Posts Tagged ‘Bahamas Snorkeling’

Snorkeling in the Bahamas – The Underwater Treasures of Abaco

Abaco, which is located in the Northeastern Bahamas, offers several great spots for discovering the world beneath the waves. The sites vary in depth, sea life, accessibility, and difficulty, opening up the world of snorkeling to everyone.

Just off the mainland lies Mermaid’s reef. This small reef is great for beginners, and can be reached from land or water. Under the water, several large ball-shaped reefs are home to many colourful species of fish. Parrot fish are the most interesting, as their beaks are reminiscent of teeth. Those who listen carefully will be able to hear the crunch from the Parrot fish munching on the reef.

When the waters are calm on the Atlantic side of Fowl Cay, the underwater world is spectacular. Protected by the Bahamas National Trust, Fowl Cay’s marine life is abundant. It is not uncommon to see fish of all sizes, sting rays, and even sharks! This is a popular spot for many day trips that are offered by local dive centers.

For a more relaxing excursion, the reef behind Elbow Cay is a great place to snorkel. The reef, which peaks above the water at low tide, is accessible by foot from the beach. Although this location is shallower than the others, it is inhabited by many species of coral and small fish. A similar reef is also located behind Great Guana Cay. These locations are great for those who love the beach, as the day can be spent soaking up the sun, and cooling off while studying the underwater world.

Similar to Fowl Cay, the site at Sandy Cay can also be troublesome with its current, and the large rollers that move towards the reef. The reef is located on the backside of a small cay, and is technically located in the Sea of Abaco, although one side is open to the Atlantic Ocean. Elkhorn coral is popular at this site, as are the number of large creatures. Eagle rays, Barracudas, and sharks are often seen cruising by the area. Smaller fish tend to get comfortable swimming beneath the snorkelers, following their every move.

These are only a few of the many sites to visit throughout the waters of Abaco. These places are great for snorkeling, although Fowl Cay and Sandy Cay are just as great for diving. For those wishing to see these underwater havens on their own, it is important to pay close attention to the weather. The waters often have strong currents, and can often be dangerous — even for the most experienced swimmer. It is also imperative to tie up to a mooring, and avoid using an anchor. Anchors can cause deadly damage to the reefs, which destroy the homes of many sea creatures. Another option is to join a local dive company on one of their scheduled excursions. Excursions vary in length, and are a great way to discover the local secrets.

The underwater worlds of Abaco are waiting to be discovered, so grab those masks and fins, and jump right in!

Hope Town, Elbow Cay and Great Guana Cay are within proximity to many underwater reefs in the Abacos. Both islands are small, charming, and welcoming to visitors. Great for families, couples, friends, and large groups, the islands are a great place to stay while snorkeling, diving, or just hanging out on the water.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in the Bahamas

Nassau, Bahamas is a must-see tropical vacation spot for scuba divers and snorkelers.

Just as every travel destination is different, every traveler is different as well. The various interests you have will depend on the various activities you want to embark in on a vacation. Nassau, Bahamas is a tropical paradise. The vacation spot offers a wide range of outdoor activities for its visitors. The beautiful crystal-clear waters of Nassau, Bahamas will have most travelers wanting to hit the waves. Whether you want a hands-on experience or not is beside the point. Various scuba diving or snorkeling packages are available for newcomers even to experience this hands-on ocean experience.

After signing up for scuba diving lessons or guided tours, various certified professionals will provide you the proper dive gear and equipment to experience this safely. They will guide you on the what not to do’s and will be right by you as you are experience this water activity. If you prefer, you can go snorkeling instead. Both of these various vacation activities allow travelers to be hands-on in the water with the large variety of fish in the Nassau Harbour. Snorkeling is a great activity for kids and those don’t feel comfortable with scuba diving.

When you are scuba diving or snorkeling, you may want to partake in underwater photography. These photographs will remain lasting memories of your exciting water adventure in the Bahamas Island. Many dive shops sell or rent underwater cameras. Bahamas scuba diving & snorkeling are just two of the many exciting activities you can do while on vacation in beautiful Nassau.

Planning a trip to The Bahamas? Whether it’s a scuba diving vacation or a sport fishing trip we can help you book your flight, find the right hotel and schedule tours and rentals.

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…