The Compass Cay Sharks are one of the most popular spots in the Exuma Cays in terms of tourism in the Bahamas. Everyone who comes to Compass Cay Exuma wants a chance to go swimming with nurse sharks.
Let’s take a closer look at visiting these special Bahamas sharks now.
Where is Compass Cay Bahamas?
Compass Cay Bahamas is located in the center of a long string of islands which are known as the exotic Exuma Cays not far from Pig Island’s (Big Major Cay) Pig Beach Bahamas. You can easily combine a Pig Island tour to see the Bahamas swimming pigs with a shark excursion so you can also see the Exuma pigs.
Compass Cay Exuma isn’t too far from Staniel Cay, either. Matter of fact, it is less than ten miles south of the swimming with sharks Bahamas attraction.
Nassau is situated only 75 miles north of Compass Cay Bahamas, so it is well within reach of a day trip from the Bahamas’ capital.
The sharks at Compass Cay are a sight to see.
Compass Cay has more than just a marina to visit, take a stroll to the stunning beaches – some of the best in the Exumas! Disocver all the amazing things to do at Compass Cay on the Marina’s official website.
Playing it safe with the Compass Cay Sharks
The Bahamas sharks at Compass Cay Marina are especially harmless. They are a part of a species which goes by the scientific name of Ginglymostoma Cirratum — or as more commonly referred, Reef or Nurse sharks.
They can grow to a length of over 10-feet at full growth and live a course of 2-3 decades. Adult reef sharks can weigh a massive 300-pounds in some of the more extreme cases.
Although the Compass Cay sharks are carnivores as a species, they will rarely feed on meat like other sharks in the Deep Blue. Instead, they spend most of their lives on the seafloor feeding off micro-marine life in fairly shallow depths of the ocean.
Nurse sharks Bahamas (Compass Cay sharks) are a lot of fun.
You will see when you swim with nurse sharks Bahamas, they move slow and are, in almost all instances, completely harmless to us humans. Though, with all large animals and mammals, if they feel in danger, they can turn defensive and, with a jaw strength capable of crunching coral and shellfish, it is better to not irritate them intentionally.
They are smooth to the touch. Occasionally, you will feel one swim by and brush against your legs. Their brown tone will be visible far away in the crystal clear waters.
Be in mind, they usually don’t mind the closeness to humans when you get in the water. However, they are becoming further endangered every day because of the harm that humans cause to their environment in the shallow waters of the Atlantic.
History of the Bahamas sharks
You will find out soon after arriving that the Compass Cay sharks were originally brought to Compass Cay Marina as pets. The owners are not shy to reveal that about the marina’s past. Though, after gaining in popularity through a new wave of tourism focused on humane treatment of wildlife, the marina has transformed its environment into a sanctuary for the dozens-or-so reef sharks in the vicinity.
You may wonder why they are also referred to as Nurse sharks. Though it is not sure, it is believed the name comes from the sucking sound they make while scuttling across the seafloor for nutrients. The Compass Cay sharks make the same sound infants make while nursing.
Alternatively, maybe the name comes from the old English word for a seafloor shark which is “hurse”. Both names tend to fit the bill pretty well.
The Bahamas sharks are used to human interaction.
Compass Cay Marina availability
To go swimming with sharks Bahamas, you will need to get to the marina. There are few boats which will struggle to fit in the Compass Cay Marina. It is even accessible to mega-yachts ranging up to 180-feet in length. This means you will often find celebrities and famous tycoons who come for a swim with sharks Nassau daybreak.
You can access the marina via the Exuma Sound or Bank — just be sure to bring cash for docking ($4 USD per foot of dockage required).
The sharks in the Bahamas hang around the marina at Compass Cay.
Go Swimming with Compass Cay Sharks
Want to book a tour to go swimming with nurse sharks Bahamas at Compass Cay in the Exumas? Then be sure to contact one of our Swimming with Pigs Experts via our contact form.
