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A scuba diver explores a ship wreck in the Bahamas

Reefs, Wrecks, Blue Holes, Sharks and More

The Bahamas offers a lifetime of diving possibilities for everyone from resort divers to explorers. Discover the cinematic reefs off New Providence featured in films from Thunderball to Into the Blue. Swim with wild dolphins off Bimini, drift a wall on the Tongue of the Ocean, relax in sunlit coral gardens at the Exuma Land and Sea Park or descend into a blue hole. For big thrills, sign up for encounters with a tiger, hammerhead, lemon, reef and oceanic white tip sharks. Topside water sports include kayak and sailing tours, flats casting and big game fishing. Dance barefoot in the sand at a local beach bar or try your luck at Nassau’s glittering casinos.

Learn about Grand Bahama Island Dive Week.

 

Highlights

  • Best for: Everyone from novice and casual divers to advanced explorers
  • Best season to visit: Year-round, with some areas exposed to cold fronts in winter months
  • Weather: Sub-tropical climate similar to Florida, with warm water temperatures in summer, becoming cooler in winter when cold fronts pass

Bahamas Information

About Diving in the Bahamas

Many dive sites are sheltered from prevailing trade winds and oceanic swells, but can be susceptible to local winds. Dive operators will select daily destinations accordingly. Water conditions are often calmest in summer. A limited number of sites—predominantly patch reefs— that can be reached from shore, but most will require a boat ride of 10 to 30 minutes. Underwater visibility often exceeds 100 feet, thanks to the lack of coastal runoff.  Currents, depending on the region chosen range from non-existent to strong. Dive profiles range from less than ten feet to walls that drop well past 150 feet, making the Bahamas a suitable destination for divers of every experience level. Water temperatures range from the mids 70s in winter into the low 80s in summer.

Diving in the Bahamas Tips

Because most diving is done by boat  there is no need for booties with thick, hard soles. Either open or closed-heel fins are fine. Video and still cameras work well even without lights, as the clear waters provide ample ambient light to bring out the details. For shark encounters, it is sometimes advised—though not required-— to wear dark wetsuits and possibly dark gloves and a light hood.

Best Places to Dive in the Bahamas

Popular favorites include the barrier reefs and blue holes of Andros, Tuna Alley and The Bimini Road, the walls and reefs of the Exumas Land and Sea Park, the coral grottoes of the Abacos and the renowned Shark Dive at Stuart Cove’s.

What to Pack for Diving in the Bahamas

A light skin suit or 3-mm wetsuit is sufficient for  summertime. From December through March a 5-mm suit might be in order, and a cover-up to mitigate evaporative cooling during surface intervals. Pack a deployable surface marker if a drift dive is on the schedule.

Specials

Dive

Bahamas

Riding Rock Inn Resort & Marina

SAN SALVADOR 2025 DIVE/HOTEL PACKAGES AT 2024 PRICING!!!

Diving: 6 Days/16 total boat dives include 2 morning and 1 afternoon boat dive on the “full” dive days plus a 1-tank dive on the last dive day. No diving is scheduled for the day of arrival or departure.

All-inclusive Riding Rock Hotel: 7 Nights Standard Ocean View air-conditioned accommodations, all meals (21 total), San Salvador airport transfers to/from the resort and all taxes.

Riding Rock Resort offers 4-, 5-, 6- & 7-night packages, various specials & group discounts throughout the year – Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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From $1,777 per person double diver

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Bahamas

Riding Rock Inn Resort & Marina

SAN SALVADOR DISCOVER GREAT DIVING IN THE BAHAMAS 7-night accommodations, 16 boat day dives, breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, roundtrip airport transfers, free WiFi, taxes, and service charges.

Valid through 12/14/24. Book by 4/24/24.
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From $1,875 per person double diver

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Bahamas

Embrace Resort

STANIEL CAY ISLAND SAVE 10% NOW! includes 7 night 1 Bedroom Standard accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives with Staniel Cay Adventures, continental breakfast daily, hotel taxes and service charges.

