Dreamy Bahamas – there’s not a lot these islands must do to attraction even to essentially the most discerning traveler. The islands and cays (over 700!) of this tropical archipelago want solely to exist and be as lovely as they’re, and the group comes speeding in. Fortunately, these crowds broaden and skinny all year long, making it simple to do something special in The Bahamas, like take pleasure in the most effective snorkeling journey!
Image: The boat leaving from Sandals Royal Bahamian. Company can be part of a every day free snorkeling journey from the resort.
There are numerous locations to snorkel in The Bahamas, from Nassau, the capital, on the island of New Windfall, all the way in which to the Abaco Islands within the excessive north. The attraction of those snorkeling locations contains pink sand seashores, vibrant coral reefs, mesmerizing blue holes, mangroves, and secure shallows, all of which make The Bahamas stand out within the diving world.
On this article, we’ll spotlight the most effective snorkeling locations in The Bahamas so that you’re greater than ready while you get there!
Skilled tip: The sort of expertise you need in The Bahamas, whether or not extra mellow or action-packed, can assist you resolve the most effective time to go to these islands. If you wish to snorkel, the best time to visit The Bahamas could be between mid-December and mid-April, though you’re free to snorkel at this nice vacation spot year-round!
One of the best snorkeling in Nassau
Clifton Heritage Park
Clifton Heritage Park is situated off the western coast of New Windfall. This nationwide park consists of each forest and marine areas and is a well-liked cease for vacationers eager to hike, dive, and discover. Heat, crystal clear waters are a part of the attraction of diving on this space as are the wonderful marine animals you’re prone to encounter.
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Off the shores of Clifton Heritage Park, divers will discover each pure and man-made coral reefs which can be dwelling to many sorts of tropical fish together with blue tangs. Stingrays and sea turtles are additionally widespread sightings right here. There’s even a enormous, 18ft underwater sculpture off the coast – the biggest of its sort on this planet. Aside from this massive carving, there are different underwater artwork items within the space, however you’ll must have scuba gear to see these.
Rose Island Reef
Rose Island is the proper snorkeling vacation spot if you happen to’re on the lookout for a singular and enjoyable expertise. This island is three miles east of Paradise Island and it may be explored by way of a day journey whereas in The Bahamas. Should you’ll be staying in Nassau on New Windfall, you’ll be able to take a ship to Rose Island from Paradise Island, which is related to New Windfall by a bridge.
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The Rose Island Reef is in comparatively shallow water and near shore, so it’s fairly simple to entry. This can be a good spot for learners, however extra skilled snorkelers will even take pleasure in this significantly lively reef. Sightings can embody stingrays, sea turtles, child reef sharks, and plenty and plenty of colourful tropical fish. You possibly can simply snorkel right here for 2 hours or extra and never get uninterested in the expertise.
When diving round Rose Island, maintain an eye fixed out for shipwrecks. There are at the least two wrecks on this space that divers can discover – the Mahoney and the Alcora. In and round these ships, you’ll be able to anticipate to see giant colleges of fish and a thriving underwater world.
From Paradise Island, it is going to take round 40 minutes to get to Rose Island by boat. When you arrive, you’ll be able to settle right into a shady beachside spot, go swimming, loosen up, and even spend a while with the swimming pigs of Rose Island!
Good to know: There are bogs, a restaurant, and a bar on Rose Island as nicely.
Love Seaside
Who wouldn’t like to snorkel in a spot known as Love Seaside? We all know we might! Simply as fabulous because the title of this location, the snorkeling right here is wonderful and simply is likely to be the spotlight of your Bahamian trip. Love Seaside is on the island of New Windfall, and it’s among the best snorkeling websites in The Bahamas.
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There’s a lot to see throughout a dive at Love Seaside! Snorkelers continuously run into barracuda, spiny lobster, and various species of fish alongside the reef. You might even see some conch shells as nicely and plenty of colourful coral additional out. You possibly can normally see fish simply by venturing into the knee-deep waters of this space, making the expertise excellent for snorkelers of all talent ranges.
Earlier than or after snorkeling at Love Seaside, you would possibly think about renting seaside chairs and umbrellas (about $5 USD every) to loosen up on the seaside. The seaside isn’t crowded and sure to depart you feeling refreshed and completely in love with laid-back island residing!
Goulding Cay Reef
Goulding Cay Reef is off the west coast of New Windfall. This reef is situated simply off of a non-public island, so it’s not doable to entry it with out first reserving a snorkeling boat journey. Visiting this shallow water reef (about 9 toes underwater) fabricated from elkhorn corals will be well worth the day journey to get there as you’re prone to have a enjoyable snorkeling journey. Goulding Cay Reef is barely about half-hour from downtown Nassau by boat.
