Plizio Visual Lab

Tongue of the Ocean

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

The Tongue of the Ocean (TOTO) is a deep-water oceanic trench in the Bahamas that separates the islands of Andros and New Providence. It is a U-shaped basin reaching depths of up to 6,600 feet (2,000 meters), bordered by the shallow waters of the Great Bahama Bank. This precipitous drop in depth within a short distance creates a unique hydrographic environment characterized by exceptionally low ambient noise and stable salinity levels. Consequently, the region is utilized by the U.S. Navy and the British Royal Navy as the primary site for the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC), where sonar systems and underwater weaponry are developed and tested. Geologically, the trench was formed by tectonic subsidence and erosion during the Pleistocene epoch when sea levels were significantly lower. The area is also biologically significant, as its steep vertical walls provide a habitat for deep-sea corals and various pelagic species. The dynamic upwellings at the edge of the trench support a rich diversity of large marine predators, including marlin, tuna, and several species of sharks.

Location: Bahamas
Nearby: Congo Town (10 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	23	24	24	25	26	28	29	29	29	28	26	24
Rain mm	29	25	31	52	122	139	112	127	136	112	58	32

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

This massive oceanic trench is naturally not accessible by roads, but is almost exclusively approached via ocean-going vessels or as part of specialized diving expeditions. Starting points for trips into this area are usually the coasts of Andros or New Providence.

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Best season

Excursions into open waters are especially recommended during the stable weather phases of winter and spring, when storms are rare. During the Atlantic hurricane season, venturing far out should be strictly avoided due to sudden, severe changes in the weather.

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Terrain & paths

The nature of this attraction consists entirely of deep, blue ocean water. There is no solid ground here; instead, the underwater cliffs off Andros drop spectacularly, almost vertically, into the pitch-black, immeasurable oceanic abyss.

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What to bring

For a simple boat ride, sun protection, windproof clothing, and seasickness tablets are sufficient. Divers require highly specialized equipment for extreme open-water diving and should coordinate very closely with their tour operator in advance.

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Parking

Parking options for cars exist solely at the marinas and harbors of the departure islands where you board the boat. These parking lots are generally secure and designed to accommodate vehicles for the duration of day trips.

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Safety

Because you are in the open ocean, strict maritime safety regulations apply; life jackets are mandatory on the boats. Dives at the edge of the trench are not for beginners and should only be conducted by certified experts accompanied by local guides.

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Time needed

Boat excursions to this region take at least half a day, but mostly a full day, due to the travel distance. Deep diving expeditions also require extensive briefings and preparation time on land before even setting out on the water.