The Bahamas is a top-tier scuba diving destination. With over 700 islands, it offers diverse underwater experiences for all skill levels. The Bahamas has everything from vibrant coral reefs to deep blue holes and thrilling shark encounters.
Whether you’re exploring Nassau’s wrecks or drifting through Exuma’s currents, the Bahamas promises unforgettable dives.
The Bahamas Diving Highlights
- Spectacular visibility often exceeding 100 feet
- Home to the third-largest barrier reef in the world
- Numerous shark species, including reef, nurse, and hammerhead sharks
- Unique dive experiences like the blue holes and underwater caves
- Year-round diving opportunities with warm water temperatures
Why The Bahamas is your next dive destination?
Picture yourself descending into the Bahamas’ waters, so clear that you can see over 100 feet ahead—it’s almost like being in an underwater fantasy. This place is a treasure trove for divers, offering an amazing mix of marine life. Think of vibrant reef fish, sleek Caribbean reef sharks, and maybe, if luck is on your side, a hammerhead cruising by.
Each dive site here has something different to offer. You could spend a day exploring the sprawling barrier reef off Andros Island, then dive into the mysterious blue holes that make you feel like you’re entering a hidden world. There are even caverns that are simply magical to swim through.
Shark enthusiasts flock here for a reason. Stuart Cove’s Shark Adventure™ in Nassau has earned a reputation for giving divers thrilling, up-close shark encounters that are hard to find elsewhere. It’s no wonder so many people have this experience on their bucket lists.
And the best part? Getting here is easy, with direct flights from many major U.S. cities and well-developed dive shops ready to make your trip hassle-free. From colorful reefs to strong, exhilarating currents and historic shipwrecks, diving in the Bahamas is more than a trip—it’s the kind of experience you’ll be talking about for years.
Top Places to Dive in The Bahamas
The Bahamas offers a diverse array of diving locations, each with its own unique seascape and marine life. Here are some of the top spots:
Nassau (New Providence)
The capital city area is a hub for dive enthusiasts. Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas offers access to over 60 dive sites, including several shark diving locations. Don't miss the James Bond wrecks, purposely sunk for the movies "Thunderball" and "Never Say Never Again."
Grand Bahama Island (Freeport)
This island offers diverse diving experiences, from shallow reefs to deep wrecks. Shark dives are popular here, with Caribbean reef sharks and nurse sharks frequently spotted. The Theo's Wreck, a 230-foot cargo ship, is a must-visit site.
Andros Island
Andros Island is home to the world's third-largest barrier reef. This diving mecca is known for its wall diving, drift diving, and shark encounters.
Bimini Island
Famous for its hammerhead shark encounters from December to April, Bimini is a shark lover's dream. The Bimini Road, a rock formation, is also a unique dive site shrouded in mystery.
San Salvador Island
San Salvador is an island located in the southeastern Bahamas. This diving destination is known for its dramatic walls, blue holes, and coral gardens.
Exuma
Known for its crystal-clear waters and strong currents, Exuma is perfect for drift dives. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a protected area, boasts pristine reefs and abundant marine life. The famous "Washing Machine" dive site offers an exhilarating ride through a cut in the reef.
The Best Dive Sites in the Bahamas
The best dive sites in the Bahamas offer a variety of experiences for diving enthusiasts. While there are many different dive sites to choose from, some sites certainly stand out more than others.
Here are our top picks for the best dive sites in the Bahamas:
Stuart Cove's Shark Arena (New Providence)
This site offers thrilling shark encounters in a controlled environment. Divers descend to a sandy bottom at 40-60 feet, where Caribbean reef sharks and nurse sharks gather. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience that’s safe and unforgettable. Perfect for underwater photographers, this dive gives you face-to-face time with these magnificent predators.
What to expect:
- Close encounters with multiple shark species
- Professional dive guides ensure safety
- Depths ranging from 40 to 60 feet
- Excellent visibility, often exceeding 80 feet
- Opportunities for underwater photography
The Tongue of the Ocean (Andros)
This dramatic wall dive plunges from 100 feet to over 6,000 feet deep. The sheer drop-off is home to large pelagic species, including occasional hammerhead sightings. Expect to see colorful sponges, sea fans, and schools of fish against the deep blue backdrop. It’s a dive that truly showcases the vastness of the ocean.
What to expect:
- A breathtaking vertical wall covered in colorful sponges and sea fans
- Sightings of large pelagic fish and possibly hammerhead sharks
- Strong currents, suitable for experienced divers
- Depths are suitable for both recreational and technical diving
- A sense of the ocean’s vastness as you hover over the abyss
The Washing Machine (Exuma Cays)
This is an exhilarating drift dive that takes you through a cut in the reef where strong currents “tumble” divers. As you drift, you’ll see vibrant coral formations and plenty of reef fish. The dive ends in a calm area known as the “Living Room,” where you can often spot reef sharks and eagle rays.
