Stocking Island, Exuma Cays, Bahamas

Angelfish Blue Hole

Angelfish Blue Hole is a circular vertical blue hole near Stocking Island in the Exumas, a karst sinkhole connected to the surrounding ocean. The rim sits in roughly 12 to 15 meters of water on a sandy plateau, with the hole dropping to about 30 meters and beyond into restricted depths. The site takes its name from the resident schools of French and queen angelfish that drift through the upper rim. Hard corals, gorgonians, and sea fans line the lip, and the surrounding sand hosts southern stingrays and the occasional nurse shark. Tidal exchange creates moderate currents in and out of the hole and timing the dive to a slack period is recommended. Visibility varies with tide phase but is generally good. The blue hole is one of several karst features that make the Exumas a geologically rich destination, alongside the more famous Mystery Cave and Thunderball Grotto. The rim provides a comfortable cruise for intermediate divers and the dramatic vertical drop adds visual impact to photographs and video. Operators in Great Exuma include the site as a regular stop on multi-tank itineraries, often pairing it with shallow patch reefs and the iconic swimming pigs experience in the central Exuma chain.