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Bahamian Scuba Diving

Frequently Asked Questions

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Scuba diving in the Bahamas is an underwater adventure in one of the best places on the planet to encounter megafauna. With its warm, year-round temperatures, excellent visibility, thriving coral reefs, and abundant marine life, the Bahamas offers an unforgettable experience for divers of all skill levels.

The archipelago's 700 islands and cays provide endless opportunities for discovery and among the biggest draws of diving in the Bahamas are its stunning coral reefs and unique underwater topography. The Andros Barrier Reef, the third-largest in the world, is a haven for colorful sponges, sea turtles, and reef sharks, while the famous Dean's Blue Hole plunges over 600 ft / 180m, creating a mesmerizing site for advanced divers. Shipwrecks like the SS Sapona, a concrete-hulled cargo steamer, add a touch of history to the underwater landscape, attracting both marine life and curious divers. Every dive promises encounters with eagle rays, nurse sharks, and even dolphins and hammerheads.

The Bahamas is also renowned for its thrilling shark encounters, offering some of the best shark diving experiences in the world. At places like Tiger Beach off Grand Bahama, divers can come face-to-face with fearsome tiger sharks, while the reefs of Bimini and Nassau are frequented by great hammerheads and oceanic whitetips. These encounters are conducted with strict safety protocols, allowing divers to observe these magnificent predators up close in their natural habitat. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, shark dives in the Bahamas are a must-do, blending excitement with education about shark conservation.

The best way to explore the different regions of the archipelago is on a Bahamas liveaboard. However, if you're based on land, many resorts and dive operators offer PADI and SSI certification courses, guided reef dives, and specialized excursions like night dives and wall dives. Above the water, the islands’ white-sand beaches and laid-back atmosphere provide the perfect complement to an underwater adventure. From the untouched beauty of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park to the blue hole and wreck sites of New Providence, scuba diving in the Bahamas is a bucket-list experience that will leave you in awe of the ocean's wonders.



Questions and Answers

Diving FAQs

When is the best time to visit Bahamas?

• Bahamas is a year round diving destination.

• Air temperatures summer highs range from 80-90F (26-32C), and are 70F (21C) in the winter. November can have cooler fronts.

• The rainy season is from May to September, with May and June being the wettest. Although it does rain in Bahamas all year round.

• June to November is hurricane season, with August being the most likely month. Chances are of 1 hurricane every 4 years.

• Water temperatures are 85F/30C during the summer months (June to November), and can drop to 77F / 25C in November, and 72-80F (22-27C) for the winter months through to March.

• Visibility and surface conditions are best during the summer months. Vis ranges from 50 - 98ft (15-30m).

• Tiger sharks are present at Tiger Beach all year around but the greatest numbers are from October to May. Seasonal creatures include:oceanic whitetips from March to June (Cat Island), blacknose sharks at the Lost Blue Hole from May to July, critter hunting is best in April, fish and coral spawning occurs in May, Spring is a good time to see schools of Mahi dolphinfish, June for mutton snapper, October manta rays are more common, December/January for massive Nassau Grouper mating schools, Dec/Jan to March for schools of great hammerhead sharks (Bimini), or a whale shark.

• Many species of sharks are present year round.

Review our Bahamas dive sites section for more details.

Which are the best dive locations?

Here is a brief summary of the main destinations of Bahamas:

• Bimini - flushed by the Gulf Stream, large sharks frequent this area – great hammerheads and bull sharks in particular, but also blacktip sharks, blue marlin, wahoo, bluefin tuna. The are a few wrecks, walls, reefs, caverns, blue holes.

• Eleuthera - off the beaten track, incredible natural beauty, pink sand beaches, ancient coral cays. More wrecks than anywhere else in the country (45), caverns, swim-throughs, tidal holes, rugged deep walls, an unusual abandoned research cage, adrenaline tidal channel drift dive.

• Exuma Cays - chain of 350 small cays of breathtaking beauty and marine species biodiversity, 2 bodies of water – the shallow Exuma Bank and the deep Exuma Sound. Turtles, eagle and sting rays, and reef sharks and hammerheads. Several blue holes and a couple of wrecks. Superb non-diving activities - swimming pigs, snorkel in hidden caves and grottos or with nurse sharks. Hiking, kayaking, beachcombing.

• Grand Bahama – Shark capital of Bahamas. The famous Tiger Beach for regular sightings of several tiger sharks, plus hammerheads, lemon sharks, nurse sharks, bull sharks and Caribbean reef sharks. Best opportunities to dive with dolphins, wrecks, coral gardens, caverns and caves.

• Nassau - the picturesque Lost Blue Hole, shark dives, coral reefs, and drop-offs in to deep oceanic trenches. Many wrecks, several of which have been used in famous Hollywood movies.

