Dive Site: Compass Cay

About Compass Cay

Compass Cay in the Exuma Cays, Bahamas, is celebrated for its distinctive shallow reef environment and the unique opportunity it provides to interact with docile nurse sharks. Located within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, this site embodies the region's commitment to marine conservation and biodiversity. The Exumas themselves are an archipelago stretching over 125 miles, known for their stunning beauty and rich ecosystems, ranging from shallow banks to deeper sound areas. The topography at Compass Cay is characterized by a shallow reef, typically at snorkeling depth, making it highly accessible. While the immediate area is shallow, the broader Exuma region offers a mix of dive sites, including walls that start as shallow as 12 meters, shallow reefs teeming with fish life, and various blue holes and cave systems. This diversity ensures that while Compass Cay is beginner-friendly, more advanced diving opportunities exist nearby. Marine life in the Exumas is abundant and varied, including nurse sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles, stingrays, and a wide array of reef fish like parrotfish and grouper. The nurse sharks at Compass Cay are a consistent highlight, offering year-round encounters. The warmer months can bring increased macro life and reef scenes, while cooler periods might attract more pelagic species to the wider Exuma area. Diving at Compass Cay is generally relaxed, characterized by mild currents within its protected shallow waters. It's often included in liveaboard itineraries exploring the Exuma Cays, providing a memorable and interactive experience for divers and snorkelers of all levels. The ease of access and the unique shark encounter make it a popular stop for those exploring the Exumas.

Dive site facts: Compass Cay

Depth

5 m

Typical dive

3-5 m, 30-60 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

35 m

Water temperature

22-30°C

Entry

Boat / Tender

Level

Beginner / Snorkeler

Dive type

Shark encounter, shallow reef

Night dive

Not typical

Region / port

Exuma Cays

Coordinates

24.2667, -76.5167

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Compass Cay are generally mild, particularly within the protected shallow reef areas where nurse shark interactions occur. This makes it an ideal location for less experienced divers and snorkelers. In the broader Exuma Cays, however, some dive sites, especially wall dives or those on the Exuma Sound side, can experience moderate currents, sometimes requiring drift diving techniques. Visibility in the Exumas is consistently excellent, often reaching 35 meters, though it can be reduced slightly after heavy rainfall, especially in nearshore environments. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging from 22-30°C, minimizing the risk of thermoclines in shallower areas. Entry and exit are typically straightforward, often from a tender or direct boat access, given the site's shallow nature.

Marine life & sighting chances

Nurse shark

Year-round · common

Eagle ray

occasional

Sea turtle

occasional

Stingray

occasional

Reef fish

Year-round · common

Parrotfish

Year-round · common

Grouper

Year-round · common

Caribbean reef shark

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Compass Cay is typically a shallow experience, often starting with a boat entry directly into the sandy areas where the nurse sharks congregate. The depth here rarely exceeds 5 meters, making it ideal for extended bottom times and easy interaction. Divers and snorkelers can spend considerable time observing and gently interacting with the docile nurse sharks. The dive typically involves a leisurely exploration of the immediate sandy and reef patches, following the sharks and observing other shallow reef inhabitants. There isn't a defined 'turn point' or complex navigation due to the shallow, open nature of the site. Safety stops are often conducted naturally as divers gradually ascend or remain near the surface, given the minimal depth. This profile makes it accessible and enjoyable for all experience levels.

Underwater photography

Compass Cay is a prime location for wide-angle photography, especially focusing on the nurse shark interactions. Given the shallow depths of 3-5 meters, natural light is abundant, but an external strobe or video light can enhance colors and reduce backscatter, particularly if shooting upwards. A fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the sharks and their environment. For closer portraits of individual sharks or other reef life, a macro lens might be useful but less versatile for the main attraction. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom and to maintain a respectful distance from the sharks. Patience and observing shark behavior will yield the best shots, capturing their natural movements in this unique setting.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Thunderball Grotto

  A famous cave system with swim-throughs and abundant reef fish, known from James Bond films.

• Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

  A protected marine reserve offering diverse reef and wall diving within the larger Exuma region.

• The Washing Machine

  A unique drift dive experience known for its swirling currents followed by a leisurely reef drift.

• Turtle Rocks

  An area known for frequent turtle sightings and healthy reef systems.

• Atlantis Road

  A submerged coral ridge sometimes mistaken for the lost city, offering interesting topography.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Compass Cay in the Exuma Cays primarily involves flying into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, or George Town International Airport (GGT) on Exuma. From these hubs, visitors typically take commuter flights, ferries, or join liveaboard trips that navigate the Exuma Cays. Liveaboards are a popular option, offering week-long itineraries that cover multiple dive sites, including Compass Cay, along with non-diving activities like visiting the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay. Resort-based options usually involve day trips from various islands within the Exumas. Marine park fees, often around $25, may apply for diving within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Planning travel during the dry season (November to May) is recommended for the most comfortable conditions.

Safety & environment

For diving in the Exumas, including Compass Cay, it is crucial to carry comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is approximately 70 kilometers away, likely in Nassau. In case of a diving emergency, evacuation from the remote cays can be complex and time-consuming, highlighting the importance of proper planning and safety protocols. While Compass Cay is a very shallow and docile site, general dive safety practices, such as maintaining good buoyancy control and avoiding direct contact with marine life, are essential. Always dive within your certified limits and follow your dive guide's instructions. Be aware of boat traffic in popular areas, especially at the surface.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Compass Cay FAQ

Liveaboards diving Compass Cay

These liveaboards may visit Compass Cay 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