Diver descending into the dark circular opening of Angelfish Blue Hole with sunbeams penetrating the turquoise water and fish circling above
Great Exuma, The Bahamas

Angelfish Blue Hole

A vertical ocean tunnel where tidal currents draw eagle rays, jacks, and schools of parrotfish.

Angelfish Blue Hole opens in an enclosed bay off Stocking Island, just across the harbour from George Town. A vertical tunnel descends through the limestone to depths approaching ninety feet, with tidal currents flowing through and drawing an ever-changing parade of marine life to the opening.

This is the most accessible blue hole dive in the Exumas, popular with both certified divers exploring the depths and snorkelers watching from the surface as eagle rays, horse-eye jacks, and blue parrotfish circle the entrance.

The blue hole structure

The hole presents as a dark circular opening in the pale sand and rock of the bay floor. Divers descend through a vertical tunnel that reaches depths of approximately ninety feet, with a chamber at the bottom offering swim-through possibilities for those with proper training and equipment.

Tidal currents create flow through the tunnel, and timing dives with rising tides is essential — diving during outgoing tides can be dangerous due to strong downward currents.

Marine life

The currents concentrate marine life around the blue hole entrance. Schools of horse-eye jacks circle overhead, eagle rays glide past, and large blue parrotfish are regular visitors. Angelfish — the site's namesake — shelter in small caverns along the walls, alongside lobsters and other crustaceans.

Barracuda often patrol the upper water column, and reef sharks occasionally pass through the area.

Diving and safety

Angelfish Blue Hole requires respect. Dive only on rising tides when currents flow upward. The site suits certified divers comfortable with overhead environments and current management. Cave or cavern certification is recommended for penetrating the lower chamber.

Snorkelers can observe from the surface, watching the action at the tunnel entrance without descending. Local dive operators in George Town offer guided trips with proper safety protocols.

Getting there

Angelfish Blue Hole lies in a bay off Stocking Island, across Elizabeth Harbour from George Town on Great Exuma. Dive operators in George Town offer guided trips to the site. Access is by boat — rent a small vessel or join a guided tour that includes Stocking Island. Navigate toward the western side of Stocking Island and look for the distinctive dark opening in the sandy bay floor.

Frequently asked questions

Can beginners dive Angelfish Blue Hole?
The site is best suited for certified divers comfortable with currents and overhead environments. Beginners can snorkel at the surface and observe, but penetration dives require experience and preferably cavern certification.
When should you dive Angelfish Blue Hole?
Dive only on rising tides when currents flow upward and out of the hole. Diving during falling tides is dangerous due to strong downward currents. Local dive operators time trips accordingly.
What marine life will I see?
Eagle rays, horse-eye jacks, blue parrotfish, and angelfish are common. Barracuda patrol above, lobsters shelter in crevices, and reef sharks occasionally pass through.