Valid 8/1/24-10/31/24. Rates from $2,892 per person double diver. (minimum diver requirement needed for shared dive excursion or may be charged additional)
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From $2,892 per person double diver

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Bahamas

Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas

NASSAU 2024 SPRING/SUMMER/FALL BAHAMAS DIVE PACKAGE 5 night’s Island View Room accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank boat dives with Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas, all meals, snacks, beverages including alcohol, free WiFi, fitness center, recreational activities, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes and service charges. **Excludes mandatory resort fee collected on site.

Valid for travel through 4/1/24-12/21/24. Book by 3/31/24. Rates from $1,533 per person/double.

Or customize your Own Stuart Cove’s Dive Package with your choice of Travel Dates, Accommodations, and Dive options. Watersports and Topside Activities are also available in the shopping cart after dates and room category are selected.

For additional information call toll free 800.240.3686 or email stuartcove@caradonna.com .
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From $1,533 per person double diver

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Bahamas

Riding Rock Inn Resort & Marina

SAN SALVADOR 2024 5 NIGHT DIVE SPECIAL includes Standard Ocean View air-conditioned accommodations, 10 boat dives, 15 meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner), welcome rum punch, manager’s cocktail reception, free WiFi in designated areas, roundtrip airport transfers from San Salvador, hotel taxes, and service charges. (cocktail reception on Mondays only)

Package excludes alcoholic beverages, sodas, bottled water, gratuities, and transportation to and from San Salvador Island.

Valid 8/5/24-9/27/24. Rates from $1334 per person/double diver.

Riding Rock Resort offers 4-, 5-, 6- & 7-night packages, various specials & group discounts throughout the year – Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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From $1334 per person double diver

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Bahamas

Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham

GRAND BAHAMA SMASHING SAVINGS! UP TO 60% OFF!
Valid for travel through September 7 – October 31, 2024. Additional date/discount options available in the shopping cart!

Packages include Accommodations, Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks daily. Unlimited beverages including alcohol, cocktails, and wine. Numerous non-motorized watersports, scheduled activities, nightly entertainment, free WiFi, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes and service charges.

Scuba Diving Shop Reef Oasis Dive Club Bahamas is conveniently located on site.

5 Night Dive Package Rates start from $884 per person double diver.

Book by 3/25//24. All rates available in shopping cart or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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From $884 per person double diver

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Bahamas

Margaritaville Beach Resort Bahamas

NASSAU BAHAMAS DIVE PACKAGE 5 night’s Deluxe Ocean Front King Room accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank boat dives with Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas, free WiFi, non-motorized water sports, fitness center, entertainment, beach amenities, surf stream & climbing wall, roundtrip airport transfers, service charges, state & local taxes. **Excludes mandatory resort fee collected on site.

Valid travel 8/18/24-12/2/24. Rate from $1,223 per per/double diver. Rates are based on Sunday check-in and depart Friday combo. Book by 6/30/24.

Or customize your Own Stuart Cove’s Dive Package with your choice of Travel Dates, Accommodations, and Dive options. Watersports and Topside Activities are also available in the shopping cart after dates and room category are selected.

For additional information call toll free 800.240.3686 or email stuartcove@caradonna.com .
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From $1,223 per person double diver

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Bahamas

Small Hope Bay Lodge

ANDROS 7 NIGHT DIVE PACKAGE includes beachfront cottage accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, breakfast, lunch, dinner daily and all beverages including alcohol, free WiFi, complimentary bikes & other amenities, and government tax.

Resort designed to facilitate relaxation with no televisions, no telephones (WiFi available in the main lounge). Air conditioning is available for a small additional fee in all cabins.

Rates from $2,970 per person, double diver valid 5/18/24-11/11/24 (closed Sep/Oct).
Rates from $3,366 per person, double diver valid 1/1/24-5/17/24.

Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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From $2,970 per person double diver

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Bahamas

SLS Baha Mar Nassau

NASSAU BAHAMAS DIVE PACKAGE 5 night’s Superior King Room accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank boat dives with Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas, free WiFi, recreational activities, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel tax and levies. **Excludes mandatory resort fee and service fee collected on site.

