The Bahamas, merely put, have a few of the greatest snorkeling you’ll discover wherever. When featured within the information, most of those mentions talk about the simple star high quality of the best Bahamian beaches and reefs, and all of the sudden issues you possibly can see, together with golden shores, pink sands and swimming pigs. Whether or not you’re snorkeling or scuba diving, the 700 plus islands that make up The Bahamas are particularly suited to impress.
Of all of the undersea places you possibly can discover on this planet, you most likely received’t discover ones which might be as distinctive as those in The Bahamas.
When snorkeling in The Bahamas, it’s necessary to know prematurely that what your expertise relies upon upon the placement that you simply select. In some areas you’ll spot plenty of tropical fish and coral, whereas in others it’s possible you’ll discover extra unique sea life like seahorses, angel fish, and lion fish. You might also come throughout a wide range of sea turtles, squid and small stingrays.
On most snorkeling excursions, you’ll be briefed forward of time on what to anticipate whereas visiting the varied areas, and you’ll be instructed on tips on how to use your snorkeling gear.
For those who’re a snorkeling beginner, it’s possible you’ll wish to try our superb snorkeling tips for beginners that can make you look Like a professional earlier than continuing with the remainder of this text.
For everybody else, onto the 10 greatest snorkeling spots in Nassau!
On this article on the Sandals Weblog:
Where will I be snorkeling?
What is snorkeling in Nassau like?
The best time to snorkel?
What can you see snorkeling?
Coral Reefs: ocean city architects
Snorkeling tips
FAQ’s
The place will I be snorkeling?
General, The Bahamas is a good location for snorkeling, with tons of of seashores positioned throughout the varied islands which make up the tropical archipelago. In Nassau, you’ll discover a few of the most simply accessible dive websites and reefs, that are populated with vibrant undersea life. If you wish to skip the cherry selecting, you possibly can e book a tour by resorts like Sandals Royal Bahamian, or contact a tour operator like Island Routes, that can assist you uncover a few of the most superb Nassau snorkeling websites. All seashores in The Bahamas are public, so for those who go by yourself, you’ll have to make sure you stroll with your personal gear. You might not have probably the most implausible vantage from the shore, however it is possible for you to to have an optimum snorkeling expertise at most beaches in Nassau. If in case you have buddies or household who’ve entry to a ship, you’re in luck, as it is possible for you to to discover some nice places free of charge!
Professional Tip: For those who plan on reserving a tour, ask forward to seek out out if the tour consists of spherical journey pickup from and again to your resort.
Listed here are our prime picks for places which don’t require spending cash on a tour, or hiring a ship:
10. Adelaide Seashore
Fortunate quantity 10, Adelaide seashore might be discovered on the south-western coast of New Windfall Island. The clear and heat waters on this seashore make it very conducive for snorkeling. It’s accessible by automotive, bus, or by foot, for those who’re staying inside shut sufficient distance. Many who go right here say this seashore has extra of an ‘out island’ really feel, than different seashores in Nassau, because of being it much less frequented by guests. The ‘out island’ really feel is extra generally related to islands positioned outdoors of Nassau. Throughout the week you’ll discover this seashore largely empty, which leaves loads of room to discover. On weekends there tends to be extra locals at this location. Adelaide Seashore is ideal for amateur snorkelers, as its shallow waters add to its household pleasant rankings. Whereas it isn’t the most effective for distinctive underwater sightings, you’re sure to identify one thing fascinating!
9. Cable Seashore
Cable Seashore is a excellent location for Nassau snorkeling as you possibly can hire out snorkeling gear proper on the seashore entrance. It’s positioned on the northern coast of the western half of Nassau, and it’s comparatively straightforward to seek out whether or not you select to catch a cab, stroll, or drive your self. Cable Seashore is one of many extra common seashores in The Bahamas. For those who do handle to discover a good day to go, you possibly can count on implausible snorkeling, made even higher by calm and clear seas. You’ll discover just a few coral heads on this seashore for those who’re prepared to discover, and also you’ll be capable to swim proper into a brand new world of marine life.
