Cobia Cage

The structure and setting

The Cobia Cage floats at 70 to 100 feet of depth, anchored to the sloping sandy bottom just 75 yards from where the wall drops off into the abyss. From the side, the cage presents a distinctive diamond shape, its netting creating a geometric pattern against the blue water. The proximity to deep water brings pelagic visitors.

The structure was designed to grow juvenile cobia in a controlled ocean environment as part of sustainable aquaculture research. While no longer active for farming, the infrastructure remains intact and has been embraced by the marine ecosystem.

Marine life encounters

Reef sharks are regular visitors, patrolling around the cage structure. Loggerhead sea turtles cruise past, and moray eels have taken up residence in the framework. Large fish including amberjack and barracuda station near the cage to intercept smaller prey attracted to the structure.

The netting and beams are now covered in algae and young coral growth, supporting macro life including shrimp, neck crabs, and sea slugs. The artificial reef function has become the structure's primary purpose, demonstrating how man-made objects integrate into ocean ecosystems.

Planning your dive

The Cobia Cage is accessed from The Dive Shop at Cape Eleuthera Resort, often combined with wall dives or other nearby sites for a full diving day. The floating depth means divers descend to meet the structure rather than ascending from the bottom.

Advanced certification is recommended given the depth range and the open-water setting near the wall edge. The unique shape and marine life make this a memorable dive for photographers seeking something different from traditional reef diving.

Getting there

The Cobia Cage is reached from The Dive Shop at Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina. Cape Eleuthera is at the southern tip of the island, accessible by air to Rock Sound Airport or by ferry from Nassau. The dive is typically offered as part of multi-site excursions along the Cape Eleuthera coast.

Frequently asked questions

What was the Cobia Cage used for?

The cage was a SeaStation used for sustainable cobia farming research by the Island School and University of Miami. Juvenile fish were raised to maturity in the ocean environment. The structure is no longer active for farming but remains as an artificial reef.

Can you swim inside the Cobia Cage?

No, the cage is made of netting with no way in or out for humans. Divers observe the structure from outside, where reef sharks, turtles, and other marine life congregate around and beneath the cage.

Why is this dive site special?

The geometric man-made structure floating in open water creates a unique diving experience unlike natural reefs. Its proximity to deep water brings pelagic visitors, and the colonization by marine life demonstrates artificial reef development.