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THE BAHAMAS

Dive Vacations that are Better than Ever

If you’re looking for a dive vacation that’s convenient, varied, and value-priced, then The Bahamas beckon. Located just off Florida’s coastline, The Bahamas have long been a draw to divers, thanks to ideal conditions and varied diving that includes vertical walls, modern and historic wrecks, both shallow and medium depth coral reefs, abundant sea gardens, spectacular blue holes, and countless species of sharks, dolphins, tropical and pelagic fish, and lots of marine life.

Add to the great diving and snorkeling varied accommodations options and lots to do for topside time and non-divers and you have an ideal dive vacation destination.

"With some of the world's best and most exciting dive experiences, along with incredible package deals, The Islands Of The Bahamas are the premier vacation destination this year for divers and their families,” says the Director-General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace.

Where to Go

With The Bahamas starting just 50 miles off Florida, the island nation stretches southeast for more than 750 miles and encompasses more than 100,000 square miles of water--that’s lots of diving!

Divers will find generally crystal-clear water anywhere, with temperatures ranging from 76 degrees Fahrenheit to the north in winter to a typical 84 degrees Fahrenheit anywhere in the summer. The destination choices are many and the dive (and vacation) experiences as varied as the 700 islands of The Bahamas!

Some of the top destinations for divers and their families include the Abacos, Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, the Exumas, Grand Bahama, Long Island, New Providence (including Paradise Island), and San Salvador. However, keep in mind that almost any island you choose will have at least one dive operator and some of the world's best scuba diving and snorkeling. Live-aboards provide yet another ideal way to dive and experience this incredible dive vacation spot.

An Overview of the Diving Options

A few of the many highlights of New Providence diving include wrecks used in James Bond films, Fish Hotel, Barracuda Shoals, Shark Wall, Tunnel Wall, the famed Southwest Reef, and the Mahoney and other ships of The Graveyard. From casinos and nightlight to shopping, topside time in Nassau and out on Paradise Island make bustling New Providence a popular diver’s getaway.

Over on Grand Bahama, world-famous dolphin and shark diving combine with extensive cave systems, wrecks, and reefs. This is Bahamas diving at its most varied, with the addition of excellent topside options on the bustling island.

Known as the ‘Out Islands’ of The Bahamas, the options are almost endless. The Abacos feature dives with huge tarpon and grouper, along with a small island feel rarely found in the Caribbean. Andros features the third longest barrier reef in the world, blue holes, and a similar yesteryear atmosphere. The Berry Islands are about as remote as you can get, making them ideal for divers in search of dives few have experienced.

Long a Hemingway hangout, Bimini diving is quickly becoming known for its convenience and quality. Cat Island is yet another remote Out Island secret, with shore diving and more available to island adventurers. Eleuthera provides an unusual Bahamas current diving experience, as well as lots of reef diving. The Exumas feature lots of caves, including the famed Thunderball cave featured in several Bond films.

Finally, Long Island is typical of the Out Island dive vacation experience, with world-renowned shark dives, great reef diving, and topside time that’s about as laid-back as any in The Bahamas. Of course, many other even smaller islands offer diving that’s just as good. It’s just a matter of picking that one (or more) perfect Bahamian destination!

Many resorts and dive operators in The Bahamas provide economical dive packages and there are professional dive operations throughout the islands that offer regularly scheduled dives and personal custom diving. The people of The Bahamas are friendlier than ever, the facilities are better than ever, and the diving is virtually unmatched.

For divers and non-divers alike, snorkeling in The Bahamas is excellent. The waters surrounding The Bahamas are clear and shallow, offering an abundance of fish, coral reefs, and underwater gardens to explore. Popular snorkeling sites include The Abacos' Pelican Cays National Park, the Andros Barrier Reef, Harbour Island's Devil's Backbone, Long Island's Rainbow Reef, and San Salvador's Wreck of the Frascate. New Providence and Grand Bahama Island also have vast stretches of shallow reefs, most lying just a short boat ride or swim from shore.

Live-Aboards

For those who just can’t choose which island to visit for their dive vacation, one additional great option in The Bahamas is going by live-aboard. Some of the many draws to Bahamas live-aboard diving include: only unpacking once (this includes clothes and dive gear); relative total cost; more dives each day, if desired; diving flexibility; generally smaller dive groups; less-explored diving; onboard photography and video services; and advanced certification courses and other educational opportunities.

Convenience is another factor--Bahamas live-aboards typically depart from both South Florida and directly out of The Bahamas. Their destinations are widely varied, but all promise pristine diving away from any possible crowds, lots of diving, flexibility, and more.

Start Planning

For a list of popular dive and snorkeling sites and further information on scuba diving, shark diving, dolphin encounters, and snorkeling in The Bahamas, call (800) BAHAMAS or (800) 866-DIVE (Bahamas Diving Association) or visit www.bahamas.com or www.bahamasdiving.com (Bahamas Diving Association).