Liveaboard Diving in Washing Machine
Bahamas Dive Site: Washing Machine
If you are looking for high levels of excitement during a dive then the Washing Machine dive site is for you. The name gives it away, there is a strong circular tide there which can roll you head over heels as though you are in a washing machine. The current only runs in a certain area, so it is easily possible to avoid it and watch the antics from the sidelines. The current will sweep you down to 12m (40ft) initially and then lift you right back up to 5m (15ft) onto a sea ledge. It's recommended that only more experienced divers delve into this. This dive site is located off the coast of Highbourne Cay, located in the north of the Exuma Cays, it has excellent visibility of approximately 30m (100ft) and its GPS coordinates are 23.564:75.8725.
What You Will See
After being tumbled through the washing machine effect of the waters, there are also a few gems for you to see once you have stopped. At the end of the washing machine the current will drop you on a lavish reef patch inhabited by schools of colourful tropical fish, schools of Batfish are also present here and small underwater jungles of soft and hard corals. This site will also give you the chance to see the so very graceful sea turtles and timid nurse sharks, which call this area their home.
The beaches which border on this site are known to be some of the most beautiful in the world, with tropical birds pairing and breeding here during the summer seasons. Beauty under and above the water.
How To Get There
The liveaboards that go around the Bahamas, in this case the Exuma Cays , depart from the Prince George Wharf on the island of Nassau. Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas and also holds an international airport, Lynden Pindling International Airport which will be your point of entry. Flights arrive here from numerous destinations around the world including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and other Caribbean islands. Nassua lies just 55km (35mi) north of the start of the Exuma Cays, and as the Washing Machine lies in the North of the Exuma Cays it will likely be one of the first sites you will visit.
Washing Machine Diving Reviews
- 9.1 Superb
- 10.0 Exceptional
- Eric D
United States
Not nearly as vigorous as we were anticipating!
Diving Washing Machine in September on the Aqua Cat
- 10.0 Exceptional
- Brandon W
United States
Exciting and fun. First time in a current like that where you felt comfortable and knew you were safe while having fun.
Diving Washing Machine in June on the Blackbeards Morning Star
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Jere L
United States
A fun exhilarating drift.. but, easy for groups to get separated
Diving Washing Machine in June on the Blackbeards Morning Star
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Carson P
United States
This was a fast drift dive and was fun!
Diving Washing Machine in April on the Aqua Cat
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Kyle T
Canada
The washing machine was out of order, but Lobster, no lobster was a great substitute!
Diving Washing Machine in February on the Blackbeards Morning Star
- 9.2 Superb
- Chris H
United States
Unique - I would suggest that you guys try to set up some sort of marker on the bottom. With 20 divers, there was really no heads up when we got to the washing machine and whole bunch of people didn't swim down to hit it. Needs better dive briefing and if you could put a mooring pin market so divers knew it was coming it would enrich this experience.
Diving Washing Machine in December on the Aqua Cat
- 8.0 Very good
- Eli R
United States
We didn't get the current promised due to slack tide, but did see a giant hammerhead which was really cool.
Diving Washing Machine in December on the Aqua Cat
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Quannie T
United States
Drift diving was really nice and the corals were beautiful
Diving Washing Machine in November on the Blackbeards Morning Star
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Alan E
United Kingdom
Exciting but not as ‘turbulent’ as I had hoped for.
Diving Washing Machine in October on the Aqua Cat
- 9.6 Exceptional
- John D
United States
The Washing Machine was wild. We had an excellent current that really jostled us around. A very exciting drift dive for sure.
Diving Washing Machine in September on the Blackbeards Morning Star
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