Bahamas Snorkeling: An Introduction
With around 700 islands in the Bahamas, snorkeling is certainly a great way to spend your time here. You don’t have to master any skill to do it, except of course the ability to swim and breathe using the snorkeling tube!
The amazing thing about snorkeling is how you can see underwater wildlife in its natural world. And not only “seeing” these wonderful creatures, you can actually mingle with them and “be” around them.
The Bahamas is very popular with its clear water, white sandy beaches and beautiful underwater scenery.
Bahamas Snorkeling Destinations
Your destinations for snorkeling are generally the underwater coral reefs than surround almost all of the islands in the Bahamas.
The Paradise Island -one of the main islands here- has some great snorkeling sites, like Rose Island Reefs, the Goulding Reef Cays, the Gambier Deep Reef, Booby Rock Channel and Lost Ocean Hole.
You can also take a 1-day cruise to the Grand Bahama Island and experience the breath-taking underwater scenery at Treasure Reef, the Caves and the Wall.
The Out Islands have more wonderful snorkeling spots. You can go to the Biminis, Andros, Eleuthera and Long Island. These are the most popular islands for snorkeling activites.
What Should You Bring?
All you have to bring is your own swimsuit, because you can rent all the snorkeling equipments easily – they are not expensive.
If you want to take underwater pictures, then don’t forget to bring your camera with a water-proof case.
Not Experienced?
If this is your first time snorkeling, then don’t worry. As long as you can swim, normally you can enjoy this activity!
There are many snorkeling operators in popular islands and they will guide you and give you useful tips about the techniques required. It could take some time to get used to the snorkel and masker, but once you master breathing using the snorkel, the rest is easy.
Just make sure you stay with your group or pairs (don’t swim alone), avoid swimming in areas where the waves break (the operator should tell you this also) and stay away from jelly-fish.
That’s it!
Enjoy your Bahamas snorkeling…