Skilled tip: Staying at a Sandals all-inclusive resort can imply easy accessibility to the most effective snorkeling in Nassau. You’ll even be in simply the appropriate place to take pleasure in essentially the most thrilling things to do in Nassau.
One of the best snorkeling within the Exumas
The Exumas are made up of over 365 islands and cays. This a part of The Bahamas is nice for full stays or day journeys as there are such a lot of things to do in Exuma, significantly on the island of Nice Exuma. Should you’re planning on visiting the Exumas, listed here are a number of the finest locations to snorkel:
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
A diving expedition within the Exumas ought to positively embody the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. This park is a protected space to the north of the Exuma Cays and it contains each land and marine sections spanning 112,640 acres. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is liked for its lovely and secluded seashores, various climbing trails, wildlife explorations, and diving!
Should you select to go diving right here, you’ll be able to snorkel round good coral reefs teeming with sea life. Sightings can embody grouper, sea turtles, lobster, eagle rays, and extra. There are additionally quite a lot of marine environments to discover right here together with mangroves. The shallows at this marine park will be nice for snorkeling as nicely.
Stocking Island
Stocking Island is just a few miles off the coast of Nice Exuma. You possibly can journey a 10-minute ferry to get from Nice Exuma to Stocking Island at a value of $15 USD per individual spherical journey. Visiting this island will be value contemplating if you happen to’re not solely on the lookout for each an fascinating place to snorkel and wonderful seashores.
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On Stocking Island, you’ll be able to expertise the well-known pink sand seashores of The Bahamas. Strolling on these uncommon sands shall be an outstanding introduction to the island as you get set for a day of snorkeling. As soon as you agree in, you’ll be able to resolve whether or not you need to discover the coral reefs and caves, or snorkel within the shallows. Should you’ll be there for the day, you may need an opportunity to take pleasure in slightly little bit of all the things. Sightings of sea turtles and stingrays are widespread round Stocking Island.
Skilled tip: If you’re accomplished snorkeling at Stocking Island, you’ll be able to seize a chew to eat on the restaurant and bar or gear up for a sport on the volleyball court docket!
Thunderball Grotto on Staniel Cay
There are such a lot of causes to like Thunderball Grotto and that record begins with simply how breathtaking it’s to take a look at. Thunderball Grotto is an underwater cave system situated to the north of Nice Exuma and Guana Cay. This location is finest identified for its unimaginable snorkeling and scuba diving, and for the record of flicks it has appeared in, such because the well-known James Bond films, ‘Thunderball’ and ‘By no means Say By no means’.
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Thunderball Grotto is on Staniel Cay and appeals to anybody trying to have a singular and thrilling snorkeling journey in The Bahamas. This house is really spectacular, and whereas snorkeling right here, you’ll be able to anticipate to see various coral reef techniques and marine life. If you wish to snorkel at Thunderball Grotto, it’s best to take action throughout low tide. At excessive tide, you might want scuba diving gear to get out and in of the grotto. The currents are typically stronger at excessive tide as nicely.
Skilled tip: Should you plan on exploring Thunderball Grotto whereas in The Bahamas, it’s a good suggestion to go together with a information. This fashion you gained’t have a tough time discovering underwater entrances, and also you’ll be capable to get out and in of the cave safely.
Three Sisters
Three Sisters Seaside is on the island of Nice Exuma, nearly 20 minutes from the island’s major settlement, George City. This quiet seaside was named after the three enormous rocks that sit within the shallows and function a ravishing picture backdrop. The attraction of a dive right here is the fantastic thing about the seaside itself and the calm, shallow waters. For that reason, it’s a nice start line for newbie snorkelers. Whereas diving off Three Sisters Seaside, you’ll be able to anticipate to be dazzled by the massive, colourful colleges of fish and vibrant coral.
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Duck Cay
Duck Cay is situated off the western coast of Nice Exuma. The northern and southern elements of this cay supply fairly totally different dive experiences. Within the north, you’ll be able to anticipate to see a lot of standout reef buildings and all kinds of marine life, whereas the south options extra shallow reefs, which are perfect for learners. The spotlight of a dive at Duck Cay is the fascinating reef buildings you’re prone to see whereas there.
One of the best snorkeling in Eleuthera
Eleuthera can finest be described as that lengthy, skinny island south of Nice Abaco, and to the east of New Windfall. This Bahamian snorkeling vacation spot is thought and liked for its attractive pink sand seashores and crystal-clear waters. If you wish to snorkel in Eleuthera, listed here are the most effective locations to go:
Gaulding’s Cay
Gaulding’s Cay is simply off the north coast of Nice Exuma. This dive website is comparatively simple to entry as a result of it is just about 50 yards from Gaulding’s Cay Seaside on Nice Exuma. You possibly can swim to the cay and again from the seaside, and, at low tide, you’ll be able to even stroll out to the cay whereas the water is knee-deep.
