Dive Site: Tiger Beach South

Dive site facts: Tiger Beach South

Depth

3–30 m

Typical dive

6 m, up to 120 min

Current

Mild to moderate, afternoon increase

Visibility

18–120 m

Water temperature

24–31°C

Entry

Boat / Giant stride

Level

Open Water Diver, comfortable with sharks

Dive type

Shark diving, wide-angle photography

Night dive

Not specified

Region / port

Grand Bahama, Bahamas

Coordinates

26.85, -79.05

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Tiger Beach South are generally manageable, but they can be a factor, especially in the afternoon when regular currents tend to pick up. Divers often position themselves in a 'V' formation facing into the current during shark feeds, allowing the chum to drift through the group. The shallow depths mean divers can usually remain stationary on the sandy bottom, heavily weighted, making current less of a strenuous issue for finning but important for maintaining position. Visibility is consistently excellent, often reaching 18 to 120 meters, though particulate matter from sand disturbed by sharks or divers can occasionally reduce it locally. Entry is typically a giant stride from a boat, and negative entries might be recommended to quickly get below surface currents, though this is more for other Bahamian drift dives than the specific sand flat shark encounters here.

Marine life & sighting chances

Tiger shark

Year-round, peak Oct-Jan · common

Lemon shark

Year-round · common

Caribbean reef shark

Year-round · common

Great hammerhead shark

Dec-Mar · occasional

Nurse shark

Year-round · occasional

Bull shark

occasional

Remora

Year-round · common

Atlantic spotted dolphin

occasional

Bottlenose dolphin

occasional

Green sea turtle

occasional

Eagle ray

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Tiger Beach South typically begin with a giant stride entry from the boat. Divers are usually advised to be overweighted to quickly descend and remain stationary on the shallow, sandy bottom, often forming a 'V' shape. Professional shark feeders work at the apex of the 'V', using chum to attract sharks and guide their movements through the group. The focus is on observing the tiger sharks, lemon sharks, and reef sharks as they investigate the area. Dives are generally long, up to 120 minutes, due to the shallow depth, mostly around 6 meters, allowing for extended observation. There is no specific 'turn point' or 'route' in the traditional sense; instead, divers remain largely in position, observing the action. Safety stops are standard at the end of the dive, before ascending back to the boat.

Underwater photography

Tiger Beach South is a premier location for wide-angle underwater photography, especially for sharks. The exceptionally clear, shallow water and bright sandy bottom provide ideal conditions for natural light photography and strong strobe illumination. A fisheye lens is highly recommended to capture the full scope of multiple large sharks in close proximity. External strobes are essential to bring out colors and freeze motion, especially when sharks move quickly. Given the shallow depth, managing ambient light with shutter speed and aperture is crucial. Divers should practice excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom, which can reduce visibility. Always maintain a respectful distance and follow the instructions of the shark wranglers, prioritizing safety over getting a specific shot. The consistent presence of sharks means ample opportunities for unique and dramatic images.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Tiger Beach

  The broader area of shark encounters, Tiger Beach South is part of this larger zone.

• The Washing Machine

  A unique drift dive characterized by strong currents and a 'washing machine' effect before a relaxing drift over a reef.

• Shark Alley

  Another shark diving site, often part of broader Bahamian itineraries.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Tiger Beach South is predominantly via liveaboard vessels departing from ports in the Bahamas, such as Freeport on Grand Bahama, or sometimes from Florida in the US. Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) in Freeport and Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau are the main international gateways. Liveaboard trips typically range from 5 to 7 days, with some focusing exclusively on Tiger Beach, while others combine it with other Bahamian dive sites. Booking well in advance, especially for peak season (December to April) shark-specific itineraries, is highly recommended due to high demand. While most dive sites don't require permits, specialized shark diving excursions may involve additional costs or briefings. Consider dive-specific travel insurance to cover potential weather cancellations, particularly during the wetter months.

Safety & environment

Diving at Tiger Beach South involves close interactions with large predatory sharks, requiring adherence to strict safety protocols. While operators employ experienced shark wranglers, divers must remain vigilant and follow all instructions implicitly. The primary risk is often not from unprovoked attacks, but from rapid, unexpected movements by sharks, especially when chum is present. Maintaining a calm demeanor, keeping limbs close to the body, and being aware of your surroundings (360-degree check) are crucial. Nearest recompression chambers are typically in Freeport or Nassau. Emergency evacuation would involve boat transport to the nearest medical facility, followed by air evacuation if necessary. Dive insurance, including coverage for shark diving and emergency medical evacuation, is non-negotiable. Divers should never attempt to touch or feed the sharks themselves. Given the shallow depths, it's vital to avoid rapid ascents, especially if startled by a shark encounter.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Tiger Beach South FAQ

Liveaboards diving Tiger Beach South

These liveaboards may visit Tiger Beach South 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