SPID City

The underwater habitat

The SPID (Self-contained, Portable, Inflatable Dwelling) program represented an ambitious effort to extend human presence underwater. These inflatable structures allowed aquanauts to live at depth for short periods, conducting research without constant surface support. The Grand Bahama site hosted experimental deployments during the program's operational years.

Today the remnants have become artificial reef structure, colonized by corals and fish. The historical significance adds context to what would otherwise be standard reef diving, connecting divers to an era when underwater habitation seemed like humanity's next frontier.

The Sea Hunt aircraft

The twin-engine Aztec aircraft resting on the sandy bottom has its own television history, having appeared in the classic diving series Sea Hunt. The plane sank to the seafloor and has since become an artificial reef feature, its structure providing habitat for reef fish and photographic opportunities for divers.

The aircraft is intact enough to be recognizable, its wings and fuselage creating an unusual silhouette against the sandy bottom. Divers can swim around the exterior, photographing the plane from various angles as fish school in and around the structure.

Reef life and diving

Beyond the historical features, SPID City offers typical Grand Bahama South Shore reef diving. Large schools of blue parrotfish are frequently observed grazing across the coral landscape, their distinctive coloring providing striking photographic subjects. The occasional shark patrol adds excitement to the historical exploration.

The site's moderate depth makes it accessible to divers of all certification levels. Visibility is typically excellent along the South Shore, allowing full appreciation of both the artificial structures and natural reef.

Getting there

SPID City is accessed by dive boat from Freeport/Lucaya on Grand Bahama's South Shore. The site is included in the South Shore mooring system. Most Grand Bahama dive operators offer trips to this unique historical site, often combined with other South Shore reef dives.

Frequently asked questions

What was the SPID program?

SPID stands for Self-contained, Portable, Inflatable Dwelling, an experimental underwater habitat program from the 1970s. These inflatable structures allowed researchers to live underwater for short periods, conducting experiments at depth without constant surface support.

Is the Sea Hunt aircraft intact?

The twin-engine Aztec is recognizable with its basic structure including wings and fuselage visible. Years underwater have caused deterioration, but the aircraft remains a clear feature on the sandy bottom, now colonized by marine growth.

What is Sea Hunt?

Sea Hunt was a popular American television series (1958-1961) featuring underwater adventures. The show helped popularize scuba diving and filmed many scenes in the Bahamas, leaving behind equipment and props that became underwater attractions.