The 18 Best Snorkeling Spots In The Bahamas

Dreamy Bahamas – there’s not a lot these islands have to 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 stunning as they’re, and the gang comes dashing in. Fortunately, these crowds develop and skinny all year long, making it straightforward to do something special in The Bahamas, like get pleasure from the very best snorkeling journey!

Image: The boat leaving from Sandals Royal Bahamian. Friends can be a part of a each day free snorkeling journey from the resort.

There are lots of locations to snorkel in The Bahamas, from Nassau, the capital, on the island of New Windfall, all the best way 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.

In this text, we’ll spotlight the very best snorkeling locations in The Bahamas so that you’re greater than ready while you get there!

Professional tip: The form of expertise you need in The Bahamas, whether or not extra mellow or action-packed, can assist you determine the very best 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!

The greatest snorkeling in Nassau

Clifton Heritage Park

Clifton Heritage Park is positioned 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 superb 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 are house to many types of tropical fish together with blue tangs. Stingrays and sea turtles are additionally frequent sightings right here. There’s even a large, 18ft underwater sculpture off the coast – the most important of its form on this planet. Other than this massive carving, there are different underwater artwork items within the space, however you’ll have to have scuba gear to see these.

Rose Island Reef

Rose Island is the proper snorkeling vacation spot if you happen to’re searching for a novel 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. For those who’ll be staying in Nassau on New Windfall, you may 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 straightforward to entry. This can be a great place for rookies, however extra skilled snorkelers may even get pleasure from this notably energetic reef. Sightings can embrace stingrays, sea turtles, child reef sharks, and much and plenty of colourful tropical fish. You may simply snorkel right here for 2 hours or extra and never get uninterested in the expertise.

When diving round Rose Island, hold an eye fixed out for shipwrecks. There are a minimum of two wrecks on this space that divers can discover – the Mahoney and the Alcora. In and round these ships, you may count on to see giant colleges of fish and a thriving underwater world.

From Paradise Island, it should take round 40 minutes to get to Rose Island by boat. When you arrive, you may 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 loos, a restaurant, and a bar on Rose Island as nicely.

Love Seaside

Who wouldn’t like to snorkel in a spot referred to as Love Seaside? We all know we might! Simply as fabulous because the identify of this location, the snorkeling right here is superb and simply could be the spotlight of your Bahamian trip. Love Seaside is on the island of New Windfall, and it’s top-of-the-line snorkeling websites in The Bahamas.

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There’s a lot to see throughout a dive at Love Seaside! Snorkelers regularly run into barracuda, spiny lobster, and numerous species of fish alongside the reef. You may even see some conch shells as nicely and plenty of colourful coral additional out. You may normally see fish simply by venturing into the knee-deep waters of this space, making the expertise good for snorkelers of all ability ranges.

Earlier than or after snorkeling at Love Seaside, you would possibly contemplate renting seaside chairs and umbrellas (about $5 USD every) to loosen up on the seaside. The seaside is never crowded and sure to depart you feeling refreshed and completely in love with laid-back island dwelling!

Goulding Cay Reef

Goulding Cay Reef is off the west coast of New Windfall. This reef is positioned simply off of a non-public island, so it’s not potential to entry it with out first reserving a snorkeling boat journey. Visiting this shallow water reef (about 9 ft underwater) made from elkhorn corals may 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.

Professional tip: Staying at a Sandals all-inclusive resort can imply quick access to the very best snorkeling in Nassau. You’ll even be in simply the suitable place to get pleasure from essentially the most thrilling (*18*).

The greatest 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, notably on the island of Nice Exuma. For those who’re planning on visiting the Exumas, listed here are among the greatest locations to snorkel:

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

A diving expedition within the Exumas ought to undoubtedly embrace 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 stunning and secluded seashores, numerous climbing trails, wildlife explorations, and diving!

For those who select to go diving right here, you may snorkel round sensible coral reefs teeming with sea life. Sightings can embrace grouper, sea turtles, lobster, eagle rays, and extra. There are additionally a wide range of marine environments to discover right here together with mangroves. The shallows at this marine park may be nice for snorkeling as nicely.