What to expect:
- Strong currents provide an exciting “ride” through the cut
- Vibrant coral formations and abundant reef fish
- Potential sightings of reef sharks and eagle rays
- A calm area at the end known as the “Living Room”
- Depths ranging from 20 to 60 feet
Theo's Wreck (Grand Bahama)
This 230-foot freighter was intentionally sunk in 1982 and now sits upright in 100 feet of water. The wreck is covered in colorful corals and sponges, attracting a variety of marine life. Intermediate and advanced divers can explore the ship’s exterior and, conditions permitting, parts of the interior.
What to expect:
- A large, intact shipwreck covered in colorful marine growth
- Diverse marine life including groupers, snappers, and barracudas
- Opportunities for wreck penetration for properly trained divers
- Depths ranging from 60 to 100 feet
- Excellent visibility, often exceeding 80 feet
The Last Blue Hole (Nassau)
Lost Blue Hole, Nassau (New Providence)
This is one of the most popular dive sites in New Providence and for good reason. The Lost Blue Hole is a huge oceanic crater that is 300ft/91m deep and around 80ft/24m in diameter.
Things to see: On this dive can expect to see a wide variety of marine life. The hole is surrounded by a thriving reef wall that is home to an abundance of fish, coral, and other marine life. Apart from the corals and colorful reef fish you can also expect to find turtles, stingrays, and sharks.
Experience Level: This dive site is perfect for both beginner and advanced divers. Beginner divers can stay at depths of 15ft/14m, while advanced divers can descend to 100ft/31m.
When to dive: The best time to visit Lost Blue Hole is from December to April. This is when the water is at its clearest and there is less chance of strong currents.
Top Dive Resorts in the Bahamas
The Bahamas offers a range of dive resorts that combine comfort, convenience, and world-class diving. Here are three standout options for your next underwater adventure:
Small Hope Bay Lodge (Andros Island)
This eco-friendly, all-inclusive resort on Andros Island is a diver’s paradise.
Overview:
- Family-run since 1960
- Access to over 60 dive sites, including blue holes and the Andros Barrier Reef
- Intimate setting with only 21 beachfront cottages
Diving Highlights:
- House reef for easy shore diving
- Shark observation dives
- Blue hole exploration
- Wall dives along the Tongue of the Ocean
Amenities:
- On-site dive center with equipment rental
- Nitrox available
- Daily boat dives included in packages
- PADI courses offered
Best For: Divers seeking a laid-back, eco-conscious experience with diverse diving options.
Pricing: All-inclusive packages start at $415 per night, including meals and diving.
Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina
This historic resort is located in North Bimini and is renowned for its shark diving experiences.
Overview:
- 51 rooms and suites
- Marina with 75 slips
- Rich history dating back to 1936
Diving Highlights:
- Great hammerhead shark encounters (seasonal)
- Reef and wreck diving
- Dolphin dives
Amenities:
- On-site dive shop
- Equipment rental
- Pool and beach access
- Restaurant and bar
Best For: Shark enthusiasts and those looking to combine diving with big game fishing.
Pricing: Rooms start at $200 per night. Dive packages vary, with shark dives starting at $250.
Sandals Royal Bahamian (Nassau)
This all-inclusive resort in Nassau offers a premium experience for those seeking luxury with their diving.
Overview:
- Adults-only, all-inclusive resort
- 404 rooms and suites
- Located on Cable Beach
Diving Highlights:
- Complimentary scuba diving for certified divers
- Access to numerous dive sites around New Providence and Paradise Island
- PADI certification courses available
Amenities:
- On-site dive shop
- Multiple restaurants and bars
- Spa
- Private offshore island
Best For: Couples looking for a luxurious dive vacation with plenty of non-diving activities.
Pricing: All-inclusive rates start at $300 per person per night, including unlimited diving for certified divers.
Best Liveaboards in the Bahamas
The Bahamas offers exceptional liveaboard experiences, giving divers access to remote sites and multiple dive locations across the islands. Here are the top three vessels currently operating in Bahamian waters:
Aqua Cat Liveaboard
The Aqua Cat stands as one of the most luxurious diving vessels in the Bahamas. This 102-foot luxury catamaran accommodates up to 30 divers in spacious comfort. The vessel features 11 air-conditioned cabins, each with private bathrooms and ocean-view windows. Divers can enjoy up to five dives daily, with nitrox available for certified users. The large dive deck includes a dedicated camera station, and two dive tenders ensure easy site access across various locations.
