Dive Site: Tears of Allah

About Tears of Allah

The `Tears of Allah` is a 92-foot tugboat meticulously sunk for the 1983 James Bond film "Never Say Never Again," starring Sean Connery. This intentional sinking transformed the vessel into an accessible and rewarding artificial reef off New Providence Island, making it a unique attraction for divers drawn to cinematic history beneath the waves. Its upright position on a fine white sand seafloor enhances the visual appeal, creating an atmospheric backdrop for exploration. The wreck's shallow depth, peaking at 45 feet, makes it suitable for various certification levels, while its generally calm environment is rarely affected by strong currents. A prominent feature is a gaping "torpedo" hole, offering an iconic photo opportunity. For appropriately qualified divers, limited penetration is possible to observe the impressive coral growth within. The `Tears of Allah` is now a thriving habitat supporting a diverse array of marine species, from shoals of colorful reef fish to barracuda and sea turtles. Just a two-minute swim away lies the framework of a Vulcan bomber mockup, also a former movie prop, further enriching the dive experience. Visibility consistently ranges from good to excellent, often between 50 and 130 feet, allowing snorkelers to even see the wrecks from the surface on clear days, showcasing the Bahamas' renowned underwater clarity.

Dive site facts: Tears of Allah

Depth

14 m (45 ft) maximum

Typical dive

9–14 m, 45–60 min

Current

Mild to none

Visibility

15–40 m (50–130 ft)

Water temperature

24–31°C (75–88°F)

Entry

Boat from New Providence

Level

Beginner to advanced

Dive type

Wreck, reef, photography

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

New Providence Island, Bahamas

Coordinates

25.1007° N, 77.2600° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the `Tears of Allah` are typically rare and mild, contributing to its reputation as an uncomplicated wreck dive suitable for divers of all certification levels. The site’s location on a sandy seafloor means maintaining proper buoyancy and minimal finning is crucial to avoid stirring up fine sediment, which could temporarily reduce the otherwise crystal-clear visibility. The consistently clear waters, often between 15 to 40 meters, mean that visibility remains excellent even after storms, as tidal changes quickly sweep suspended sediments over the nearby Tongue-of-the-Ocean trench.

Marine life & sighting chances

Lionfish

Year-round · common

Sea turtle

Year-round · occasional

Barracuda

Year-round · common

Reef fish (various)

Year-round · common

Sea fan

Year-round · common

Sponge

Year-round · common

Fire coral

Year-round · common

Parrotfish

Year-round · common

Angelfish

Year-round · common

Grunt

Year-round · common

Nassau grouper

Year-round · occasional

Nurse shark

Year-round · occasional

Porcupinefish

Year-round · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at `Tears of Allah` typically begins with a short boat ride from New Providence, with direct entry onto the deeper of the two James Bond wrecks. Descending to the 92-foot tug, which sits upright on a sandy bottom at a maximum depth of 45 feet, you'll immediately encounter its cinematic history and developing marine life. The common route involves circumnavigating the tug, observing coral growth and resident fish, with a highlight being the distinctive "torpedo" hole in its side. From the bow of the `Tears of Allah`, a short two-minute swim leads to the adjacent Vulcan bomber mockup. After exploring the bomber's framework, which also hosts abundant marine life and corals, you will return towards the primary wreck. Due to the shallow depths, bottom times are generous, allowing for thorough exploration. Safety stops are conveniently conducted in the clear, shallow water above the wreck, providing extended viewing opportunities.

Underwater photography

The `Tears of Allah` offers exceptional opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially given its shallow depth and the consistent clarity of the water. A wide-angle or fisheye lens is ideal to capture the entire 92-foot tugboat, particularly showcasing its upright orientation and the famous "torpedo" hole. External strobes are recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and reef fish that have colonized the wreck, even with the ample natural light. When photographing inside the wreck or the bomber's framework, manage your buoyancy carefully to avoid disturbing the fine sand, which can quickly reduce visibility for both you and your fellow photographers. The adjacent Vulcan bomber mockup, with its intricate metal framework, also provides strong compositional elements for compelling images.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Vulcan Bomber

  Adjacent to Tears of Allah, a 2-minute swim away

• Bahama Mama

  A 95-foot party boat wreck, now an artificial reef

• Southwest Reef

  Expansive shallow reef with diverse corals and fish

• Porpoise Pens

  Reef with high-profile coral heads and tropicals

• Schoolhouse

  Shallow reef with friendly fish and surface-reaching coral heads

Getting there & logistics

Accessing `Tears of Allah` typically involves flying into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, New Providence Island. From there, short boat rides, usually arranged by local dive operators like Stuart Cove's, transport divers to the site. The dive is commonly offered as part of daily boat trips departing from the southwest side of New Providence. Dive trips often combine the `Tears of Allah` with the nearby Vulcan bomber mockup, and sometimes other shallow reefs or wrecks in the area. No specific permits are generally required for diving this site beyond standard dive operator procedures. Liveaboard options focusing on New Providence are less common than day trips, but the island is a frequent stop for Bahamas liveaboards.

Safety & environment

For diving `Tears of Allah`, ensure you have adequate dive insurance, as the nearest recompression chamber is located in Nassau. While the site is shallow and currents are typically mild, practicing good buoyancy control is paramount to avoid stirring up the fine sandy bottom, which can impair visibility and impact the dive experience for others. Always dive with a reputable operator like Stuart Cove's, known for their professionalism and knowledge of local conditions. Emergency evacuation from New Providence is generally efficient due to its proximity to Nassau, but comprehensive medical and dive accident insurance is always a wise precaution when diving in the Bahamas.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Tears of Allah FAQ

Liveaboards diving Tears of Allah

These liveaboards may visit Tears of Allah 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