The collective 700 islands of the Bahamas are known for their resident sharks — from Tiger sharks at Tiger Beach to hammerhead sharks of Bimini and Caribbean reef sharks anywhere there’s water. But New Providence Island is world-renowned for shark diving, all thanks to Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas.

Whether this is your first shark dive or your 50th, the Ray of Hope shark feed is an apex encounter you’ll never forget.

On your first dive, you’ll explore the beautiful shipwreck between 40 and 60 feet. This allows divers to get acclimated to the site, and the resident sharks that cruise around you. The shipwreck was purpose sunk as an artificial reef, and is teeming with life: Nassau grouper, angelfish, blue tangs and schoolmasters are just a few of the diverse species you’ll come across as you fin along the coral-carpeted structure. The crystal-clear water creates a perfect scene for underwater photos and videos, so be sure to bring a camera. You won’t want to miss the moment when schools of blue tangs and schoolmasters make sweeping passes throughout the deck.

Once you’ve swapped tanks and logged a quick surface interval, get ready for an adrenaline rush. There’s a reason that Shark Week videographers, and A-list filmmakers come to Stuart Cove’s when they need underwater footage of the apex predators: He’s the best in the business, and business is good.

The feeder gets into position on the wreck, serving as a barrier between divers on the bow of the ship and the pink bait box. The reef sharks know the drill, and are already in position before the feed begins. And they’re not alone: nurse sharks cruise around you along the deck, trying to steal bait from the box, and massive goliath grouper and linger in hopes of scraps. But it’s the Caribbean reef sharks that will take your breath away: dozens of these beautiful creatures surround the feeder, gliding in from all directions in what feels like a real-life shark tornado. But it’s controlled chaos, because bad behavior means missing out on the hand-delivered treats from the feeder.

It’s a feast of epic proportions, and one of the greatest experiences you’ll have in your life.

Dive site information: Ray of Hope Shark Feed

• Depth: 40-60 feet
• Experience Required: Open Water Scuba Diver; it’s an excellent dive for beginners.
• Water Temperature: The average water temperature is 80 degrees F year-round. Temperatures warm from May through October, with the coldest temperatures in January.
• Average Visibility: 80 to 100 feet year-round
• Tip for Traveling to the Bahamas: New Providence Island is located 179 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, which equates to a roughly 45-minute flight from MIA. Flights to and from Nassau are available daily.
• When to Go: Diving is excellent year-round. July is typically the warmest month, but the average temperature from March to October is well above 80 degrees F. January is the coldest month, with temperatures dropping to the 70s. June through October tend to see the most rain.
• Scuba Gear to Bring: Stuart Cove’s will provide all the dive gear rentals you need. But if you bring your own, you’ll want a thin wetsuit in the summer and a 3-5 mm in the winter.
• Recommended For: Shark divers of all experience levels.

Contact Info:

For more information on scuba diving Nassau’s blue hole, Bahamas shark diving and other underwater adventures, contact Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas online at stuartcove.com.
Phone: 954-524-5755
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.stuartcove.com