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Since Gaulding’s Cay is really easy to entry, it’s a nice possibility for amateur snorkelers. At this snorkeling website, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a comparatively shallow water dive with a lot of colourful and curious fish, in addition to occasional sightings of stingrays, starfish, and extra. You’re additionally prone to see bonefish, sea anemones, and sea cucumbers across the cay. Gaulding’s Cay Seaside is on the quiet aspect so that you’ll have a lot of room to discover and luxuriate in your seaside day when you’re accomplished snorkeling.
Satan’s Spine Reef
Satan’s Spine Reef will get its title from the sharpness of the coral alongside this reef, which is claimed to have been accountable for quite a few shipwrecks. This reef is alongside the northern coast of Eleuthera. It may be value snorkeling right here if you happen to’re on the lookout for an expertise that not solely contains a lot of marine life however sightings of history-filled remnants of wrecked ships as nicely.
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This reef is extra on the shallow aspect, and you may anticipate to see a lot of several types of fish together with parrotfish whereas diving right here. You may additionally come throughout moray eels and stingrays. There’s all kinds of coral on this underwater zone together with star coral, elkhorn, and mind coral. Whereas diving right here, you might also spot the odd anchor, random steel beams, rudders, and different proof of the reef’s ship-wrecking repertoire.
One of the best snorkeling within the Abacos
The Abacos are an island grouping to the intense north of The Bahamas. These islands are nearly 180 miles off the southwestern coast of Florida with the primary islands being Nice Abaco and Little Abaco. There are each islands and cays within the Abacos the place you’ll be able to have unimaginable snorkeling excursions like these listed under:
Pelican Cays Nationwide Park / Sandy Cay Reef
Pelican Cays Nationwide Park is situated in central Abaco between Elbow Cay and Tilloo Cay. This park spans 2,100 acres of each land and sea. Pelican Cays Nationwide Park is liked for the truth that it provides climbing alternatives, has a lot of totally different seashores to discover, permits you to spend a while in nature, and naturally, supplies nice snorkeling experiences!
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The coral reef inside this park is intensive, and there’s an underwater cave system as nicely. This makes Pelican Cays the best snorkeling vacation spot, particularly if you happen to select to dive round Sandy Cay Reef. There, you’ll be able to anticipate to see a lot of species of coral together with elkhorn coral, sea fan coral, finger sponges, and extra. You’re additionally prone to see angelfish, Nassau grouper, sea turtles, spiny lobster, jacks, queen conch, stingrays, and even dolphins!
Fowl Cay Nationwide Park
The Fowl Cay Nationwide Park will be discovered between Scotland Cay and Man-O-Conflict Cay in Central Abaco. This space consists of a lot of seagrass beds and coral reefs with a lot of rocky shores and sandy backside habitats. Fowl Cay Nationwide Park is a good spot to snorkel as a result of there’s at all times tons to see within the brilliant turquoise waters of this space.
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Throughout a dive at Fowl Cay Nationwide Park, snorkelers can anticipate to see grouper, yellowtail snapper, sea turtles, barracuda, stingrays, and the record goes on! There are a number of reefs to discover in Fowl Cay so you’ll be able to take a look at just a few of those throughout your go to. You may get to the Fowl Cay Nationwide Park by way of a snorkeling or journey tour or by taking your personal boat to get there. There are mooring buoys out there if you may be heading out by yourself.
Nice Guana Cay
Nice Guana Cay is situated between Whale Cay and Elbow Cay. This island is round 4 miles lengthy and it’s a cool place for a day journey that features climbing, interacting with iguanas, kayaking, and snorkeling. Because the coral round Nice Guana Cay is so lovely and the marine life so alluring, it is likely one of the finest locations to snorkel whereas in The Bahamas.
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Within the waters surrounding Nice Guana Cay, you’re prone to see a lot of colourful coral heads, purple sea followers, sea whips, and extra. The marine life is spectacular as nicely – you will see this for your self whereas exploring the coral reef that’s dwelling to so many various species. The reef is only a few yards from the seaside, so it gained’t be exhausting to entry.
Good to know: There’s a beachfront restaurant and bar on Nice Guana Cay – Nippers. This spot is thought for its pleasant workers, nice music, dancing, and mesmerizing ocean views!