The ship primarily cruises the Exumas, Eleuthera, and Nassau reefs, with custom routes available depending on conditions and season. Guests enjoy resort-style amenities, including a hot tub, spacious sun deck, and an indoor salon with entertainment systems. Seven-night trips start from $2,595, covering all meals, up to 26 dives, and various fees.
Highlights:
- Luxury accommodations with private bathrooms
- Up to 5 dives daily with nitrox availability
- Dedicated camera room and equipment stations
- Hot tub and spacious sun deck
- Professional dive guides and crew
Blackbeard's Morning Star Liveaboard
For adventurous divers seeking an authentic sailing experience, Blackbeard’s Morning Star offers an unforgettable journey. This 65-foot traditional sailing vessel provides a more intimate experience, hosting a maximum of 18 guests. The ship offers a true sailing adventure with shared cabin arrangements and a community-style living atmosphere that creates unique bonds among fellow divers.
The vessel explores the Exumas and Northern Bahamas, focusing on shark encounters and wreck diving. Despite its budget-friendly price point starting at $995 for a 7-night trip, Blackbeard’s delivers exceptional diving experiences with up to 19 dives per week. The journey includes home-style meals and access to remote dive sites rarely visited by day boats.
Highlights:
- Budget-friendly all-inclusive packages
- Authentic sailing experience
- Access to remote dive sites
- Intimate group size
- Exceptional shark diving opportunities
Blackbeard's Morning Star Liveaboard
For adventurous divers seeking an authentic sailing experience, Blackbeard’s Morning Star offers an unforgettable journey. This 65-foot traditional sailing vessel provides a more intimate experience, hosting a maximum of 18 guests. The ship offers a true sailing adventure with shared cabin arrangements and a community-style living atmosphere that creates unique bonds among fellow divers.
The vessel explores the Exumas and Northern Bahamas, focusing on shark encounters and wreck diving. Despite its budget-friendly price point starting at $995 for a 7-night trip, Blackbeard’s delivers exceptional diving experiences with up to 19 dives per week. The journey includes home-style meals and access to remote dive sites rarely visited by day boats.
Highlights:
- Budget-friendly all-inclusive packages
- Authentic sailing experience
- Access to remote dive sites
- Intimate group size
- Exceptional shark diving opportunities
When choosing a Bahamas liveaboard, consider your budget, comfort preferences, and diving priorities. Peak season runs from December to April, so booking 6-12 months in advance is recommended.
Each vessel offers a unique way to experience the diverse underwater world of the Bahamas, from budget-friendly adventures to luxury experiences.
Weather conditions and marine life seasons may affect itineraries, so discussing your preferences with the operator during booking is advisable.
Top Dive Dive Shop and Operators in the Bahamas
The Bahamas offers a wealth of diving experiences, and choosing the right operator can make all the difference. Here’s a closer look at some of the best dive shops and operators in the islands:
Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas (Nassau, New Providence)
Stuart Cove’s is a name synonymous with diving in the Bahamas. Based in Nassau, this operator has been a cornerstone of the Bahamas dive scene for decades.
Highlights:
- Renowned shark diving experiences
- Access to over 40 dive sites, including reefs and wrecks
- PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center
- Supports underwater film production
Signature Dive: The Shark Adventure™ dive, where you can observe Caribbean reef sharks up close.
Pricing: Single tank dives start at $80, with multi-day packages available.
Dive Exuma (George Town, Exuma)
This family-owned operation specializes in small group experiences in the stunning Exuma Cays.
Highlights:
- Intimate, personalized service
- Access to pristine and less crowded dive sites
- Combination of diving and island exploration
- Eco-friendly practices
Signature Dive: The Thunderball Grotto dive, made famous by the James Bond film.
Pricing: Full-day, two-tank dives start at $180.
Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center (Bimini)
Located on the westernmost edge of the Bahamas, Bimini Scuba Center offers unique diving experiences, especially for shark enthusiasts.
Highlights:
- Great hammerhead shark encounters (seasonal)
- Wreck diving, including the SS Sapona
- Access to the Bimini Road, believed by some to be remnants of Atlantis
- Small group sizes
Signature Dive: The Great Hammerhead Safari (December to March).
Pricing: Two-tank dives start at $140, with shark dives priced higher
Marine Life in the Bahamas
Sharks are the main attraction, with Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, and hammerheads frequently spotted. Lucky divers might even encounter tiger sharks or lemon sharks.
Coral reefs teem with colorful tropical fish, including queen angelfish, parrotfish, and Nassau groupers. Larger species like southern stingrays, spotted eagle rays, and sea turtles are common sights. For macro lovers, nudibranchs, cleaner shrimps, and seahorses reward keen observers.