Other notable highlights:
Abaco - Shark Rodeo – one of the best shark dives in the Bahamas (Caribbean reef and blacktip sharks), US gunboat wreck, lots of tunnels and caves, plentiful marine reserves.
Andros - highest concentration of blue holes in Blue Hole Nat. Park, 3rd largest barrier reef in world, direct access to Tongue of the Ocean deep water trench for sharks, rays, pelagics, schooling reef fish.
Cat Island - encounters with large congregations of oceanic whitetip sharks that visit as they follow the tuna migration in spring time.
Long Island - second deepest blue hole in the world, British Navy wreck, staggering drop-offs, shark feed dive.

What diving trips do you offer in the Bahamas?

We offer a range of liveaboard boats in the Bahamas, from backpacker style to more upmarket options. The majority of the cruises are from Nassau to Exumas and Eleuthera - a great choice for a combination of sharks, reefs and beautiful scenery. Some of the cruises include an exciting range of land and non-diving excursions such as kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, snorkeling, beachcombing, guided walks, encountering local wildlife such as sea- and shore-birds, iguanas, and even swimming with pigs!

We also have some tiger shark specialty cruises to Grand Bahama, and some extended cruises to Grand Bahama and Bimimi to see the great hammerheads. We also have a few rare and longer Greater Bahamas cruises that visit even more of the best Bahamas destinations. There are occasional special offers on some of these boats, especially last minute.

What is a liveaboard diving cruise, and how does it work?

A liveaboard is a specialized boat that serves as both your accommodation and dive platform, allowing you to explore more remote dive sites in the Bahamas with multiple dives per day. Guests stay onboard for several days (typically 6-7 nights), with meals, diving, land excurions, and relaxation all included. The boat moves between prime dive locations, often visiting sites that are difficult to reach from shore-based operations.

Do I need to be an experienced diver to join a Bahamas liveaboard?

While some liveaboards welcome less-experienced certified divers, many are best suited for experienced divers, depending on the itinerary. Some advanced sites, like deep wrecks or shark dives, may require additional certifications, i.e. Advanced Open Water. Check with us before booking.

What should I pack for a liveaboard trip?

Essentials include:
• Dive certification card (or proof of certification)
• Mask, fins, snorkel, and dive computer (some gear may be rented)
• Reef-safe sunscreen and seasickness remedies
• Lightweight clothing, swimwear, and a waterproof bag
• Underwater camera (if desired)
• A positive attitude!
The liveaboards provide tanks, weights, and sometimes rental gear.

How do I choose the best liveaboard option for me?

Consider factors like:
• Price - is the main consideration for the majority of divers, and there is a broad range of prices in the Bahamas
• Itinerary (shark dives, wrecks, reefs, non-diving activities, etc.)
• Boat size and comfort (smaller yachts vs. larger vessels)
• Group size and atmosphere (intimate vs. social)
• Dive level requirements (beginner-friendly vs. advanced)
• Reading reviews and comparing facilities (like ensuite cabins or nitrox availability) can help you to decide. Chat with us - we are experts in advising clients what's best to book for them.

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General FAQs

What about Visitor Visas?

USA citizens are generally required to present a valid USA passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure. Canadians can stay for up to 8 months without a visa. Latin Americans can stay for up to 3 months without a visa provided that thy have an onward travel ticket and proof of hotel reservation. There is also a visa waiver program in place for citizens of the Schengen community and the UK that allow stays of up to 90 days. You can check all the latest entry requirements on the Official Site of the Bahamas.

What else can I do when I am not diving?

The Bahamas is an island nation and a popular vacation destination, especially for North Americans. Much of what the country offers in terms of tourism has been developed with this in mind.

Since the country has a sizeable wealthy expat population it should come as no surprise that boating is extremely popular. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway to Bimini, or a cruise along the island chains of the Abacos or the Exumas, the luxury yachting options in the Bahamas will not disappoint. But there is a plethora of other water based activities such as kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kite boarding, parasailing and water skiing.

If you prefer to enjoy the sea at a more sedate pace, there is a range of fantastic beaches… truly the Bahamas have more than their fair share of gorgeous beaches. Cabbage Beach in the nation’s capital is one of the most famous. Here you can enjoy many water sports or attend one of the private beach clubs. Treasure Cay Beach in the Abacos is said to be one of the very best in the whole of the Caribbean. Eleuthera is home to several gorgeous pink sand beaches, including the appropriately-named Pink Sands Beach. The Exumas is a great place to go beach hopping, with Stocking Island having many picture-perfect stretches of sand. Cat Island, Great Harbour Cay… the list is a long one.

There are national parks and areas of aesthetic beauty which include a sea turtle research facility and a 250-acre wetland area that is home to more than 100 birds species. There are several 'blue holes' at Long Island and at Andros, and the Lucayan National Park in Grand Bahama has one of the world's longest underwater cave systems.

There are golf courses, spas, casinos; all the usual facilities you would expect of a popular tourist destination. For details on what to do and see, visit the: The Islands of the Bahamas website.

