Dive Site: Austin Smith Wreck

About Austin Smith Wreck

The Austin Smith Wreck, originally named HMBS Flamingo, was a 90-foot Bahamian Defense Force cutter that was decommissioned in 1995. Intended for use as an artificial reef, it accidentally sank while being towed to its designated location in the Exuma Cays, coming to rest at a depth of 60 feet. Today, this site is a thriving artificial reef, easily accessible to divers looking for an engaging wreck experience. The wreck's structure is open, allowing for exploration and swim-throughs, all encrusted with diverse coral growth and sponges. The surrounding Bahamian waters are known for their exceptional clarity, providing high visibility for observing the wreck's inhabitants and features. The Austin Smith Wreck has become a magnet for marine life, drawing in various fish species and a notable population of Caribbean reef sharks. Divers frequently encounter nurse sharks, eagle rays, and sea turtles around the structure. The site is a dynamic ecosystem where colorful angelfish, snapper, grunts, and moray eels can be observed. This dive is often incorporated into Bahamas liveaboard itineraries, particularly those focusing on the Exuma Cays. It offers a comprehensive dive experience suitable for various skill levels, combining historical significance with abundant marine biodiversity in comfortable water temperatures.

Dive site facts: Austin Smith Wreck

Depth

18 m

Typical dive

18 m, 45-60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

High

Water temperature

22–26°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wreck, reef, big_animals

Region / port

Exuma Cays, Bahamas

Coordinates

24.9807° N, 77.1921° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Austin Smith Wreck typically range from mild to moderate, offering an exciting yet manageable dive experience. Divers should be prepared for potential drift, particularly when exploring outside the wreck's immediate vicinity. Visibility in the clear Bahamian waters is generally high, ensuring excellent views of the wreck and its resident marine life. Entry and exit are usually boat-based, commonly conducted from liveaboards that visit the Exuma Cays. These conditions make the site suitable for divers with intermediate experience, allowing for relaxed exploration without being overly challenging.

Marine life & sighting chances

Caribbean Reef Shark

common

Nurse Shark

common

Eagle Ray

occasional

Sea Turtle

occasional

Grouper

common

Snapper

common

Angelfish

common

Grunts

common

Barracuda

occasional

Moray Eel

occasional

Lionfish

occasional

Jackfish

occasional

Lobster

occasional

Parrotfish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the Austin Smith Wreck typically begins with a boat entry, followed by a descent directly onto the wreck, which rests at approximately 18 meters (60 feet). The wreck is an open structure, allowing for easy penetration and exploration of its internal spaces, all while observing the abundant coral and sponge growth. You can navigate around the vessel's exterior, keeping an eye out for resident Caribbean reef sharks and other large marine life that frequent the site. The route usually involves circumnavigating the 90-foot cutter, exploring the various nooks and crannies. The relatively shallow depth permits extended bottom time, and the safety stop is commonly conducted over the wreck itself or in the immediate surrounding area, enjoying the clear visibility and active reef life.

Underwater photography

The Austin Smith Wreck, with its accessible depth and open structure, is excellent for wide-angle photography, capturing the entire vessel alongside large schooling fish or passing sharks. Consider using strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and sponges encrusting the wreck. For marine life, a macro lens can be rewarding for documenting the smaller invertebrates living within the wreck's crevices, such as crabs and slugs, while a mid-range zoom lens is ideal for capturing the barracuda, grouper, and angelfish that call the wreck home. Buoyancy control is crucial to avoid stirring up silt from the wreck and to maneuver respectfully within its structure, ensuring clear shots and preserving the site.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Thunderball Grotto

  Thunderball Grotto, nestled in the Exuma Cays of The Bahamas, is an intricate underwater cave system renowned for its cinematic history and…

• Sharks Alley

  Sharks Alley, located off the coast of Grand Bahama, is a premier destination for shark diving, providing exhilarating encounters with…

• 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…

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Austin Smith Wreck is primarily via liveaboard itineraries that focus on the Exuma Cays in the Bahamas. Most liveaboards depart from Nassau, which is served by Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). Trips typically last for a week, often combining the Austin Smith Wreck with other spectacular reef and wall dives in the Exumas and sometimes Eleuthera. There are no specific fees mentioned for diving this wreck itself, as it's usually included as part of a liveaboard package. This site is frequently paired with other Exuma attractions, offering divers a diverse range of underwater experiences, from shallow reefs to other wrecks and blue holes, all within a single itinerary.

Safety & environment

While diving the Austin Smith Wreck, adherence to standard dive safety procedures is paramount. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Nassau, highlighting the importance of cautious diving practices and the need for comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical treatment. Divers should be aware of the site's mild to moderate currents and plan their dive accordingly. As with any wreck, caution should be exercised when entering swim-throughs, ensuring adequate training and equipment. It is recommended to maintain a safe distance from marine life, particularly the resident sharks, observing them passively without attempting to interact. Always dive within your training and comfort limits.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Austin Smith Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Austin Smith Wreck

These liveaboards may visit Austin Smith Wreck 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