Stocking Island

Stocking Island is a couple of miles off the coast of Nice Exuma. You may trip a 10-minute ferry to get from Nice Exuma to Stocking Island at a price of $15 USD per particular person spherical journey. Visiting this island may be price contemplating if you happen to’re not solely searching for each an fascinating place to snorkel and superb seashores.

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On Stocking Island, you may expertise the well-known pink sand seashores of The Bahamas. Strolling on these uncommon sands will likely be an outstanding introduction to the island as you get set for a day of snorkeling. As soon as you agree in, you may determine whether or not you need to discover the coral reefs and caves, or snorkel within the shallows. For those who’ll be there for the day, you might need an opportunity to get pleasure from a bit of little bit of every thing. Sightings of sea turtles and stingrays are frequent round Stocking Island.

Professional tip: If you’re performed snorkeling at Stocking Island, you may seize a chew to eat on the restaurant and bar or gear up for a recreation on the volleyball courtroom!

Thunderball Grotto on Staniel Cay

There are such a lot of causes to like Thunderball Grotto and that listing begins with simply how breathtaking it’s to take a look at. Thunderball Grotto is an underwater cave system positioned to the north of Nice Exuma and Guana Cay. This location is greatest identified for its unbelievable snorkeling and scuba diving, and for the listing of films 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 novel and thrilling snorkeling journey in The Bahamas. This house is actually spectacular, and whereas snorkeling right here, you may count on to see numerous coral reef programs 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.

Professional tip: For those who plan on exploring Thunderball Grotto whereas in The Bahamas, it’s a good suggestion to go along with a information. This manner you gained’t have a tough time discovering underwater entrances, and also you’ll have the ability 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 predominant settlement, George City. This quiet seaside was named after the three large rocks that sit within the shallows and function a good looking photograph 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 may count on to be dazzled by the massive, colourful colleges of fish and vibrant coral.

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Duck Cay

Duck Cay is positioned off the western coast of Nice Exuma. The northern and southern elements of this cay supply fairly completely different dive experiences. In the north, you may count on to see plenty of standout reef buildings and all kinds of marine life, whereas the south options extra shallow reefs, which are perfect for rookies. The spotlight of a dive at Duck Cay is the fascinating reef buildings you’re prone to see whereas there.

The greatest snorkeling in Eleuthera

Eleuthera can greatest 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 beautiful pink sand seashores and crystal-clear waters. If you wish to snorkel in Eleuthera, listed here are the very best locations to go:

Gaulding’s Cay

Gaulding’s Cay is simply off the north coast of Nice Exuma. This dive web site is comparatively straightforward to entry as a result of it is just about 50 yards from Gaulding’s Cay Seaside on Nice Exuma. You may swim to the cay and again from the seaside, and, at low tide, you may even stroll out to the cay whereas the water is knee-deep.

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Since Gaulding’s Cay is very easy to entry, it’s a nice possibility for beginner snorkelers. At this snorkeling web site, you may get pleasure from a comparatively shallow water dive with plenty 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 facet so that you’ll have plenty of room to discover and revel in your seaside day when you’re performed snorkeling.

Satan’s Spine Reef

Satan’s Spine Reef will get its identify from the sharpness of the coral alongside this reef, which is claimed to have been answerable for a variety of shipwrecks. This reef is alongside the northern coast of Eleuthera. It may be price snorkeling right here if you happen to’re searching for an expertise that not solely contains plenty 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 facet, and you may count on to see plenty of various kinds 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 may additionally spot the odd anchor, random metallic beams, rudders, and different proof of the reef’s ship-wrecking repertoire.

The greatest snorkeling within the Abacos

The Abacos are an island grouping to the acute north of The Bahamas. These islands are nearly 180 miles off the southwestern coast of Florida with the principle islands being Nice Abaco and Little Abaco. There are each islands and cays within the Abacos the place you may have unbelievable snorkeling excursions like these listed beneath:

Pelican Cays Nationwide Park / Sandy Cay Reef

Pelican Cays Nationwide Park is positioned 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 gives climbing alternatives, has plenty of completely different seashores to discover, means that you can spend a while in nature, and naturally, offers 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 perfect snorkeling vacation spot, particularly if you happen to select to dive round Sandy Cay Reef. There, you may count on to see plenty 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 may be discovered between Scotland Cay and Man-O-Warfare Cay in Central Abaco. This space consists of plenty of seagrass beds and coral reefs with plenty of rocky shores and sandy backside habitats. Fowl Cay Nationwide Park is a superb spot to snorkel as a result of there’s at all times heaps to see within the vivid turquoise waters of this space.

