Dive Site: Lobster No Lobster

About 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 liveaboard. Its name, reputedly coined by Jacques Cousteau, highlights the prevalence of lobsters, though it's also a vibrant habitat for numerous other Caribbean species. The site's comfortable depths and mild currents make it an ideal location for divers of all experience levels to explore. Characterized by its beautiful scattered coral heads, the topography here offers ample opportunities for close observation of marine life. Divers can navigate easily among the coral formations, enjoying extended bottom times due to the shallow profile, with an average depth of 5 meters and a maximum of 10 meters. This makes it particularly suitable for buoyancy practice or leisurely dives. While lobsters are a key attraction, the reef teems with a diverse array of fish like snapper, angelfish, grunts, and parrotfish. You can also expect to encounter larger creatures such as nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, various stingrays, and sea turtles, including green and loggerhead turtles. Conservation efforts have also seen long-spined sea urchins released here, which are beneficial for reef health as algae cleaners. The overall diving experience at Lobster No Lobster is described as easy and relaxing, a perfect complement to deeper or more challenging dives in the region. It's an excellent site for unwinding, focusing on marine observation, and capturing stunning underwater photography in clear, calm conditions.

Dive site facts: Lobster No Lobster

Depth

5–10 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

Excellent

Entry

Boat

Level

Beginner

Dive type

Reef, marine life, photography

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Exuma Cays, Bahamas

Coordinates

25.0450° N, 77.5270° W

Conditions & Currents

This site is known for its mild currents, making for an easy and relaxing dive experience suitable for all skill levels. While generally calm, currents are always a factor in the ocean and divers should remain aware. Surface entry is typically straightforward from a boat, and the shallow depths allow for flexible dive planning and extended bottom times. Visibility here is consistently excellent, often described as 'gin-clear,' benefiting from the region's generally light currents and clear waters. There are no significant thermoclines reported at these shallow depths. Divers can anticipate a tranquil underwater environment, allowing ample opportunity for marine life observation and photography without the added challenge of strong water movement.

Marine life & sighting chances

Lobster

February, March, April, May, June, December · common

Nurse Shark

February, April, June, July, August, September, November, De · common

Caribbean Reef Shark

February, April, July, September, October, November, Decembe · common

Stingray

All year · common

Parrotfish

January, April, June, July, August, September, October, Nove · common

Angelfish

January, April, June, July, August, September, October, Nove · common

Snapper

common

Grunt

common

Barracuda

January, February, April, June, July, August, September, Oct · common

Green Turtle

April, July · occasional

Loggerhead Turtle

April · occasional

Wrasse

November · occasional

Moray Eel

November · occasional

Octopus

January · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Entry to Lobster No Lobster is typically a boat drop, allowing divers to descend directly onto the shallow coral reef. The dive commences over scattered coral heads, primarily staying within the 5 to 10-meter depth range, facilitating long bottom times. Divers can explore the vibrant reef at their leisure, observing macro life hidden within the corals and watching for larger species such as sharks, rays, and turtles in the open water. The profile is generally flat, with no significant depth changes, making it ideal for practicing buoyancy or simply enjoying a relaxed pace. The route often involves a gentle drift over the coral formations, with the boat picking up divers at a designated exit point. Your safety stop will naturally occur during your ascent, given the shallow maximum depth of the site, ensuring a relaxed and stress-free conclusion to the dive.

Underwater photography

Lobster No Lobster is an excellent site for underwater photography, particularly for wide-angle shots given its clear waters and expansive reef landscapes. The shallow depths and abundant ambient light allow for vibrant colors without extensive artificial lighting, though strobes will enhance color and contrast. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the full beauty of the scattered coral heads and schooling fish, or a macro lens to focus on the numerous lobsters, small critters, and details on the reef. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid disturbing the delicate coral and stirring up sediment in the shallow environment. Be mindful of subject etiquette, especially when photographing sharks or rays, giving them space and observing their natural behavior.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Pillar Wall

  Pillar Wall is an Exumas wall dive, accessible only by boat, starting from a shallow reef top.

• 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.

• Hammerhead Gulch

  Hammerhead Gulch is a notable dive site located within the Exuma Cays, accessible by liveaboard from Nassau.

• Blacktip Wall

  Blacktip Wall is a renowned dive site located within the Exuma Cays, specifically noted for its dramatic wall diving experiences.

• Amberjack Reef

  Amberjack Reef is a prominent shark diving destination nestled within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.

• 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 Lobster No Lobster is exclusively by boat, typically as part of a liveaboard itinerary exploring the Exuma Cays. Major international airports for reaching the Bahamas include Lynden Pindling International Airport (Nassau) and George Town International Airport (Exuma), with regular flights from North America and Europe. Liveaboards commonly depart from ports like Nassau or Georgetown. Trips usually range from 7 to 10 days, combining various reef, wall, and wreck dives across the Exumas. Given its location within the Exuma Cays, some dive sites may fall within protected park areas, potentially involving park fees, which are often included in liveaboard packages. This site is frequently paired with deeper wall dives or drift dives, providing a relaxed contrast in the daily dive schedule.

Safety & environment

While Lobster No Lobster is considered a very safe site due to its shallow depths and mild currents, standard diving safety practices remain essential. Always dive within your training limits and maintain proper buoyancy to protect yourself and the delicate coral. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Nassau, which is a significant distance from the Exuma Cays, highlighting the importance of cautious diving and adequate insurance. Evacuation in a dive emergency would typically involve rapid boat transfer to the nearest medical facility, followed by air evacuation if necessary. Divers should carry comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Although sharks are common, they are generally not aggressive. Always respect marine life, avoid touching or harassing animals, and follow your dive guide's instructions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Lobster No Lobster FAQ

Liveaboards diving Lobster No Lobster

These liveaboards may visit Lobster No Lobster 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