Dive Site: Shark Alley

Dive site facts: Shark Alley

Depth

12 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

30–45 m

Water temperature

24–31°C

Entry

Boat / Giant stride

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Shark encounter, reef

Region / port

New Providence, Nassau

Coordinates

24.17, -76.2

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Shark Alley are generally mild to moderate, depending on tidal movements, but rarely pose significant challenges for divers given the shallow depth. Divers typically experience gentle drifts, allowing for comfortable observation of the shark activity. Entry is usually a giant stride from the dive boat, followed by a controlled descent to the sandy bottom. Exit involves ascending slowly and performing a safety stop before surfacing near the boat. Visibility is consistently high, often ranging from 30 to 45 meters (100 to 150 feet), though it can be slightly reduced after heavy rainfall in the wet season. Thermoclines are generally not a significant factor at this shallow site. While shark feeding events are controlled, divers must maintain situational awareness and follow the dive guide's instructions closely to ensure safety and avoid accidental contact during these active en

Marine life & sighting chances

Caribbean reef shark

Year-round · common

Snapper

Year-round · common

Jack

Year-round · common

Tangs

Year-round · occasional

Damsel fish

Year-round · occasional

Butterfly fish

Year-round · occasional

Angel fish

Year-round · occasional

Lizard fish

Year-round · occasional

Scorpionfish

Year-round · occasional

Sergeant majors

Year-round · occasional

Eagle ray

Year-round · rare

Loggerhead turtle

Year-round · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Shark Alley begins with a giant stride entry from the dive boat. Divers descend to approximately 12 meters (40 feet) onto a sandy patch, often marked by the dive guide. The initial phase involves positioning oneself around the designated area to observe the Caribbean reef sharks, which are usually attracted by the boat's presence or a controlled feeding. Divers maintain a static position, often kneeling or hovering gently, to allow the sharks to swim freely around them. The route is circular, staying within the main 'alley' of activity. As the dive progresses, divers may follow the sharks at a respectful distance, ensuring not to disrupt their natural patterns. The turn point is determined by air consumption, usually around 80 bar (1100 psi). Ascent is slow and controlled, with the safety stop conducted at 5 meters (15 feet) for three minutes, often surrounded by curious reef fish. The dive concludes with surfacing near the boat for exit.

Underwater photography

Shark Alley is a prime location for wide-angle photography, especially with the clear Bahamian waters and frequent shark encounters. A fisheye lens is highly recommended to capture the full scope of the sharks and the underwater environment. External strobes are essential to bring out the vibrant colors and details of the sharks and reef, especially against the bright surface light. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom or coral patches and to maintain a stable position while sharks swim nearby. When photographing the sharks, maintain a respectful distance and avoid aggressive movements that might startle them. During controlled shark feeding, be mindful of other divers and the feeder, ensuring your shots do not interfere with the activity or safety protocols. Ambient light is usually plentiful due to the shallow depth, but strobes will enhance detail and contrast.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Runway Wall

  A famous wall dive off New Providence, known for Caribbean reef sharks and shallow depths.

• James Bond Wrecks

  Explore the Vulcan Bomber and Tears of Allah wrecks, filmed for James Bond movies, in 12 meters of water.

• Stuart Cove's Wall

  Located off New Providence, offering diverse marine life and various shark interactions.

• Current Cut

  A high-speed drift dive between Great Eleuthera and Current Island, abundant with reef life.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Shark Alley typically begins by flying into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, New Providence. Major airlines offer regular flights from the US, Canada, and Europe. From Nassau, dive operators like Stuart Cove's provide daily boat trips to Shark Alley, often included in multi-dive packages. Trips are usually day excursions, lasting several hours for two to three dives. Inter-island travel in the Bahamas can involve commuter planes or ferries, but for Shark Alley, Nassau is the primary departure point. There are generally no specific dive permits required for Shark Alley, but shark diving excursions may have additional costs. Many divers combine this site with other New Providence attractions, or as part of a longer liveaboard itinerary exploring other Bahamian islands like the Exumas or Bimini for different shark species.

Safety & environment

Diving at Shark Alley, particularly during shark feeding events, requires strict adherence to dive brief instructions. While no shark-related injuries to guests have been reported by major operators, divers must always maintain situational awareness and respect the animals. Insurance covering diving accidents and emergency evacuation is highly recommended. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Nassau, New Providence. In the event of a dive emergency, evacuation would typically involve transportation back to Nassau via boat, then land transport to the medical facility. Divers should ensure their equipment is in good working order and be comfortable with buoyancy control. It is also crucial to stay with the dive group and avoid solo excursions, especially in an environment with active sharks.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Shark Alley FAQ

Liveaboards diving Shark Alley

These liveaboards may visit Shark Alley on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

All Star Blackbeards Morning Star

Bahamas

24 guests20 m

Bahamas Aggressor II

Bahamas

20 guests34 m

Blue Marlin

Bahamas

26 guests42 m

All Star Aqua Cat

Bahamas

30 guests31 m

All Star Cat Ppalu

Bahamas

12 guests20 m