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Throughout a dive at Fowl Cay Nationwide Park, snorkelers can count on to see grouper, yellowtail snapper, sea turtles, barracuda, stingrays, and the listing goes on! There are a number of reefs to discover in Fowl Cay so you may try a couple of 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 obtainable if you’ll be heading out by yourself.

Nice Guana Cay

Nice Guana Cay is positioned 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 stunning and the marine life so alluring, it is likely one of the greatest locations to snorkel whereas in The Bahamas.

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In the waters surrounding Nice Guana Cay, you’re prone to see plenty 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 house to so many alternative 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 employees, nice music, dancing, and mesmerizing ocean views!

Marsh Harbour’s Mermaid Reef

We gained’t blame you for hoping that you simply 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 simply’re prone to have a beautiful time snorkeling at Mermaid Reef in The Bahamas.

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Mermaid Reef is good if you happen to’ll be visiting Nice Guana Cay and also you’re searching for different fascinating issues to do. As it’s a protected reef, the marine life right here is flourishing and you may count on to see a wide selection of fish that can swim proper as much as you. You would possibly spot some eels as nicely alongside the reef itself. Mermaid Reef is positioned simply 10 minutes from Marsh Harbour and is simple to entry. In this space, the water is normally calm and clear, which makes for an awesome expertise for snorkelers of all ability ranges.

The greatest snorkeling round Andros

Andros is the most important island in The Bahamas. Its landmass is claimed to be better than all the opposite islands of The Bahamas put collectively. The island of Andros is cut up into three elements – North Andros, Mangrove Cay, and South Andros, all of that are identified for excellent snorkeling websites, which we’ll element beneath:

The Andros Barrier Reef

The Andros Barrier Reef is on the east coast of Andros in The Bahamas. This reef is extraordinarily fashionable 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 is because there are various shallows and shipwrecks on this space that may be devastating on 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 may actually get into this dive expertise. Whereas diving across the Andros Barrier Reef, count on to see an unlimited array of sea life as over 164 marine species have been noticed on this space together with crimson 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 much 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 realm bought its identify.

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 along with skilled divers on your snorkeling tour. This dive web site is positioned close to Andros, and it’s liked for its clear waters, the abundance of fish, and the gorgeous coral formations.

In the shallower waters of China Level, you may count on to see elkhorn corals, staghorn corals, sea snails, parrotfish, and extra. For those who 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 undoubtedly worthwhile for a snorkeling expedition. These tidal freshwater blue holes have 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 made from and created these immensely deep underwater caves.

In South Andros, there are blue holes you can dive in with out scuba gear – 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.

Get pleasure from the very best snorkeling The Bahamas has to supply

Snorkeling excursions in The Bahamas may be thrilling, to say the least. There are so many superb dive places to select from on these islands and, hopefully, you’ll have sufficient time throughout your trip to take a look at the very best ones. If by the top of your trip there are nonetheless a couple of extra you’d have liked to discover, a repeat journey is at all times a chance!

Image: Get pleasure from all the nice snorkeling The Bahamas has to supply out of your swim-up suite at Sandals Royal Bahamian. The better part? All drinks are on us!

For those who’re taking a visit right down to The Bahamas, you’ll have to determine the place to remain. If you have not but chosen lodging on your snorkeling journey, it’s price 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 may snorkel in uber-blue waters as you bask in quick access to seashores, limitless cocktails, and all-inclusive snorkeling excursions. Sandals Royal Bahamian on New Windfall additionally has a good looking beachfront setting with plenty of high quality inclusions like ten connoisseur on-property eating places and its personal offshore private island. Each resorts supply snorkeling with skilled gear and instruction (all included), so you may dive every time the temper strikes you in your Bahamian trip!