Top Dive Sites

Shark Arena

Description: Shark Arena is a popular dive site within Tiger Beach known for its congregations of large tiger sharks. The sandy bottom creates a natural amphitheater where sharks and divers can interact without disturbance.

Marine Species: Primarily tiger sharks, but you’ll also find lemon sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and nurse sharks.

Unique Encounters: Divers often get the chance to see the tiger sharks being fed by local experts, providing unparalleled close-up experiences.

Photography: Excellent opportunities for wide-angle shots focusing on shark behavior, also great for action photography due to dynamic interactions.

Suitability: Best suited for advanced divers due to shark interactions and varying underwater conditions.

Fish Tales

Description: Fish Tales offers a more relaxed dive compared to Shark Arena but still presents exciting encounters with a diverse marine ecosystem. It’s a great spot for observing fish behavior and exploring vibrant coral heads.

Marine Species: In addition to occasional tiger sharks, you’ll see schools of grunts, snappers, angelfish, and parrotfish.

Unique Encounters: The site may include distant tiger sharks patrolling the reefs, along with colorful reef scenes.

Photography: Ideal for macro photography targeting the reef dwellers along with some large predator action in the background.

Suitability: Dive site leverages calm conditions making it suitable for intermediate and beginner divers with proper supervision.

Lemon Drop

Description: As the name suggests, Lemon Drop is known for the prevalence of lemon sharks. The site features scattered coral heads and a sandy seabed that simplifies navigation and creates dramatic lighting for photography.

Marine Species: Primarily lemon sharks, but you’ll also see stingrays, barracudas, and an array of smaller reef fish.

Unique Encounters: Watching lemon sharks casually cruise around, interacting with the natural environment.

Photography: Perfect for capturing the golden hues of lemon sharks against a picturesque sandy bottom.

Suitability: Considered more accessible for all levels of divers, but always proceed with caution due to the presence of larger predators.

Considerations for Each Dive Site

Water Temperature: The water temperature at Tiger Beach typically stays between 75°F and 82°F (24°C to 28°C) throughout the year. The warm waters make it an inviting destination for divers year-round, with the peak season offering the most stable and comfortable conditions.

Visibility: Visibility at Tiger Beach is renowned for being excellent, often ranging from 50 to 100 feet (15 to 30 meters). The clear waters offer unobstructed views of the marine life and underwater landscapes, making it ideal for both recreational and professional underwater photographers.

Currents and Tides: While Tiger Beach is known for its relatively calm waters, divers should still be mindful of the currents and tides, especially during the full moon or new moon phases when tidal changes can be more pronounced. It’s advisable to dive during slack tide when the water movement is minimal for the most stable conditions.

Safety Tips:

• Always dive with a buddy or in a group, especially given the presence of large marine predators like tiger sharks.
• Stay within your training and experience limits. The presence of large sharks calls for calm, controlled diving behaviors.
• Use a signal device such as a dive flag or surface marker buoy to increase visibility to boats and other divers.
• Pay close attention to briefings by dive guides, who are familiar with the behavior of local shark populations and can provide invaluable advice on safe interactions.
• Be mindful of your buoyancy and positioning in the water to avoid sudden, erratic movements that can disturb marine life and attract unwanted attention from predators.

Regulations:

• Follow all local dive regulations, including any specific guidelines for interactions with sharks and other marine life.
• Adhere to guidelines provided by the Bahamas National Trust and local dive operators to ensure respectful and sustainable diving practices.
• Do not touch or disturb marine life, as this can harm the animals and disrupt the natural ecosystem.
• Dispose of all trash properly and avoid bringing single-use plastic items on your dives to help protect the marine environment.