Unique to the Bahamas are opportunities to dive with oceanic whitetip sharks and Nassau groupers. Seasonal visitors include hammerhead sharks (December to April) and occasional whale sharks in the summer months.
Conservation efforts have established marine protected zones, helping preserve this rich ecosystem for future generations.
Header | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reef Sharks | ||||||||||||
Hammerhead Sharks | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | |||||
Sea Turtles | ||||||||||||
Manta Rays | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | ||||
Whale Sharks | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | |||
Nassau Grouper | ||||||||||||
Oceanic Whitetip | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell | Cell |
This calendar provides a general guide to when you're most likely to encounter specific marine species in the Bahamas. Remember that nature is unpredictable, and sightings can occur outside these periods.
Diving Conditions in the Bahamas
The Bahamas offers excellent diving conditions year-round, making it a top dive destination for scuba enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the specifics:
Water Temperature
Water temps in the Bahamas are comfortably warm throughout the year:
- Winter (December-March): 72-77°F (22-25°C)
- Summer (June-September): 80-84°F (27-29°C)
Most divers find a 3mm wetsuit sufficient year-round, though some prefer a 5mm in winter.
Visibility
The Bahamas is famous for its crystal-clear waters. Visibility often exceeds 100 feet (30 meters), with some sites boasting up to 200 feet (60 meters) of clarity. The best visibility typically occurs from November to May during the dry season.
Currents
Current strength varies across the Bahamas:
- Nassau and New Providence: Generally mild currents
- Exuma Cays: Can experience strong currents, especially in cuts between islands
- Andros: Mild to moderate currents along the barrier reef
Some sites, like the famous “Washing Machine” in Exuma, are known for their exhilarating drift dives.
Depth and Dive Sites
The Bahamas offers a mix of dive sites suitable for all levels:
- Shallow reefs: 20-40 feet (6-12 meters)
- Wall dives: Start at 40-60 feet (12-18 meters) and drop off to over 600 feet (180 meters)
- Blue holes: Can reach depths over 600 feet (180 meters), but recreational diving is limited to 130 feet (40 meters)
Weather Considerations
- Hurricane season: June to November. While diving is still possible, be prepared for potential trip disruptions.
- Rainy season: May to October. Expect brief, heavy showers but diving conditions remain good.
- Dry season: November to April. This period offers the best overall diving conditions.
Tips for Divers
- Check local conditions: Weather and currents can change quickly. Always check with local dive shops for current conditions.
- Respect marine life: The Bahamas is home to many protected species. Maintain a safe distance and never touch or harass marine life.
- Stay hydrated: The warm climate can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water before and after dives.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen: Protect the delicate coral ecosystems by using eco-friendly sunscreen
How to get to the Bahamas?
The Bahamas are located in the Atlantic Ocean, east of Florida and north of Cuba. The archipelago consists of more than 700 islands, cays, and islets. The capital city is Nassau on the island of New Providence. Here are a few ways to get to the Bahamas:
- By air: There are three international airports in the Bahamas- Grand Bahama Airport (FPO), Marsh Harbor Airport (MHH), and South Bimini Airport (BIM). You can fly into any of these airports from major US cities.
- By cruise: If you are taking a cruise that stops in the Bahamas, you will most likely be docking at Nassau. There are many cruise lines that offer Bahamas cruises from Florida.
- By boat: You can also take a ferry or private boat to the Bahamas. The main ferry terminal is located in Nassau. You can also take a water taxi from Florida to the Bahamas.
Once you are in the Bahamas, you can island-hop to your heart’s content. There are many beautiful islands to explore, each with its own unique charm. To get to the other island you can take local flights and ferries.
Other Things to do in the Bahamas
Apart from scuba diving, there are many other things to do in the Bahamas. Here are a few ideas:
- Visit the Pig Beach: The Pig Beach is located on Big Major Cay in Exuma. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Bahamas.
- Explore the caves: There are many caves to explore on the islands of Eleuthera and Andros.
Visit the Blue Lagoon: The Blue Lagoon is located on the island of New Providence. It is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. - Dance in the Nassau nightlife: Nassau is known for its lively nightlife. There are many bars and clubs to choose from.
- See the spectacular turquoise beaches: The Bahamas are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
- Take a reggae and rhythms tour: This is a great way to learn about the local music and culture.
- Go fishing: The Bahamas is a popular destination for sport fishing. There are many charter companies that offer fishing trips.
Have you ever been diving in the Bahamas? What was your favorite dive site? Let us know in the comments below!
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