The Island is a SCUBA divers paradise, with three reef levels to dive, the Shallow Reef, the mid level reef and a deep reef, divers can enjoy a plethora of diving while visiting Grand Bahamas Island.
A Bahamas vacation that includes diving on the fantastic reef off the coast of Grand Bahamas Island is one you will surely remember for a long time to come.
Grand Bahamas Island has a broad shallow bank that extends off the shore of the island which is bordered by a shallow barrier reef.
Once beyond the shallow barrier reef, there is a gradual drop-off that extends into the ocean that plunges to two thousand feet.
What makes the reef off the coast of Grand Bahamas Island so fabulous for divers is the shallow waters provide food that supports the reef population while the torrent of clear water from the deep water provides great visibility.
- The Shallow Reef is full of colorful fish and coral that are about 10-12 feet down and runs the length of the islands south shore.
It is a great place for novice divers to get experience with their equipment and still see a spectacular reef.
There are four well known shallow reef sites on Grand Bahamas Island, Silver Reef, Sanctuary Reef, Treasure Reef and Fish Farm. - The second Reef line goes to about 50-60 feet deep.
This reef is made up of scattered coral heads that rise up from a sandy bottom.
This depth and location provides a nice dive, with lots to explore, both in the sand, the marine life on the coral and looking under the rocks.
Sites at this depth include Angel Camp, Badger and The Chamber.
- The Deep Reef line ranges from about 60ft -90ft.
deep and like the shallow reef it is a solid reef mass that runs the length of the island.
There are some places where the surge channels have overgrown and formed into a complex maze of canyons and tunnels that you can explore.
However, given the depth and the canyons and tunnels only experienced divers will be allowed on the deep reefs.
The most popular deep reef sites include Gail's Grotto, Littlehale's Lair, and Pygmy Caves.
Visibility of over 200 feet is an everyday experience in the beautiful sparkling waters of the Bahamas.
It's no wonder that the Bahamians consider their islands the Dive Capital of the World.
The Bahamas is truly a hidden gem for divers, often divers think of the Great Barrier Reef as the best diving in the world, however, with five percent of the Earth's coral found in the Bahamas, there is more coral here than on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
When planning your next vacation, think about a Bahamas vacation, one that includes some fantastic diving, it's a place not to be missed.