Exuma Cays
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Why dive in Exuma Cays?
BEST SEASON
Featured Animals 10
- Unlikely
- Likely
- Very likely
Diurnal Frequent sightingsBlacktip Shark
Carcharhinus limbatus
The Blacktip Shark is easily recognized by the dark tips on its fins. It is a fast and energetic predator, often seen leaping out of the water. Blacktip sharks can be found in warm coastal waters around the world.
BEST SEASON
Nocturnal Frequent sightingsCaribbean Reef Shark
Carcharhinus perezi
The Caribbean Reef Shark is a robust, streamlined requiem shark commonly found in tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly around coral reefs. It is an apex predator, primarily feeding on bony fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Known for its unique ability to rest motionless on the seabed or inside caves, this species typically reaches lengths of 2-2.5 meters and can weigh up to 70 kg.
BEST SEASON
Cathemeral Frequent sightingsCommon Bottlenose Dolphin
Tursiops truncatus
The Common Bottlenose Dolphin is a robust dolphin characterized by its short, stocky snout and grey coloration with a paler underbelly. Highly intelligent and social, these dolphins form complex fission-fusion societies. They are found globally in temperate and tropical marine waters, and are known for their active swimming, leaps, and use of echolocation for hunting.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsGreat Barracuda
Sphyraena barracuda
The Great Barracuda is a large predatory fish known for its fearsome appearance and speed. It has an elongated body, pointed head, and large teeth, making it a proficient hunter in coastal and open waters.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsGreen Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas
The green sea turtle is a large marine reptile distinguished by its heart-shaped carapace and a single pair of prefrontal scales.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsHawksbill Sea Turtle
Eretmochelys imbricata
The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is a medium-sized marine turtle recognizable by its distinctive hawk-like beak and overlapping scutes, which create a serrated edge on its carapace. Primarily found in tropical coral reefs, it plays a crucial role in these ecosystems by feeding mainly on sponges, which are toxic to most other animals. This species is critically endangered due to historical exploitation for its beautiful shell and ongoing threats like habitat loss and bycatch.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsLemon Shark
Negaprion brevirostris
The Lemon Shark is known for its yellow-brown coloration and blunt snout, which helps it camouflage in sandy coastal waters. It is a diurnal predator that often forms small groups, primarily hunting fish and crustaceans in shallow reefs and lagoons.
BEST SEASON
Nocturnal Frequent sightingsNurse Shark
Ginglymostoma cirratum
The Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) is a slow-moving, bottom-dwelling shark typically found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters, including coral reefs and mangrove channels. It is a nocturnal carnivore, primarily feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish using a powerful suction-feeding mechanism. During the day, they are often observed resting in large aggregations, sometimes piled together in caves or under ledges.
BEST SEASON
Crepuscular Frequent sightingsSouthern Stingray
Hypanus americanus
The Southern Stingray is a graceful, diamond-shaped ray known for its broad, flat body and pointed pectoral fins. It can be found over sandy or muddy seabeds in warm, shallow waters of the western Atlantic Ocean.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Frequent sightingsSpotted Eagle Ray
Aetobatus narinari
The Spotted Eagle Ray is known for its distinctive spots and elongated snout, which resembles a bird-like beak. It thrives in tropical waters, especially around coral reefs and coastal zones. The ray is a powerful swimmer and can often be seen leaping out of the water.
BEST SEASON
More marine life 29
Black DurgonMelichthys niger
Blue SharkPrionace glauca
Bull SharkCarcharhinus leucas
Caribbean Reef OctopusOctopus briareus
Caribbean Spiny LobsterPanulirus argus
Common Thresher SharkAlopias vulpinus
Dusky SharkCarcharhinus obscurus
Garden EelHeterocongrinae
Great Hammerhead SharkSphyrna mokarran
Greater AmberjackSeriola dumerili
Green Moray EelGymnothorax funebris
LionfishPterois spp.
Loggerhead Sea TurtleCaretta caretta
Midnight ParrotfishScarus coelestinus
Oceanic Whitetip SharkCarcharhinus longimanus
Princess ParrotfishScarus taeniopterus
Queen AngelfishHolacanthus ciliaris
Queen ParrotfishScarus vetula
Scalloped Hammerhead SharkSphyrna lewini
Sergeant MajorAbudefduf saxatilis
Silky SharkCarcharhinus falciformis
Smooth Butterfly RayGymnura micrura
Smooth Hammerhead SharkSphyrna zygaena
Spiny Butterfly RayGymnura altavela
Spot-fin PorcupinefishDiodon hystrix
Stoplight ParrotfishSparisoma viride
Tiger SharkGaleocerdo cuvier
Yellow StingrayUrobatis jamaicensis
Yellowfin TunaThunnus albacares
Where is Exuma Cays
Atlantic Ocean · Bahamas
Frequently asked questions about Exuma Cays
When is the best time to dive in Exuma Cays?
The best time to dive in Exuma Cays is from November to May. In those months the water is between 22°C and 30°C.
What marine life can you see diving in Exuma Cays?
Divers can encounter 39 species in Exuma Cays. Highlights include Blacktip Shark, Caribbean Reef Shark, Common Bottlenose Dolphin, Great Barracuda, Green Sea Turtle, and Hawksbill Sea Turtle.
When can you see the Blacktip Shark in Exuma Cays?
The Blacktip Shark is most often seen in Exuma Cays from March to October.
When can you see the Caribbean Reef Shark in Exuma Cays?
The Caribbean Reef Shark can be seen in Exuma Cays all year round.
When can you see the Common Bottlenose Dolphin in Exuma Cays?
The Common Bottlenose Dolphin can be seen in Exuma Cays all year round.
What is the water temperature in Exuma Cays?
Water temperature in Exuma Cays ranges from 22°C in December to 31°C in June.
What wetsuit do I need to dive in Exuma Cays?
Most divers wear a 5 mm wetsuit in December, when the water drops to 22°C, and a rash guard or a 1–3 mm shorty in June, when it reaches 31°C.
What is the visibility like when diving in Exuma Cays?
Visibility in Exuma Cays ranges from 20 m to 30 m. The water is clearest from October to May.
What are the currents like in Exuma Cays?
Divers in Exuma Cays can expect light or strong currents, depending on the month and the dive site.
What can you see on a night dive in Exuma Cays?
After dark, Exuma Cays reveals nocturnal species such as Caribbean Reef Shark, Nurse Shark, Blue Shark, Caribbean Reef Octopus, Caribbean Spiny Lobster, and Green Moray Eel.
Where is Exuma Cays located?
Exuma Cays is a dive destination in Bahamas, in the Atlantic Ocean.
Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Exuma Cays. Spotted something that looks off?
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