Bahamas

The Bahamas is comprised of over 2,700 islands, rocks and cays formed from coral reefs. Here, scuba diving is accessible from 2200 coastline miles on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an ecological oasis with exceedingly clear water. There are over 1,000 fish, coral, invertebrate and crustacean species. Earlier settlers were the Lucayans, Tainos and Arawak people. Spanish explorers first came to the island in 1492. English settlers seeking religious freedom–arrived in 1647. The Bahamas were under British rule until 1973. It is independent and part of the British commonwealth of countries. Besides tourism, the economy is based on finance. Cricket is the national sport.

Diving The Bahamas

Nassau (New Providence) offers divers healthy reefs, wrecks and walls to explore. Beyond the abundant marine species, you can experience consistent observations of sharks. Hence, wild shark encounters at The Runaway and Shark Wall dive sites are daily occurrences. Tongue of the Ocean is a vast crater wall plunging a mile deep. Here are colorful corals, giant purple tube sponges, minor ship wrecks and pelagic sea life. Similarly, The Lost Blue Hole has countless aquatic species, including sharks, turtles, rays and eels. Finally, Fish Hotel with diverse marine species and Will Laurie or James Bond wrecks can complete a dive day. Andros dive experiences range from shallow reefs, coral gardens, wrecks, blue-holes to dramatic walls. Here is the world's third largest offshore barrier reef. There are 60 dive sites to explore. This Bahamas island also has two unique aquatic events. Namely, thousands of spawning groupers in early winter and fall lobster marches. The Crater blue hole has large turtles, eels and rays among the coral-covered walls. Accordingly, a deep ocean canyon means The Andros Wall attracts large pelagic species. Gardens Dense has prolific coral, reef and schooling fish. Bimini has exceptional clear waters. Scuba diving diversity includes coral reefs, walls, shipwrecks, blue holes and caverns. As a result of its underwater topography pelagic species are present year round. Also, sperm, pilot and humpback whales, whale sharks, hammerheads, manta rays, tiger sharks all migrate offshore. Here, Tuna Alley, the Sapona wreck and Victory Reef are top dive sites.

Western Out Islands

Abaco features shallow reefs, caverns and some deeper sloping walls. Thus, Star and Elkhorn corals, an abundance of reef fish and sharks await divers. Here you'll also find spawning groupers in early winter and fall lobster marches. Migratory species include several types of whales, bull, hammerhead and tiger sharks. In particular, The Towers for huge coral pinnacles, Grouper Alley and the barrier reefs Wayne's World are key dive sites. Read: Abaco, The Treasure Of The Bahamas Out Islands  San Salvador is noted for its wall dives but has rich reefs. Its western most Bahamas location means exceptional underwater visibility. Thus, divers can observe pelagic and ample marine species. Scalloped hammerheads, tiger sharks and whales are residents in winter months. Conversely, turtles, dolphins, reef sharks, seahorses and rays are always present. Hence, Vicky's Reef, Telephone Pole, Shangrila and Shark Alley are characteristic wall dives. Long Island offers a wide variety of dive options. Including healthy coral reefs, ocean drop-offs, and a wreck site. There are sperm, pilot and humpback whales as well as tiger, bull and hammerhead sharks in winter months. However, other copious pelagic and reef species are daily diver encounters. The Cornerbach is a 110 foot wreck. Also, Conception Island dive site is among the Bahamas best wall dive drop offs. Lastly, Deans Blue Hole is the world's deepest at 663 feet.

Accommodations, Attractions, Activities

Larger resorts and dive liveaboards are located on Nassau. Otherwise, smaller hotels and dive resorts can be found on these islands. There are cultural and historical sightseeing on each island . Visit the Andros Batik Works Factory. Long Island has the Twin Churches and Hamilton's Cave. Elbow Reef Lighthouse is still manual operated on Abaco. Besides scuba diving and watersports activities, enjoy the beaches. Similarly, take an organized tour, short hike or explore the local town.

Diving Activities

• Caverns
• Drift Diving
• Great White/Hammerhead/Tiger Sharks
• Wall Diving
• Wreck Diving

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Adventure Activities

• Cave Exploring
• Hiking
• Jungle Tour
• Kayaking
• Parasailing

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