What clothing should I take?

The Bahamas is just 45 miles off the coast of Florida, and the weather and clothing style are very similar. There are a considerable number retired expats in the islands that prefer to wear tennis shoes, polo shirts and cargo pants, but for the majority of the locals, brightly colored flip-flops, cut-off jeans and T-shirts are de rigueur. Topless sunbathing is illegal, although skimpy bikinis are no problem. Go figure.

Are there Health Concerns in visiting Bahamas?

In an emergency dial 911 or 919 and ask for an ambulance. Medical treatment is of a very good standard in the Bahamas but can be expensive. Emergency medical facilities are limited on all the Family Islands and serious cases are transferred to Nassau or Freeport. Make sure you take out adequate health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment.

Bahamas is a relatively safe place to visit for tourists in terms of the risks associated with diseases, especially for liveaboard divers. The major health risk here is not tropical disease, but rather the risk of food poisoning or diarrhoea form ingesting a bad piece of shellfish, exotic fruit, or too many rum punches. Tap water is treated and safe to drink. It is however, a risk area for zika virus and dengue fever (throughout the whole year). The rate of HIV is also high among Bahamians. Health concerns that you can obtain vaccines for include: rabies (in bats), typhoid, hepatitis A and B, measles.

You should check the latest health advice at least 8 weeks before travel.

Is Bahamas a safe place for tourists?

The Bahamas ranks very low in the world corruption rankings. This means that there is little corruption when compared to other countries, although its rank has worsened in recent years. The police have been earning a growing reputation for abuse and misconduct, but only among locals, not towards tourists.

It is a relatively conservative country so act modestly to avoid difficult situation and unwanted attention. Nassau is the capital city and where 70% of the population live. It does have a relatively high crime rate. There are pickpockets in downtown Nassau and ATM scams. At night you should be particularly cautious in the suburb of Over The Hill. Avoid unlicensed taxis. Outside of New Providence and Nassau, there is little to be concerned about - unofficial jetski operators and a few underhand tricks from tour guides are the worst you are likely to experience.

The Bahamas experienced its worst hurricane in recorded history in 2019. Officially the hurricane season is from June and November, and you might want to avoid August to October, if possible. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and chikungunya virus are more prevalent in wet weather too.

Which time zone is Bahamas in?

The Bahamas lie in the Eastern Standard Time (EST): -5 hrs GMT. However, like most states in the USA, daylight-saving is observed between March and November, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour to -4 hrs GMT.

What standard electricity supply do they use?

The standard voltage in the country is 120V / 60 Hz AC. Electrical sockets are normally 2 flat prongs, as in North America, or 2 flat prongs with an extra round grounding prong. This is the type that the liveaboard boats have too. There are power outages, especially in the remote islands. It's a good idea to bring your an adaptor if required.

What about internet, telephone calls, postal services?

The internet has improved in service and cost in recent years and is now widely available. You will generally find a bar or restaurant that has free password-protected wifi. You can buy a BTC, Aliv or MyIslandWifi SIM card. Some of these have unlimited usage package plans. Note that there will be no coverage on mobile plans in the more remote regions of the islands.

To make an international telephone call, the international dialling exit code (to make a call from Bahamas) is 011, and the country code is 242 (to make a call to Bahamas).

There are post office branches located throughout the country. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. and Saturday from 9 am to 12:30 pm. The post office also offers Express Mail Service (EMS).

Should I tip or bargain?

Tips are not mandatory in Bahamas but they are expected. Bellboys and porters usually receive $1 per luggage bag, while most other servers (waiters, taxis, etc.) receive 15%. Note that many upmarket hotels and restaurants will include a 15% gratuity automatically (whatever happened to “pay what you thought of the service”?).

Bargaining is not typical in the Bahamas, however price negotiation is the norm in Nassau’s Straw Market and when shopping on Grand Bahama.

What can you tell about the people and the culture?

The total population of the Bahamas is around 400,000 and most live on the island of New Providence. The culture is a mixture of African, combined with some British and USA influences. The country is deeply religious – Christian – yet the locals manage to remain easy-going and hospitable. English is the official language, the literacy rate exceeds 90%, and there has been a rapid growth in post-graduates and the professional class.

Music is very important to the local culture and there are 3 forms of music and dance that originated in the Bahamas - Junkanoo, Goombay, and Rake n Scrape.

Do you have recommendations on places to stay?

If you're extending your trip to the Bahamas before or after your liveaboard diving adventure, explore a wide variety of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses, on HotelsCombined.com, our trusted hotel booking partner. Simply browse their selection, compare prices, and secure your stay with a quick credit card payment:

Save on your hotel - www.hotelscombined.com
Rest assured, every reservation comes with a Lowest Price Guarantee, so you can book with confidence knowing you’re getting the best deal available.
 
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Aqua Cat Aqua Cat
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Bahamas Aggressor II Bahamas Aggressor II
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