Valid 8/20/24-11/4/24. Rates from $1,307 per person/double diver (rate based on check in Sunday-depart on Friday combo).

Or customize your Own Stuart Cove’s Dive Package with your choice of Travel Dates, Accommodations, and Dive options. Watersports and Topside Activities are also available in the shopping cart after dates and room category are selected.

For additional information call toll free 800.240.3686 or email stuartcove@caradonna.com.
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From $1,307 per person double diver

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Bahamas

Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham

4TH ANNUAL GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND DIVE WEEK Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham 7 night All Inclusive Resort-Ocean View Room accommodations, 6 days of 2-tank boat dives including 1 dive at Shark Alley with Reef Oasis Dive Bahamas.

Full Board includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks daily unless provided elsewhere during the event. Unlimited beverages, alcohol, cocktails, and wine at Viva, unlimited non-motorized watersports, scheduled activities, nightly entertainment, exclusive check-in/check-out service. Free Wifi.All transportation throughout the event including roundtrip airport transfers, unless otherwise noted, hotel taxes and service charges.

Valid for travel through 5/11/24-5/18/24. $1,683 per person, double diver. Book Now!
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From $1,683 per person double diver

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Bahamas

Cat Ppalu

NASSAU CITIZEN SCIENCE TRIP – CONSERVATION AND REEF RESTORATION.

Support our Underwater World and partner with Caradonna Adventures, All Star Liveaboards and the Reef Rescue Network. Divers can participate in diadema collection, reef cleaning, and maintaining coral nurseries. A great opportunity to make a difference, help change our planet and scuba dive for good!

Liveaboard Packages include 6 nights Standard Cabin, fully air-conditioned, up to 16 dives, all meals, snacks, beverages (soft drinks, beer, vodka, rum), use of SUP's/kayaks, fishing gear/pole spears, shore excursions/eco adventures, forward trampoline area to enjoy scenery, sunrise/sunsets, and taxes.

Reef Rescue Trips:
April 20-26, 2024
August 10-17, 2024
October 5-11, 2024

Book Now or Call 800.328.2288 to speak with our dive travel specialist!
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Rates from $1,795 + $225 per person, double diver

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Bahamas

Breezes Bahamas

NASSAU BAHAMAS ALL INCLUSIVE DIVE PACKAGE 5 night’s Classic Room accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank boat dives with Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas, breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, snacks and beverages including alcohol, free WiFi, recreational activities, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes and service charges.

Valid 8/1/24-12/15/24. Rates from $1,478 per person/double diver.

Or customize your Own Stuart Cove’s Dive Package with your choice of Travel Dates, Accommodations, and Dive options. Watersports and Topside Activities are also available in the shopping cart after dates and room category are selected.

For additional information call toll free 800.240.3686 or email stuartcove@caradonna.com .
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From $1,478 per person double diver

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Bahamas

Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina

BIMINI 4 night Accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank morning boat dives with Neil Watson’s Dive Bimini, hotel taxes and service charges.

Hotel amenities include freshwater swimming pool, lounge chairs and deck-side hammocks; patio and pool bar; free WIFI, game area with billiard table, access to a pristine sandy beach (3-minute walk) and golf cart rentals (at additional cost).
Great Hammerhead Shark Safari upgrades available December through April. Daily space is limited (additional charges apply).

Valid 1/2/24-5/24/24.
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From $910 per person double diver

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Bahamas

Orange Hill Beach Inn

NASSAU BAHAMAS DIVE PACKAGE 5 night’s Pool or Studio accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank boat dives with Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes and service charges.

Valid 5/20/24-12/11/24. Rates from $988 per person/double diver.

Or customize your Own Stuart Cove’s Dive Package with your choice of Travel Dates, Accommodations, and Dive options. Watersports and Topside Activities are also available in the shopping cart after dates and room category are selected.

For additional information call toll free 800.240.3686 or email stuartcove@caradonna.com .
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From $988 per person double diver

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Packages

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Bahamas

Riding Rock Inn Resort & Marina

SAN SALVADOR 7 NIGHT DIVE PACKAGE includes Standard Ocean View air-conditioned accommodations, 16 dives, 21 meals, free WiFi, cocktail reception, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes and service charges.

