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Diving in Bahamas

Diving in Bahamas

Including Andros Island, Bimini, and Eleuthera. On the map.

The vibe

The Bahamas hosts a mix of shallow reefs and deeper wrecks, offering both beginner and advanced dives in crystal waters. Calm currents from March to October make for optimal dives. Dive shops are plentiful, but many dive sites are still remote and require a bit of planning.

  • Andros Island

    Andros Island

    Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

    Famous for its vast network of inland and ocean blue holes, Andros offers a unique opportunity to explore flooded cave systems and vertical wall dives. Divers visit to experience the dramatic drop-offs of the Tongue of the Ocean and the mysterious, crystal-clear cavern environments.

    Access. Accessible via dive resorts located in Fresh Creek or Small Hope Bay that specialize in guided blue hole and wall expeditions.

    Notes. Cave diving requires specific certification; wall dives are generally deep.

  • Bimini

    Bimini

    Per Ola Wiberg from Ekerö, Sweden / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

    Bimini is famous for the mysterious 'Bimini Road' rock formation and its proximity to the Gulf Stream, which brings clear water and pelagic life to its reefs. Divers visit for the unique geological sites and the chance to see great hammerheads in season.

    Access. Dive shops in Alice Town provide boat access to the reefs and the famous underwater rock formations.

    Notes. Hammerhead season is typically January through March.

  • Eleuthera

    North Eleuthera

    Trish Hartmann from Tampa, Florida, USA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

    Eleuthera is defined by its high-energy drift dives, most notably the 'Current Cut,' where tidal surges create a fast-paced underwater ride through a narrow channel. The island also offers diverse reef diving along its Atlantic and Caribbean coasts.

    Access. Local dive operators based in Harbour Island or Governor's Harbour organize boat dives to the Cut and surrounding reefs.

    Notes. Current Cut requires precise timing with the tides.

  • Exuma Cays

    Exuma

    stevestevens / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

    The Exuma Cays offer pristine reef diving within a protected marine sanctuary, characterized by vibrant coral gardens and high marine biodiversity. Divers frequent sites like the Austin Smith Wreck and various drift-prone cuts between the cays.

    Access. Accessible via liveaboards departing from Nassau or local dive charters based in George Town.

    Notes. Strict no-take marine park rules apply; currents can be strong in the cuts.

  • Grand Bahama

    Grand Bahama

    NASA / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

    Grand Bahama is globally recognized for its shark diving experiences, particularly at sites like Tiger Beach where divers can observe large tiger and lemon sharks on the sandy bottom. The area also features extensive reef structures and artificial wrecks.

    Access. Several specialized dive shops in Freeport offer dedicated shark-diving charters and wreck tours.

    Notes. Shark diving is highly regulated and requires professional guides.

  • Nassau

    Nassau

    Rüdiger Stehn from Kiel, Deutschland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

    Nassau is a premier destination for wreck diving, featuring a high concentration of intentional sinkings and historic shipwrecks like the Ray of Hope and the Willaurie. Divers enjoy clear, warm waters and frequent shark encounters at these established wreck sites.

    Access. Numerous full-service dive operators based in Nassau and Paradise Island run daily boat trips to the local wreck sites.

    Notes. Depths range from 15 to 30 meters; year-round diving.

  • San Salvador

    San Salvador Island

    Rüdiger Stehn from Kiel, Deutschland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

    San Salvador is renowned for its spectacular vertical walls that drop off into the abyss just a short distance from the shore. The island's remote location ensures pristine coral health and high visibility, making it a favorite for wall enthusiasts.

    Access. Accessible primarily through dedicated dive resorts on the island that provide boat access to the wall drop-offs.

    Notes. Visibility often exceeds 30 meters; deep wall diving.