Dive Site: Austin Smith

About 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. Originally intended as an artificial reef, it accidentally sank while being towed and now rests upright in approximately 60 feet of water in the Exuma Cays. This site is celebrated for its transformation into a vibrant ecosystem, attracting both divers and a wide array of marine inhabitants. The wreck's structure is largely open, offering swim-throughs that are now encrusted with colorful coral growth and sponges. It provides an accessible dive experience for various skill levels, making it a popular spot within the Exuma Cays, known for its combination of shallow reefs and colorful walls. The clear Bahamian waters consistently offer high visibility, enhancing the exploration of the wreck and its surrounding environment. Marine life here is abundant and includes resident Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, and possible eagle rays, alongside numerous fish species such as snapper, angelfish, and grouper. The wreck’s status as an artificial reef highlights its ecological importance, creating a rich habitat in an otherwise sandy seafloor. Water temperatures are generally comfortable, contributing to an enjoyable dive experience year-round. Often featured on Bahamas liveaboard itineraries, particularly those focusing on the Exuma Cays, the Austin Smith provides a comprehensive wreck diving experience. It's a testament to the success of artificial reefs in boosting marine biodiversity and offers both historical interest and lively underwater encounters.

Dive site facts: Austin Smith

Depth

18 m

Typical dive

18 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

High

Water temperature

22–26°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wreck, big_animals, reef

Region / port

Exuma Cays

Coordinates

24.9777° N, 77.1861° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Austin Smith Wreck can range from mild to moderate, providing an engaging dive without presenting overwhelming challenges. Divers should be prepared for varying conditions, especially when navigating swim-throughs within the wreck's structure. Due to its location in the Exuma Cays, tidal influences may affect current strength and direction, so a thorough briefing from your dive guide is essential. The clear Bahamian waters generally maintain high visibility, even with moderate currents, allowing for good orientation and observation of marine life. Entry and exit are typically boat-based, and careful buoyancy control is advised, particularly around the wreck itself, to avoid disturbing coral growth or stirring up sediment.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grouper

common

Caribbean Reef Shark

common

Snapper

common

Angelfish

common

Nurse Shark

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Moray Eel

occasional

Lionfish

occasional

Eagle Ray

rare

Turtle

rare

Grunt

occasional

Anemone

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the Austin Smith Wreck begins with a descent onto the former patrol vessel, which rests upright at a maximum depth of 18 meters. You will navigate around the exterior, observing the vibrant coral growth and sponges that encrust its surfaces. The wreck's open structures allow for accessible swim-throughs, offering opportunities to explore inside while maintaining good buoyancy control. The typical route involves circling the wreck to appreciate its full scale and the diverse marine life, including resident Caribbean reef sharks and various reef fish. A Nassau grouper has been known to follow divers, adding to the interactive experience. As you ascend, the safety stop can be performed in the clear Bahamian waters directly above the wreck, allowing for continued observation of schooling fish.

Underwater photography

The Austin Smith Wreck, with its accessible depth and clear waters, offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography. A wide-angle lens will capture the entire 90-foot vessel and the resident Caribbean reef sharks that frequently patrol the area. For capturing the vibrant coral encrustations and smaller inhabitants like snapper, angelfish, and grunts, a macro lens can also be rewarding. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and fish. Due to the wreck’s open nature, ambient light is often sufficient for general scenes, but strobes will enhance detail and contrast. Focus on capturing the interaction between marine life and the artificial reef, especially the grouper and sharks. Maintain excellent buoyancy to avoid disturbing silt or fragile corals, ensuring clear shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Crab Wall

  Crab Wall is a prominent deep wall dive site in the Bahamas, specifically mentioned as part of the Exuma Cays itinerary for liveaboards.

• 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…

• Lost Blue Hole

  Mentioned as a prominent dive in Exumas, though exact proximity to Austin Smith isn't specified, it's part of the same liveaboard itinerary area.

• Tri Wrecks

  Mentioned as a signature Bahamas dive site with three intact freighters in the Exuma Cays.

• Mahoney

  A shallow steamship wreck near Nassau, often part of Exuma liveaboard routes.

Getting there & logistics

Diving the Austin Smith Wreck typically involves liveaboard itineraries departing from Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. Major airports for international arrivals include Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau. Liveaboard trips to the Exuma Cays, where the Austin Smith is located, usually last one week, with guests boarding on Saturday afternoons and departing the following Saturday morning. These liveaboard experiences offer comprehensive diving, combining the wreck with spectacular reef dives and other notable sites in the Exumas and sometimes Eleuthera. There are no specific permits mentioned for diving the wreck itself, as fees are generally covered within the liveaboard package. This allows divers to reach sites like the Austin Smith that are often too far for day boat tours from a single port.

Safety & environment

For diving in the Bahamas, including the Austin Smith Wreck, having comprehensive dive insurance is strongly advised. While liveaboards are equipped with first aid and emergency oxygen, the nearest recompression chamber is located in Nassau. In case of a serious diving emergency at the Austin Smith, which is situated in the remote Exuma Cays, evacuation would primarily be by boat to the nearest land-based medical facility, potentially involving further transfer to Nassau, which can take several hours depending on sea conditions and vessel speed. Site-specific hazards include potential moderate currents, so maintaining situational awareness and good buoyancy is crucial to prevent contact with the wreck or marine life. Always dive with a buddy, adhere to depth limits, and follow your dive guide's instructions during briefings to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Austin Smith FAQ

Liveaboards diving Austin Smith

These liveaboards may visit Austin Smith 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