Riding Rock Resort offers 4-, 5-, 6- & 7-night packages, various specials & group discounts throughout the year – Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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Bahamas

Riding Rock Inn Resort & Marina

SAN SALVADOR 6 NIGHT DIVE PACKAGE includes Standard Ocean View air-conditioned accommodations, 16 dives, 21 meals, free WiFi, cocktail reception, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes and service charges.

Riding Rock Resort offers 4-, 5-, 6- & 7-night packages, various specials & group discounts throughout the year – Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
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Bahamas

Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina

BIMINI 7 NIGHT DIVE PACKAGE includes 7-night accommodations, 6 days of 2-tank morning boat dives, hotel taxes and service charges. Hotel amenities include freshwater swimming pool, lounge chairs and deck-side hammocks; patio and pool bar; free WIFI, game area with billiard table, access to a pristine sandy beach (3-minute walk) and golf cart rentals (at additional cost). Other multi night packages available.

Great Hammerhead Shark Safari upgrades available December through April. Daily space is limited (additional charges apply).

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for Additional Information/Pricing or Email sales@caradonna.com.
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Resorts

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Bahamas

Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina

BIMINI - Founded in the 1930’s as an elegant dinner club, and later in 1947 relocated to its current home and expanded, the Bimini Big Game Club is known the world over among “top of class” sportsmen and their families.
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Bahamas

Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas

NASSAU All Inclusive adults only resort in Paradise Island Bahamas. Select from four different room categories. Island Views, Water Views, Harbour Deluxe, and Harbour Front Suites. A private island escape for anyone seeking a modern upscale relaxed resort.
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Bahamas

Riding Rock Inn Resort & Marina

The charming and authentic Bahama Out Island of San Salvador is home to Riding Rock Resort and Marina, a family owned and operated dive resort. The property has 42 rooms, most offering views of a breathtaking white sand beach and the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy their newly renovated great house with its restaurant, bar and expansive waterfront deck. A short stroll from the resort is the marina and their PADI dive shop, Guanahani Divers. Dive boats depart for two-tank morning dives and one-tank afternoon dives to any of the 30+ eye-popping dive sites featuring superb walls, healthy reefs, prolific fish populations, crystal clear visibility and many species of sharks. Packages include accommodations, meals, diving, airport transfers and taxes to ensure a worry-free stay.
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Bahamas

SLS Baha Mar Nassau

NASSAU Located on the northern shore of New Providence Island, on the beautiful white sands and tranquil turquoise waters of secluded Cable Beach, regarded as one of the most breathtaking beaches in The Bahamas. With a rich history as a destination for the international jet set, this pristine shoreline is experiencing a revival among a new generation of travelers and divers looking for a Bahamas resort vacation where they can play, scuba dive, recharge, and experience the vibrant culture of the islands.
All 299 rooms include SLS signature bedding, Bahamian-designed furniture, walk-in rainfall shower, wall-mounted HDTVs, full in-room technology connectivity, safe, plush SLS signature robes and slippers, custom Ciel Reserve bath amenities, and a mini bar curated with SLS Signature refreshments.

For additional information call toll free 800.328.2288 or email sales@caradonna.com.
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Bahamas

Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND Nestled on the southern coast, this 26-acre, 276-room all-inclusive resort features a pool, beautiful white sand beach, three bars, three restaurants, theater, fitness center and onsite Reef Oasis Dive Club. As the only all-inclusive resort on the island, surrounded by tropical forests and park lands, a stay here is like having your own private paradise.
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Bahamas

Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina

ABACO Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina is located on Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, in the Bahamas, three miles off the east coast of Great Abaco which is approximately a one-hour flight from Florida. Perched on the highest point of Green Turtle Cay, this 12 acre tropical paradise stretches from White Sound to the Sea of Abaco. Many have described it as the “most special piece of property in Abaco". Located on Green Turtle Cay is a vacation paradise for sailors, divers and fishermen. Snorkeling and SCUBA diving is a popular adventure with the world’s third largest barrier reef just a short boat ride away. You can beachcomb for shells and tossed up treasures from the sea on our power-soft, white-sand beaches or take a leisurely boat ride and explore the many nearby deserted cays. .
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Bahamas