Professional Tip: Sandals Royal Bahamian, positioned on the most effective strip of sand alongside Cable Seashore, presents free snorkeling excursions all through the length of your journey (like in any respect Sandals Resorts), together with all gear you will have to have the most effective snorkeling eperience!
8. Cabbage Seashore
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Discovered on the north-east Coast of Paradise Island, Cabbage Seashore is simple to seek out. It even comes full with numerous water excursions that can make your seashore day tremendous enjoyable, even for those who simply got here to snorkel. There are numerous lodges, bars, and eating places positioned within the neighborhood of Cabbage Seashore, however it’s also possible to discover some extra secluded spots with nice snorkeling. Go down the steps and stroll proper onto the seashore, flip proper in direction of the rocky headland and also you’ll discover a significantly conducive snorkeling spot with plenty of doable sightings.
7. Love Seashore
Love Seashore is pristine, stunning, and alluring for these searching for a day of snorkeling. You could find it simply on the western-north coast of New Windfall. It’s one of many least crowded seashores in Nassau, and never very shaded, although you’re unlikely to note, as you’ll most likely spend the majority of your day exploring what lies beneath calm turquoise waters. Love Seashore is an effective selection for a day of snorkeling, and doable sightings between the shores and the reef embody parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish, gray and yellowtail snapper, reef butterflyfish, and lion fish.
6. Clifton Heritage Park
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Contained in the Clifton Heritage Park you’ll discover the famed Jaws Seashore, which was as soon as used as a set for ‘Jaws the Revenge’ (1987), a film that most likely scared far too many individuals from stepping foot into the ocean. Fortunately, most of us have gotten over these Hollywood scars; and in good time to make the most of seashores like Jaws seashore, which encompasses pure reefs and man-made reefs. Right here there aren’t any nice white sharks, and fish appear particularly pleasant. For those who calmly float for a minute, it’s possible you’ll quickly end up surrounded by colleges of various varieties. We’re positive although, that you simply’d a lot want to maintain your goggles on and discover the undersea.
Picture Credit score: Paul Harding 00/Shutterstock.com.
Clifton Heritage Park is positioned off the western finish of New Windfall. Simply off the coast, you could find a huge underwater sculpture (Ocean Atlas), which is claimed to be the world’s largest at 18 ft tall! It was created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor and is a part of the Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Backyard. You might nonetheless, have to improve from snorkeling to scuba diving to take full benefit of this underwater characteristic.
Have to know: Seashores on the Clifton Heritage Park had been additionally units for ‘Thunderball’ 1965 and ‘By no means Say By no means Once more’ (1983). Some props from these famous movies filmed in The Bahamas can nonetheless be discovered on this space, which will certainly make your exploration right here one thing of an undersea treasure hunt!
Many of the places under can solely be accessed by way of boat, or by a paid tour:
5. Gambier Deep Reef
A few of the extra common snorkeling places in Nassau could include a price ticket. Particularly this implies as a part of a tour which takes you to simply the fitting location. This is not essentially a foul factor nonetheless, because it may prevent a while that you simply’d in any other case be utilizing attempting to determine issues out by yourself. Gambier Deep Reef is certainly one of these places, and it’s positioned on the north western aspect of New Windfall Island. This isn’t one of many seashores that you may cab or drive to – Gambier Deep is solely accessible by boat. The beautiful snorkeling location is about 9 miles away from downtown Nassau. The reef itself descends about 80 ft down, which is a side that’s interesting to scuba divers. These desirous to snorkel shall be equally pleased with the views across the higher space of the coral reef, and the big variety of fish that may be noticed there.
