye Jacks

common

Blue Parrotfish

occasional

Schoolmaster Snapper

occasional

Grey Angelfish

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Reef Sharks

occasional

Sea Turtles

occasional

Eagle Rays

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Entry to Angelfish Blue Hole is typically by boat, directly over the distinct circular opening visible on the surface. Divers perform a controlled descent into the main hole, aiming to reach the primary chamber at around 28 meters. The initial descent is often through a thermocline, leading to a noticeable temperature drop. The route involves exploring the bell-shaped chamber walls, which are lined with ancient stalactites and mineral formations. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the delicate formations and stirring up sediment in the enclosed environment. Common practice is to circle the interior, observing resident marine life like angelfish, lobsters, and copper sweepers. The turn point is usually dictated by air consumption or bottom time limits, especially considering the depth. Ascents are gradual, often with the safety stop conducted in the shallower, clearer waters of the blue hole's upper reaches or just outside its entrance, depending on current conditions.

Underwater photography

Angelfish Blue Hole is an excellent site for wide-angle photography, capturing the dramatic blue hole structure and its unique formations. A fisheye lens is recommended to encompass the grand scale of the bell-shaped chamber and the schooling horse-eye jacks often found at the entrance. Due to the depth and enclosed nature, external strobes are essential to properly light the darker recesses, bringing out the vibrant colors of marine life and geological features. A strong dive light or video light is also crucial for illuminating the stalactites and mineral formations on the walls. Given the potential for reduced visibility and thermoclines, careful white balance settings are important. Practicing excellent buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing sediment and to safely navigate within the cavern environment, ensuring clear shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Stingray Reef

  Extremely shallow, vibrant reef perfect for beginners and snorkelers.

• Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

  Known for pristine reefs and protected marine life.

• Thunderball Grotto

  Famous for its caves and colorful fish, featured in James Bond films.

• Tuna Alley

  A drift dive along a coral wall with pelagic encounters.

• Lost Blue Hole

  Another significant blue hole in the Exumas.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Angelfish Blue Hole typically involves flying into George Town International Airport (GGT) on Exuma. From there, local operators in Exuma offer boat trips to the dive site, which is located off Stocking Island. Dive Exuma is a PADI/SSI certified center in Exuma that services this site. Trips often combine the blue hole with other nearby reef or shallow sites, making for full-day excursions. There are no specific permits required for this site, but dive packages will include boat fees. Divers usually stay in resorts or guesthouses on Great Exuma. Liveaboards operating in the Exumas may also include Angelfish Blue Hole as part of their itinerary, offering weeklong trips that provide extensive diving opportunities in the region.

Safety & environment

Diving Angelfish Blue Hole requires advanced certification and excellent buoyancy control due to its depth and enclosed cavern environment. The primary hazard is the potential for very strong tidal currents, making precise timing at slack tide critical for safety. Divers should always carry a powerful dive light as parts of the blue hole can be quite dark, and be mindful of the overhead environment. The nearest recompression chamber is typically located in Nassau, necessitating a potential medical evacuation by air, which can be costly. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation is highly recommended. It is essential to dive with an experienced local guide familiar with the specific current patterns and to adhere strictly to all briefing instructions. Boat traffic in the bay can also be a consideration during entry and exit.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Angelfish Blue Hole FAQ

Liveaboards diving Angelfish Blue Hole

These liveaboards may visit Angelfish Blue Hole 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