Information
Landmark: Exuma Islands Blue HoleCity: Grand Exuma
Country: Bahamas
Continent: North America
Exuma Islands Blue Hole, Grand Exuma, Bahamas, North America
Overview
Tucked deep in the turquoise waters of the Exuma Cays, the Exuma Blue Hole-locals call it the Angelfish Blue Hole-drops away into a mesmerizing, shadowy blue that takes your breath.This famous underwater sinkhole draws divers, snorkelers, and nature lovers with its shimmering blue depths and rare marine life.Just off Stocking Island, a short boat ride away, the blue hole rests in the shimmering turquoise waters of the Exuma Cays.Formed when ancient limestone caves gave way and collapsed, it drops straight down like a deep, shadowy well beneath the sea.A deep, round hollow stands out sharply against the pale, shallow water, like a dark coin dropped into glass.The Exuma Blue Hole drops almost straight down into a shadowy abyss, its sheer walls creating a breathtaking view whether you’re gazing from a boat or floating above.In the shallows, the water glows aquamarine, then deepens to a rich, inky blue as it falls away.Schools of angelfish-its namesake-drift alongside groupers, snappers, and other bright reef fish, while sea turtles, rays, and the occasional reef shark glide past.Coral gardens cluster along its edges, adding bursts of color to the scene.With crystal-clear water and visibility often topping 100 feet, it’s a dream for divers and snorkelers alike.At the Blue Hole, experienced divers can descend from a sunlit reef into a shadowy abyss, weaving past strange rock spires that rise like frozen waves, with certified operators in the Exumas leading guided dives.Snorkelers drift above its sheer drop-off, watching colorful fish dart through coral gardens in the shallows.Calm, glass-clear waters make the kayak or boat ride there part of the adventure, whether you set your own pace or join a tour.Photographers love the sharp contrast between the hole’s deep indigo and the surrounding turquoise, especially from a drone’s view.Most visitors reach it by boat or water taxi from George Town, then hop to Stocking Island or nearby spots; private charters often pair it with famous sights like the swimming pigs or Thunderball Grotto.Local guides also run dedicated snorkeling and diving trips with safety and local lore woven in.The best time to go is the dry season, November through April, when the sea is calm and visibility is crystal clear-just don’t forget your snorkel or dive gear.Many tours supply gear, but your own mask and fins will feel just right.Safety-wise, anyone can enjoy snorkeling, but the blue hole demands certified skills and real experience.Follow your guide’s directions and treat the marine world with care, checking with your tour operator for any permits needed in the Exuma Cays.Nearby, you can dive into the crystal-clear Thunderball Grotto-made famous in James Bond films-visit Pig Beach to meet the playful swimming pigs, or paddle through Shroud Cay’s calm mangrove creeks.The Exuma Blue Hole draws visitors for its striking turquoise depths, rare geology, and thriving marine life, from darting tropical fish to curious sea turtles, all in a peaceful setting far from the crowds.Whether you’re dropping into its shadowy depths with a tank on your back or drifting at the surface watching parrotfish flash by, the blue hole offers an adventure you won’t forget.Since it’s an easy hop from George Town and just minutes from other Exuma landmarks, it’s a stop you don’t want to miss when exploring the cays.