4. Goulding Cay Reef
Snorkeling, in its greatest sense, entails exploring the houses of marine life. Reefs are sometimes busy and colourful, and may usually seem to be entire totally different worlds. That is what an expertise at Goulding Cay Reef seems like… exploring one thing that’s so overseas, that it’s laborious to imagine it exists. Goulding Cay is positioned to the western finish of New Windfall, and the Cay itself might be discovered lower than an hour away from downtown Nassau. This shallow reef is common with each beginner and skilled snorkelers, and previously, it has obtained quite a few recognitions for being among the best shallow water snorkeling places on this planet. The reef itself is made largely of elkhorn coral, and throughout it you’ll discover fishes too quite a few to rely. The vanity of this reef makes it appropriate for all ages, and provides to the convenience with which you’ll be able to work together with the varied marine life that may be discovered right here.
3. Rose Island Reef
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One other reef which might be accessed solely by boat whereas in Nassau is the Rose Island reef. Seasoned and beginner snorkelers agree that snorkeling on this spot, which is positioned nearly three miles east of Paradise Island, is an expertise that’s not to be missed. In truth, many say snorkeling right here is excessive on the worldwide rating, and never simply that of the Caribbean. Prime three for a cause; this reef is shallower than most, which makes it straightforward to navigate whereas exploring ocean life at its greatest. Not solely will you discover tropical fishes right here, however two shipwrecks of notable snorkeling and scuba diving fame – The Mahoney and The Alcora. Rose Island is a comparatively distant seashore, so extra probably than not, except you embark on a tour, you’ll have the seashore largely to your self.
Professional Tip: Make a celebration of it; take a catamaran tour over to Rose Island, and luxuriate in a day within the solar, inclusive of a snorkeling journey and lunch. For those who’re staying at Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, this tour might be organized by your native agent.
2. The Andros Barrier Reef
At 190 miles lengthy, the Andros Barrier Reef is some of the common spots for diving in The Bahamas. It’s extremely rated for Nassau snorkeling, as it’s the third largest reef complicated on this planet. It runs parallel to Andros Island, and is positioned to the West and South-West of New Windfall Island. The Andros Barrier reef is just accessible by boat, so that you’ll want to prepare a tour prematurely. The reef extends round 124 miles, and is subdivided into zones together with the shallow lagoon (together with mangrove areas), again reef, and internal fore reef. You could find over 150 species of fish at this location, together with marlins, tarpons, sailfish, tunas, snappers, and loads of species of coral. The Andros Barrier Reef additionally options the Tongue of the Ocean ‘drop-off’, an undersea cliff round 65 ft beneath the floor, that’s 6,000 ft deep over the sting. Journey time from Nassau to Andros takes about 2 hours by quick ferry, costing round $45 every approach.
1. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
It’ll be laborious to discover a higher spot for snorkeling in The Bahamas than the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. It’s a best choice for guests to the islands wishing to have an all-embracing snorkeling expertise, which additionally consists of different aspect points of interest in a park spanning over 22 miles. On the 176-square-mile Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park you’ll discover loads of blue holes containing recent water, caves of the land and marine varieties and quite a few awe-inspiring undersea drop-offs. Positioned near Sandals Emerald Bay resort, this superstar inspiring location had been the backdrop for films together with James Bond’s ‘Thunderball’ and ‘By no means Say By no means Once more’. Each had been shot on the Thunderball Grotto marine cave, which is a should see for those who determine to snorkel on this location. So far as snorkeling goes, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is prime notch! Journey time from Nassau to Staniel Cay, in Exuma, takes about 2.5 hours by quick ferry, costing round $45 every approach.
What’s snorkeling in Nassau like?
A few of the greatest snorkeling places on this planet are positioned in The Bahamas. Snorkeling experiences in Nassau range relying on the placement; in some locations the main target is on underwater exploration of constructions, like these off the coast of the Clifton Heritage Park. In different areas you could find various sea life, and an abundance of coral, significantly laborious coral species. In some locations, you could have to take a ship out for a greater expertise. General, in Nassau you’ll have wonderful viewing in most locations because the water is calm and clear on most days.
You could find loads of good snorkeling alternatives in Nassau on seashores like Cable Seashore and Cabbage Seashore.
