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Scuba Diving in Nassau: 7 Amazing Dive Sites You Don’t Want to Miss

David Whitcraft • Feb 05, 2024

If you are looking for a scuba diving destination that offers stunning coral reefs, thrilling wrecks, and diverse marine life, look no further than Nassau Bahamas scuba diving. Nassau is home to over 40 dive sites, ranging from shallow reefs to deep walls, that cater to divers of all levels and interests. Whether you want to explore the underwater world by day or by night, you will find something to suit your taste in Nassau.


Nassau enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with air temperatures averaging 77°F (25°C) and water temperatures ranging from 75°F (24°C) in winter to 88°F (31°C) in summer. The underwater visibility is usually excellent, reaching up to 100 feet (30 meters) or more on a good day. Nassau is also a shark lover’s paradise, as you can encounter various species of sharks, including Caribbean reef sharks, silky sharks, and even tiger sharks, on some of the dive sites.



With so many options to choose from, how do you decide where to find the best scuba diving in Nassau Bahamas? To help you plan your scuba diving adventure, we have compiled a list of the 7 most popular dive sites in Nassau, along with a summary of what you can expect to see and experience at each site. Let’s dive in!

The Best Scuba Diving in Nassau Bahamas 

1. The Lost Blue Hole

The Lost Blue Hole is one of the most unique and spectacular dive sites to visit during your Nassau scuba diving excursion. It is a circular depression in the ocean floor, measuring about 100 feet (30 meters) in diameter and 200 feet (60 meters) in depth. The rim of the hole is covered with colorful corals and sponges, and hosts a variety of fish, such as snappers, grunts, angelfish, and parrotfish. The inside of the hole is dark and mysterious, and often attracts large pelagic animals, such as sharks, rays, and turtles. The Lost Blue Hole is suitable for advanced divers, as the depth and current can be challenging. The dive usually starts at the edge of the hole, and then descends along the wall to the bottom, where you can explore the caverns and swim-throughs. The dive ends with a slow ascent along the opposite wall, where you can enjoy the contrast between the dark and light zones.

2. The Bond Wrecks

If you are a fan of the James Bond movies, you will love diving the Bond Wrecks. These are two sunken ships that were used as props in the films “Thunderball” and “Never Say Never Again”. The first wreck is the Vulcan Bomber, a 40-foot (12-meter) long airplane that lies in 50 feet (15 meters) of water. The second wreck is the Tears of Allah, a 90-foot (27-meter) long freighter that lies in 40 feet (12 meters) of water. Both wrecks are encrusted with corals and surrounded by fish, such as barracudas, jacks, groupers, and moray eels. The Bond Wrecks are ideal for beginner and intermediate Nassau scuba divers, as the depth and current are mild. The dive usually starts at the Vulcan Bomber and then follows a sandy channel to the Tears of Allah. The dive ends with a safety stop at a nearby coral reef.

3. The Ray of Hope

The Ray of Hope is another impressive wreck dive in Nassau. It is a 200-foot (60-meter) long cargo ship that was intentionally sunk in 2003 to create an artificial reef. The wreck lies upright in 50 feet (15 meters) of water, and is intact and easy to penetrate. The Ray of Hope is home to a variety of marine life, such as lobsters, crabs, shrimps, octopuses, and nudibranchs. The wreck is also frequented by large fish, such as sharks, rays, and groupers. The Ray of Hope is suitable for intermediate and advanced divers, as the depth and current can vary. The dive usually starts at the bow of the wreck, and then explores the main deck, the cargo hold, the bridge, and the stern. The dive ends with a safety stop at a nearby coral reef.

4. The Runway Wall

The Runway Wall is one of the most scenic and diverse wall dives in Nassau. It is a steep drop-off that starts at 40 feet (12 meters) and plunges down to over 200 feet (60 meters). The wall is covered with sponges, corals, and gorgonians, and hosts a plethora of fish, such as triggerfish, butterflyfish, wrasses, and damselfish. The wall is also a hotspot for pelagic animals, such as sharks, rays, turtles, and dolphins. The Runway Wall is suitable for intermediate and advanced divers, as the depth and current can be strong. The dive usually starts at the top of the wall, and then follows the contour of the wall to the desired depth. The dive ends with a gradual ascent along the wall, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the blue.

5. The Goulding Cay Reef

The Goulding Cay Reef is one of the most colorful and lively reef dives in Nassau. It is a shallow reef that ranges from 15 to 30 feet (5 to 10 meters) in depth. The reef is composed of hard and soft corals and is teeming with fish, such as sergeant majors, yellowtails, grunts, and chromis. The reef is also a nursery for juvenile fish, such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and damselfish. The Goulding Cay Reef is ideal for beginners and snorkelers, as the depth and current are gentle. The dive usually starts at the mooring line and then explores the reef in a circular pattern. The dive ends with a safety stop at the mooring line.

6. The Shark Arena

The Shark Arena is one of the most thrilling and adrenaline-pumping dive sites in Nassau. It is a sandy area in 40 feet (12 meters) of water where you can witness a shark feeding show. The show is conducted by professional shark feeders, who attract and feed dozens of Caribbean reef sharks with bait. The sharks swim around and above the divers, creating an unforgettable spectacle. The Shark Arena is suitable for intermediate and advanced divers, as the depth and current can be moderate. The dive usually starts at the mooring line and then descends to the sandy bottom, where you can kneel or sit in a semi-circle. The dive ends with a safety stop at the mooring line.

7. The Sea Garden

The Sea Garden is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable dive sites in Nassau. It is a patchwork of coral heads and sand patches that lies in 20 feet (6 meters) of water. The Sea Garden is inhabited by a variety of marine life, such as sea stars, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and sea horses. The Sea Garden is also a great place to spot macro creatures, such as shrimps, crabs, worms, and slugs. The Sea Garden is ideal for beginners and snorkelers, as the depth and current are calm. The dive usually starts at the mooring line, and then explores the coral heads and sand patches in a random pattern. The dive ends with a safety stop at the mooring line.

Summary

Nassau is a scuba diving paradise that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for reefs, wrecks, walls, or sharks, you will find them in Nassau. Nassau is also a great destination for all levels and types of divers, from beginners to experts, from snorkelers to deep divers. Nassau is a place where you can have fun, learn, and discover the wonders of the underwater world. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Nassau scuba diving trip today and get ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime!

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