Dive Site: Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

About Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

The Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, established in 1958, holds the distinction of being the first marine reserve in the wider Caribbean, protecting a 456 square kilometer expanse of the northern Exumas. This chain of over 350 cays stretches for 160 kilometers, separating the shallow Exuma Bank from the deep Exuma Sound. The park's strict no-take regulations have fostered vibrant reef ecosystems, showcasing remarkable density and health that stands in stark contrast to surrounding waters. Diving here features a diverse topography, including shallow coral reefs brimming with fish life, dramatic vertical walls that plunge into significant depths, and numerous blue holes and underwater cave systems. The Exuma Bank provides calmer, shallower diving conditions, while the Exuma Sound offers more advanced, deeper dives where encounters with pelagic species like hammerhead sharks are possible. The overall experience is one of exploring largely untouched sites, with a new natural surprise around every cay. Beyond diving, the Exumas offer a wealth of activities. Visitors can swim with the famous pigs of Big Major Cay, explore the caves of Rocky Dundas, snorkel in Thunderball Grotto, or interact with friendly nurse sharks at Compass Cay. The abundant birdlife and endemic iguanas on Allan’s Cay further enhance the unique appeal of this region, making it an ideal destination for liveaboard adventures that combine diving with varied topside exploration.

Dive site facts: Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

Depth

5–40 m+

Typical dive

12–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to strong, site-dependent

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

24–30°C

Entry

Liveaboard / Tender

Level

Open Water Diver to Advanced Open Water Diver, drift experience beneficial

Dive type

Reef, Wall, Drift, Wreck, Cave/Blue Hole, Shark

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Exuma Cays, Bahamas

Coordinates

24.4583, -76.5083

Conditions & Currents

Currents in the Exuma Cays are generally mild, especially within the sheltered Exuma Bank, making for relaxed diving conditions. However, sites closer to the Exuma Sound or specific drift dives like 'The Washing Machine' can experience swift currents, requiring divers to be comfortable with drift techniques. Visibility remains consistently excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, regardless of current strength, due to the region's clear waters. Entry and exit points are typically from liveaboards or tenders, with negative entries sometimes used for deeper wall dives. Divers should always be mindful of local conditions, especially when planning multi-level dives near drop-offs where currents can be more pronounced.

Marine life & sighting chances

Caribbean reef shark

Year-round · common

Nurse shark

Year-round · common

Eagle ray

Year-round · occasional

Sea turtle

Year-round · common

Snapper

Year-round · common

Grouper

Year-round · common

Barracuda

Year-round · occasional

Hammerhead shark

Winter months · occasional

Tiger shark

December-March · rare

Nudibranch

Year-round · occasional

Crab

Year-round · common

Lobster

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving in the Exuma Cays often begins with a tender ride from the liveaboard to the dive site. For wall dives, you'll typically descend along the vertical face, keeping the wall to your left or right, depending on the current, and maintaining a comfortable depth between 15-30 meters. Routes often involve exploring coral overhangs and crevices for smaller marine life, then moving out into the blue for potential pelagic encounters. For drift dives like 'The Washing Machine,' a negative entry might be utilized to quickly reach the desired depth and be carried along by the current. Turn points are usually dictated by air consumption or bottom time, with ascents initiated with a controlled drift, followed by a safety stop in the clear, shallow waters of the reef top, often at around 5 meters, before surfacing near the tender for pickup.

Underwater photography

The Exuma Cays offer incredible opportunities for underwater photography, particularly due to the exceptional visibility that frequently exceeds 30 meters. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye lens is ideal to capture the dramatic wall topography, expansive coral gardens, and passing sharks. Strobes are highly recommended, even in shallow water, to bring out the vibrant colors of the coral and fish. When photographing sharks, maintain a respectful distance and follow your dive guide's instructions closely, as some encounters can be very close. For macro enthusiasts, bring a dedicated macro lens to find nudibranchs, tiny crustaceans, and other small reef inhabitants hidden within the coral heads. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the pristine reef environment.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• The Washing Machine

  A renowned drift dive with strong currents

• Thunderball Grotto

  Famous snorkeling site with caves

• Lost Blue Hole

  Offers deep blue hole exploration

• Tuna Alley

  Drift dive known for pelagic encounters

• Shark Alley

  Frequent shark sightings

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park is primarily via liveaboard, which depart from Nassau or Freeport, offering the most comprehensive way to explore this remote region. Flights to Nassau (Lynden Pindling International Airport, NAS) are readily available from major international hubs. Trip lengths typically range from 5 to 8 nights, allowing ample time to traverse the 160-kilometer chain of cays. Entry into the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park requires anchor permits for liveaboards and private yachts, with strict adherence to no-take regulations. These itineraries often combine several dives daily with topside activities such as beach walks, kayaking, and interactions with local wildlife, making it suitable for both divers and non-diving companions.

Safety & environment

Diving in the Exuma Cays is generally safe, but divers should always carry personal insurance covering dive accidents and medical emergencies. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Nassau, which necessitates efficient evacuation protocols for serious incidents, highlighting the importance of proper safety planning and reliable communication. Site-specific hazards include occasional strong currents, particularly in drift dive locations, and the presence of marine life such as sharks. Always dive with a reputable operator, follow your guide's instructions, maintain good buoyancy, and respect the protected status of the park by not touching or taking anything from the marine environment. Having a dive computer and knowing how to use it is essential for multi-level dives along walls and within blue holes.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park FAQ

Liveaboards diving Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

These liveaboards may visit Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park 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