Dive Site: Pelican Cays

About Pelican Cays

Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park, nestled within the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas, offers a serene and protected underwater environment ideal for divers of all skill levels. This marine sanctuary is celebrated for its remarkably calm and easy diving conditions, making it a perfect introduction to the rich biodiversity of the Bahamas. The park's shallow depths ensure extended bottom times and excellent light penetration, illuminating a kaleidoscope of marine flora and fauna. The topography features extensive, thriving coral gardens that create a vibrant underwater landscape. These reefs are home to a diverse array of tropical fish and provide crucial habitats for larger marine species. While specific geological formations like walls or blue holes are less prominent here compared to other Bahamian sites, the emphasis is on the healthy, colorful reef ecosystems. Marine life at Pelican Cays is abundant and accessible. Divers can expect frequent encounters with colorful reef fish, playful bottlenose dolphins, and various other species that thrive within the protected waters. The calm conditions and clear visibility allow for close observation of this dynamic ecosystem year-round. Practical dive experiences here typically involve leisurely explorations of the shallow reefs. Entry and exit are generally straightforward due to the calm seas. This site is often part of liveaboard or day trip itineraries exploring the Abaco region, offering a tranquil contrast to more challenging Bahamian dive sites.

Dive site facts: Pelican Cays

Depth

5–15 m

Typical dive

5–15 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

24–29°C

Entry

Boat / easy descent

Level

Beginner friendly

Dive type

Reef, marine life, photography

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Abaco Islands

Coordinates

26.35, -76.96

Conditions & Currents

Pelican Cays is renowned for its easy and calm diving conditions, making it highly accessible for beginners and those seeking relaxed explorations. Currents are typically minimal within the protected boundaries of the Land and Sea Park, ensuring a comfortable experience without significant drift. Visibility is consistently excellent, often ranging from 20 to 40 meters (65–130 feet), providing clear views of the vibrant marine life and coral formations. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, from 24-29°C (75–84°F), reducing the need for heavy wetsuits. There are generally no strong thermoclines or surge issues, contributing to the site's reputation for gentle diving. Divers can expect straightforward entry and exit directly from dive boats or tenders, with no complex techniques required.

Marine life & sighting chances

Bottlenose dolphin

occasional

Angelfish

common

Grouper

common

Barracuda

occasional

Caribbean reef shark

occasional

Nurse shark

occasional

Stingray

occasional

Green turtle

occasional

Parrotfish

common

Spotted eagle ray

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Pelican Cays typically commence with a direct descent from the boat into the shallow, calm waters, usually around 5-15 meters deep. The entry point is chosen to be close to the most vibrant coral formations. Divers follow the natural contours of the reef, moving slowly to observe the abundant marine life. The route often involves a gentle drift along sections of the reef, allowing for a relaxed pace. Due to the shallow depths, bottom times are often extended. The turn point is determined by air consumption or the dive guide's signal, typically halfway through the planned dive time. Ascent is gradual, with a safety stop performed at 5 meters, often above a particularly interesting coral head or schooling fish, before surfacing directly to the waiting boat.

Underwater photography

Pelican Cays, with its clear, shallow waters and vibrant coral reefs, is an excellent location for underwater photography, particularly for wide-angle and macro shots. For capturing the expansive reef scenes and occasional dolphin encounters, a wide-angle lens is recommended. The excellent natural light penetration means strobes can be used to bring out the true colors of the corals and fish, though ambient light photography is also very effective here. For macro enthusiasts, the intricate reef structure provides ample opportunities to find smaller critters, so having a macro lens on hand can yield stunning detail shots. Maintaining good buoyancy is essential to avoid damaging the delicate coral formations. Always approach marine life slowly and respectfully, keeping a safe distance to minimize disturbance and ensure natural behavior for your photographs.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Andros Barrier Reef

  The Andros Barrier Reef, located off Andros Island in the Bahamas, is the third-largest barrier reef system globally, stretching over 140…

• Thunderball Grotto

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

• The Washing Machine

  The Washing Machine is a renowned drift dive site located in the Exuma Cays, specifically off Highbourne Cay in the northern part of the…

• 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…

• Lost Blue Hole

  The Lost Blue Hole, situated off Andros Island and approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) east of Nassau, presents a unique and captivating…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Pelican Cays, located in the Abaco Islands, typically involves flying into Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH) on Great Abaco Island. International travelers often connect through Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, or Freeport Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO). From Marsh Harbour, local boats or liveaboards provide transport to the dive sites within the park. Dive trips to Pelican Cays are frequently integrated into broader itineraries exploring the Abacos or as part of liveaboard cruises that visit multiple Bahamian islands. Trip lengths vary, but typical liveaboard trips range from 7 to 10 days. As a protected area, some park fees may apply, usually included in your liveaboard or dive operator package. Inter-island travel within the Bahamas is facilitated by commuter planes or ferries, allowing for combination trips with other dive-rich regions.

Safety & environment

Diving at Pelican Cays is generally very safe due to the calm conditions and shallow depths. Divers should always carry personal dive insurance covering emergency medical care and evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Nassau, requiring an air evacuation in the event of a serious dive emergency, which can be complex and expensive without proper insurance. Divers should adhere to all park regulations, which emphasize marine conservation and responsible diving practices. Always dive within your training and comfort limits, and ensure your equipment is well-maintained. Given the protected status of the area, touching marine life or taking souvenirs is strictly prohibited. Listen carefully to your dive guide's briefing regarding local conditions and emergency procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Pelican Cays FAQ

Liveaboards diving Pelican Cays

These liveaboards may visit Pelican Cays 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