Marsh Harbour’s Mermaid Reef
We gained’t blame you for hoping that you just would possibly spot a mermaid or two at this location. Whereas we are able to’t precisely make any guarantees the place that’s involved, we are able to say that you just’re prone to have a beautiful time snorkeling at Mermaid Reef in The Bahamas.
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Mermaid Reef is right if you happen to’ll be visiting Nice Guana Cay and also you’re on the lookout for different fascinating issues to do. As it’s a protected reef, the marine life right here is flourishing and you may anticipate to see a big selection of fish that may swim proper as much as you. You would possibly spot some eels as nicely alongside the reef itself. Mermaid Reef is situated simply 10 minutes from Marsh Harbour and is simple to entry. On this space, the water is normally calm and clear, which makes for an important expertise for snorkelers of all talent ranges.
One of the best snorkeling round Andros
Andros is the biggest island in The Bahamas. Its landmass is claimed to be higher than all the opposite islands of The Bahamas put collectively. The island of Andros is break up into three elements – North Andros, Mangrove Cay, and South Andros, all of that are identified for nice snorkeling websites, which we’ll element under:
The Andros Barrier Reef
The Andros Barrier Reef is on the east coast of Andros in The Bahamas. This reef is extraordinarily widespread as a result of, at 190 miles lengthy, it’s the third-largest barrier reef on this planet. The Andros Barrier Reef is barely accessible by boat, however even with a ship, you’ll want some actually good instructions or a information on board. It’s because there are lots of shallows and shipwrecks on this space that may be devastating to your boat if you happen to don’t navigate rigorously.
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When you lastly make it to a great spot safely, you’ll be able to actually get into this dive expertise. Whereas diving across the Andros Barrier Reef, anticipate to see an enormous array of sea life as over 164 marine species have been noticed on this space together with purple snapper, blue tang, Spanish hogfish, sea turtles, lobster, and plenty of juvenile fish. You’re additionally prone to see mind coral, staghorn coral, water sponges, and plenty extra.
The Andros Barrier Reef borders the Tongue of the Ocean, which is a deep trench dividing the island of Andros and New Windfall. The water across the trench has a a lot deeper blue tone in comparison with the shallower waters within the space. From above, the deeper blues tackle a tongue-like form, which is how the world acquired its title.
China Level
China Level is a lesser-known dive location in The Bahamas. You would possibly solely discover out about it if you happen to discover it by probability or if you happen to go together with skilled divers to your snorkeling tour. This dive website is situated close to Andros, and it’s liked for its clear waters, the abundance of fish, and the attractive coral formations.
Within the shallower waters of China Level, you’ll be able to anticipate to see elkhorn corals, staghorn corals, sea snails, parrotfish, and extra. Should you enterprise a bit additional out, you’re prone to see mind corals, sea followers, and plenty of tropical fishes.
South Andros Blue Holes
There are many blue holes discovered round Andros, however the South Andros Blue Holes are positively worthwhile for a snorkeling expedition. These tidal freshwater blue holes had been fashioned way back when the ocean stage was a lot decrease, even way back to the final Ice Age. Water eroded the limestone that the islands of The Bahamas are primarily fabricated from and created these immensely deep underwater caves.
In South Andros, there are blue holes you can dive in with out scuba tools – these could make for an thrilling snorkeling session. If you wish to scuba dive in Andros, there are many different blue holes to select from across the island.
Take pleasure in the most effective snorkeling The Bahamas has to supply
Snorkeling excursions in The Bahamas will be thrilling, to say the least. There are so many wonderful dive places to select from on these islands and, hopefully, you’ll have sufficient time throughout your trip to take a look at the most effective ones. If by the top of your trip there are nonetheless just a few extra you’d have liked to discover, a repeat journey is at all times a chance!
Image: Take pleasure in all the nice snorkeling The Bahamas has to supply out of your swim-up suite at Sandals Royal Bahamian. One of the best half? All drinks are on us!
Should you’re taking a visit right down to The Bahamas, you’ll must resolve the place to remain. If you have not but chosen lodging to your snorkeling journey, it’s value wanting within the route of an all-inclusive resort in Nassau or an all-inclusive resort in the Exumas. At Sandals Emerald Bay within the Exumas, you’ll be able to snorkel in uber-blue waters as you bask in easy accessibility to seashores, limitless cocktails, and all-inclusive snorkeling excursions. Sandals Royal Bahamian on New Windfall additionally has a ravishing beachfront setting with a lot of high quality inclusions like ten connoisseur on-property eating places and its personal offshore private island. Each resorts supply snorkeling with skilled tools and instruction (all included), so you’ll be able to dive at any time when the temper strikes you in your Bahamian trip!
