Dive Site: Fish Tail

About Fish Tail

Fish Tail is a captivating, shallow, coral-rich dive site located in the Bahamas, specifically near Shark Paradise. This reef is notable for its vibrant marine ecosystem and relatively shallow depths, making it accessible and enjoyable for a range of divers. It offers a stark contrast to deeper, current-swept sites, providing a more tranquil exploration of its diverse inhabitants. The topography of Fish Tail consists of a coral-rich reef structure situated at shallower depths, with jawfish inhabiting the sandy edges. The site benefits from its proximity to areas frequented by larger pelagics, offering a chance to encounter a variety of species within a gentler environment. While not extensively detailed in its specific formations, its 'coral-rich' description suggests a healthy and intricate reef system. Marine life at Fish Tail is abundant year-round, featuring a consistent presence of reef and lemon sharks due to its close proximity to Shark Paradise. Divers can also frequently observe large Nassau groupers seeking shade and food, alongside yellowhead jawfish popping in and out of their burrows. The overall ecosystem is characteristic of healthy Bahamian shallow reefs. Diving at Fish Tail offers a relaxing experience, often visited when currents are too strong at other nearby sites, indicating calmer conditions. It's typically accessed via liveaboard, forming part of an itinerary that combines reef diving with shark encounters. The dive provides an excellent opportunity for observing smaller reef creatures and larger fish in a comfortable setting.

Dive site facts: Fish Tail

Depth

0–30 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

24–30 m

Water temperature

24–30°C

Entry

Liveaboard tender / negative entry

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Reef, shark encounters

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Grand Bahama / Nassau

Coordinates

25.0377° N, 77.2379° W

Conditions & Currents

At Fish Tail, currents are generally manageable, making it a good alternative when stronger currents affect other nearby dive sites. While conditions can vary across the Bahamas, this site is typically chosen for its calmer environment. Divers should still be prepared for mild to occasional moderate currents, as is common in the region, which can influence entry and exit techniques from the liveaboard tender. Visibility tends to be excellent in the Bahamas, often exceeding 24 meters, but can be influenced by weather. Overall, the site is suitable for divers seeking a more relaxed experience with less strenuous current negotiation compared to some other Bahamian locations.

Marine life & sighting chances

Caribbean reef shark

Year-round · common

Lemon shark

Year-round · occasional

Nassau grouper

Year-round · common

Yellowhead jawfish

Year-round · common

Four-eye butterflyfish

occasional

Crab

occasional

Lionfish

occasional

Blennies

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A dive at Fish Tail typically begins with a descent onto the coral-rich reef, which is relatively shallow. Divers can explore the reef structure, paying attention to crevices where crabs might hide and fan corals where butterflyfish feed. The dive often includes observing yellowhead jawfish at the sandy edges of the reef, which are known to emerge from their burrows if divers remain still. Given its proximity to Shark Paradise, it's common to encounter patrolling reef and lemon sharks throughout the dive. Large Nassau groupers are also frequently sighted, often resting under rocky overhangs. The dive route generally follows the contours of the reef, allowing for ample time to observe the diverse marine life. Air consumption dictates the turnaround point, with a slow ascent for a safety stop, often near the main reef structure or along the ascent line, before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Fish Tail provides excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, especially given its shallow, coral-rich environment. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye lens is ideal to capture the expansive reef and the numerous reef and lemon sharks that frequent the area. Utilize strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and schooling fish. For macro subjects like yellowhead jawfish in their burrows or crabs in crevices, a dedicated macro lens will be beneficial. Maintain excellent buoyancy to avoid disturbing the delicate reef and ensure clear shots of the resident marine life. Patience is key when photographing shy subjects like jawfish, as they often become more active if you remain calm and still.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Shark Paradise

  Known for frequent reef and lemon shark sightings.

• Mt. Olympus

  A deep site featuring swim-throughs and wall diving.

• miniwall

  A horseshoe-shaped reef with diverse macro life and Caribbean reef sharks.

• Sugar Wreck

  A shallow, historic wreck teeming with eels, lobsters, and rays.

• Hogfish Reef

  A shallow, coral-rich site with tropical fish.

• El Dorado

  A beautiful reef with a wide range of marine life.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Fish Tail is primarily via liveaboard excursions, as part of multi-day itineraries from major Bahamian ports. The nearest international airports are Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau or Freeport Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO), with regular flights from the US, Canada, and Europe. Liveaboards typically depart from Nassau or Freeport, offering week-long trips. While no specific permits are mentioned for Fish Tail itself, general departure taxes and potential park fees for other sites within an itinerary should be considered. These trips often combine reef dives like Fish Tail with wreck explorations and dedicated shark encounters at sites such as Shark Paradise and Tiger Beach.

Safety & environment

For diving in the Bahamas, including Fish Tail, it is highly recommended to have comprehensive dive insurance covering medical evacuation and recompression chamber treatment. The nearest recompression chamber is likely located in Nassau. Evacuation procedures typically involve transfer by boat to shore, followed by land transport or air ambulance, depending on the severity of the incident. While Fish Tail is generally a calmer site, divers should always follow their dive guide's instructions, maintain good buoyancy, and be aware of their surroundings, particularly due to the presence of sharks. Always dive within your certification limits and plan your gas supply conservatively. Purchase of travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially during hurricane season from June to November.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Fish Tail FAQ

Liveaboards diving Fish Tail

These liveaboards may visit Fish Tail 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