When is the most effective time to snorkel in The Bahamas?
The best time to plan a snorkeling trip to The Bahamas is within the peak season to journey to this vacation spot, which is from mid-December to mid-April, yearly. Nevertheless, as a result of persistently sunny skies in The Bahamas, you possibly can snorkel there just about anytime.
What are you able to see whereas snorkeling in Nassau?
Sightings whereas snorkeling in The Bahamas depend on the place you go. You may see all the pieces from parrot fish, goat fish, porcupine fish, sand divers, Bahamas grunts, and trumpet fish, to crabs, conch, lobster, barracudas, stingrays, whale sharks, and extra. You might even spot numerous species of octopus, eels, mushy and laborious coral, and rather more!
Snorkeling suggestions
1. Look however don’t contact
Coral reefs are very fragile, so it’s a good suggestion to keep away from touching them. Take particular care when swimming over coral reefs, which might be simply broken. Don’t take something residence with you as a memento. The one factor try to be taking residence with you is the reminiscence of your expertise, so you should definitely take plenty of photos!
2. Don’t anchor boats on reefs
As beforehand talked about, reefs are fragile. Think about the harm that may be accomplished by anchoring your boat to 1. Be certain that you don’t do that beneath any circumstances. Anchor in a secure spot, the place you possibly can simply swim to the reef.
3. Use an underwater/waterproof digicam
Put money into certainly one of these forward of your snorkeling journey, so you possibly can share the enjoyable with family and friends as soon as you come back residence.
4. Put on reef-safe sunscreen
There may be such a factor as scuba and snorkeling pleasant sunscreen. This sort of sunscreen received’t include oxybenzone or octinoxate, that are dangerous to reefs.
5. Don’t litter
Depart all the pieces because it was if you got here, or in higher situation. Don’t throw your garbage into the ocean, and if you are able to do so safely, gather items of litter, or outdated fishing strains to get them out of the best way.
FAQs
How a lot does snorkeling price in Nassau?
Snorkeling charges in Nassau range relying on whether or not you utilize a tour firm. Some folks decide to deliver their very own gear, and snorkel free of charge from the seashore. For those who determine to go along with a tour firm, snorkeling charges for adults begin at $80 in some locations. Youngsters pay about half that value. The worth additionally varies relying on whether or not or not it’s essential to take a ship to get to your snorkeling location of selection. You may hire a wetsuit for about $12 at some places.
Insider Tip: As a part of your all-inclusive bundle, Sandals Resorts presents its company a each day free snorkeling tour. See Sandals Royal Bahamian.
Are there coral reefs in The Bahamas?
There are over 700 islands in The Bahamas, and that quantity will increase considerably for those who add cays, and different massive rock formations to the equation. Many of the islands are positioned in shut proximity to vibrant coral reefs. In The Bahamas you could find over 50 laborious coral species, together with finger, mind, star, staghorn, elkhorn, starlet corals, and extra.
Why does a coral reef want safety?
Extra than simply being a house for numerous species of sea life, coral reefs supply advantages to human beings too; they assist to guard coastlines from the damaging results of waves. With out them, the whole ecosystem would undergo. It is very important defend them, as doing so additionally protects our livelihood.
Why are coral reefs necessary to The Bahamas?
For The Bahamas particularly, coral reefs are an enormous lure for guests to the island. A extremely tourism dependent area, customer arrivals equate to huge cash in The Bahamas, and the reefs are an necessary a part of that blend. As they’re a habitat for sea life, they’re actually undersea cities for many species on the meals chain. Any disruption in that might not be useful to the ecosystem, or the Bahamian economic system.
You may’t go flawed with snorkeling in The Bahamas!
Whether or not you’re snorkeling as a part of a household trip, or a honeymoon escape with the one you’re keen on, you’re sure to seek out an important spot to get pleasure from in The Bahamas. The reefs listed here are among the many most stunning on this planet, and proceed to serve their better goal, in probably the most mesmerizing approach.
