About The Exuma Cays

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Many consider the Exuma Cays to be the most beautiful chain of islands in the Bahamas. Stretching over 90 miles, they range from 30 miles southeast of Nassau (Sail Rocks) to the Great Exuma Cay in the south. This remote - and still virgin - territory is accessible only by boat while being only a few hours from the International Airport of Nassau with its direct flights from the USA and Canada.

Only a few cruising yachts and native conch fisherman visit the Exumas. The cays themselves vary in size and terrain: some are low and barren with white sandy beachs; others have rolling hills covered with dense vegetation and small trees.

Between the islands are narrow channels sporting a maze of coral growth. The abundant coral reefs are protected in all weather conditions to create quiet anchorages and great night dives.

For the diver, the Exuma Cays present the best diving adventure in the Caribbean. Water visibility ranges from 80 to 150 feet, which makes it a paradise for the underwater photographer. Captain Dan has led the effort to protect the reefs by not only constructing a number of moorings (to avoid boat anchor damage) but also instructing other captains on mooring instruction.

The spectacular drop-off runs parallel to the islands along Exuma Sound on the eastern side. The wall starts in about 50 feet of water and plummets to several thousand. The edge contains huge caverns, tunnels, and large fish of numerous species.

Just inside the wall are areas of reef formations in 20-60 feet of water. These reefs vary from shallow elkhorn and staghorn coral gardens to tall coral heads on white sand. The shallower diver yields hundreds of species from the smallest nudibranchs and shrimp to the larger reef fishes such as barracudas and sharks.

To the west of the Exumas, the Great Bahama Bank ranges 40 miles. Only 40 feet deep, the shallow coral reefs here teem with tropical fish and provide an excellent environment for the juveniles to develop. The tidal flow creates strong currents between the islands - ideal for drift dives over a mile in length.

Night dives are available almost every night and reveal creatures often missed during the day. Diverse species of shrimp and crabs of all sizes complement the colorful corals and sleeping fish for a spectacle not to be missed.

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

Part of the Bahamas National Trust, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park includes 176 square miles of pristine diving in which all living creatures are protected. Fish inside the Park are not only abundant but curious instead of shy.

Founded in 1955, the Land and Sea Park is the oldest such Park in the western hemisphere. The beauty of both the cays and the reefs makes the Sea Park a world-class diving destination only a few hours from Nassau.

Spotted cleaning shrimp on giant anemone