Snorkeling of Bahamas
New Providence & Paradise Islands: The waters that ring densely populated
New Providence and nearby Paradise Island are easy to explore. Most people head
for the Rose Island Reefs, the Gambier Deep Reef, the Booby Rock Channel,
the Goulding Reef Cays, and some easily seen, well-known underwater
wrecks that lie in shallow water. Virtually every hotel on the island offers equipment
and can book you onto a snorkel cruise to sites farther offshore.
Grand Bahama Island: Resort hotels can hook you up with snorkeling excursions,
such as the ones offered by Reef Tours the best snorkeling outfitter, which can also
arrange any kind of watersport from banana-boating to water-skiing. The clear
waters around Grand Bahama are wonderful for snorkeling because they have a
rich marine life. Snorkelers are fond of exploring Ben’s Cave, a stunning cavern
that’s part of Lucayan Caves, as well as the coral beds at places like Silver Point
Reef and Gold Rock.
Bimini: Snorkelers are enthralled with the black-coral gardens that are easily
accessible from shore and the colorful marine life around the island. Sometimes
when conditions are right, snorkelers can frolic with a pod of spotted dolphins.
Off North Bimini, snorkelers are attracted to a cluster of huge flat rocks that lie
submerged in about 6m (20 ft.) of water near the coast. The most imaginative
snorkelers claim that these rocks, which seem hand-hewn, were part of a road
system that once traversed the lost continent of Atlantis.
Elbow Cay (Abacos): With its 209km (130-mile) string of beautiful cays and
some of the best beaches in The Bahamas, the Abacos are ideal for snorkeling,
especially in the waters off Elbow Cay. Visibility is often excellent because the cay
lies close to the Gulf Stream’s cleansing waters. Marsh Harbour’s Mermaid
Beach, a particularly colorful reef, is another favorite. Froggies Out Island
Adventures provides equipment and the best snorkeling advice.
Stocking Island (Exumas): George Town is the capital of the Exumas, the Bahamanian
district celebrated for its crystal-clear waters so beloved by yachties. From
George Town, Stocking Island lies across Elizabeth Harbour, only 1.6km (1 mile)
away. This long, thin barrier island attracts snorkelers who explore its blue holes
(ocean pools of fresh water floating on heavier saltwater). The island is also ringed
with undersea caves and coral gardens in stunning colors. You’ll find some of the
most gorgeous beaches in the Southern Bahamas here.
San Salvador (Southern Bahamas): Following in the wake of Columbus, snorkelers
find a rich paradise on this relatively undiscovered island, with its
unspoiled, unpopulated miles of beaches ideal for swimming, shelling, and closein
snorkeling (snorkeling close to shore). A week’s stay is enough time to become
acquainted with only some of the possibilities, including Bamboo Point, Fernandez
Bay, and Long Bay, all within a few miles of Cockburn (the main village)
on the island’s west side. At San Salvador’s southern tip are some of our
favorite places for snorkeling: Sandy Point and nearby Grotto Bay.
Long Island (Southern Bahamas): Shallow bays and sandy beaches offer many
possibilities for snorkeling, and the staffs at both major resorts will direct you to
the finest conditions near their stretches of beach. The island’s southern end is
especially dramatic because of its unique sea cliffs. Many east-coast beach coves
also offer fantastic snorkeling opportunities.