Margaritaville Beach Resort Bahamas

NASSAU Located in the downtown area, next to Junkanoo beach, and a short walk to the lively Nassau craft market. Luxurious contemporary accommodations with stunning ocean views featuring terraces with harbor and lighthouse views, and stunning nightly sunsets. Amenities include a full-service spa and fitness center, the Parakeets kid club, entertainment complex with movies, bowling, indoor, outdoor event spaces, “The Fins Up!” water park with lazy river, water slides, surf stream wave pool and climbing wall. 12 food and beverage options which include fine dining, over water dining, casual fare with specialty restaurants, pool side snacks and pizza. Hand crafted cocktails are a must try at the popular lobby bar or the spectacular sky bar. It’s the ultimate resort destination in The Bahamas. Kick back, relax, and discover the Margaritaville state-of-mind.

For additional information call toll free 800.328.2288 or email sales@caradonna.com.
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Breezes Bahamas

NASSAU Miles away from everyday life, but only minutes from the airport. Breezes Bahamas is located on a stretch of the island’s best beach: The powder white sands of Cable Beach. Crystal clear waters gently lap the shore as everyday worries drift away. Just a short stroll along the beach takes you to the excitement of Nassau’s glittering casinos.

For additional information call toll free 800.328.2288 or email sales@caradonna.com.
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Bahamas

Embrace Resort

STANIEL CAY ISLAND Located in the heart of the Exuma Cays on the island Staniel Cay. 7 ecofriendly villas named and decorated uniquely to showcase the exquisite splendor of their island namesake. Influenced by the culture, rooted in sustainability, and driven by a desire to create memorable experiences. One to three bedrooms including a honeymoon villa complete with a Jacuzzi, perfect for couples and two villas with complete kitchen and living room, a dream for any family vacation. Loaded with features & amenities, and personalized customer service.
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Bahamas

Small Hope Bay Lodge

ANDROS Located on Andros Island, a short boat ride from the world’s third largest coral reef, the diving and bonefishing are nothing less than spectacular at this all-inclusive resort. What really sets Small Hope apart is its unique heritage, its simple and friendly ambiance and a special soulful energy that simply cannot be cloned or imitated.
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Greenwood Beach Resort

CAT ISLAND Located at one of the most southern points of Cat Island, this 16 room resort is perfect for those in search of adventure, with over 8 miles of deserted beach. This intimate resort provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a variety of fun activities including diving, snorkeling and kiteboarding.
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Bahamas

Orange Hill Beach Inn

NASSAU A beautiful quiet family run resort. Nice rooms, well-kept grounds, beach views, swimming pool, open bar, and on-site restaurant. 10 minutes from the airport.

For additional information call toll free 800.328.2288 or email sales@caradonna.com.
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Bahamas

Hilton At Resorts World Bimini

BIMINI The Hilton at Resorts World Bimini is an exclusive island paradise featuring luxury Caribbean hotel accommodations and world-famous Bahamas beach resort activities; perfect for family vacations, destination weddings, honeymoons and more. Diving services are available from Neil Watsons Bimini Scuba Center (offsite).
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Liveaboards

Dive

Bahamas

Cat Ppalu

The Cat Ppalu is a schooner rigged Sailing Catamaran with space for 12 passengers in 6 cabins. Its sleek styling and 26' beam design allows this sailboat to maximize the space in guest cabins while giving you the chance to enjoy the magnificent Bahamian scenery topside. A fantastic experience for families, friends and groups desiring a sailing, scuba diving and snorkel vacation. Enjoy other activities like fishing snorkeling, kayaking and SUPs (paddle boarding) as well as shore excursions.

Our dive destination for the week is the Exuma Cays. When the weather cooperates, we sail (versus motor) to dive sites only accessible to dive liveaboards. Explore local islands or relax and sunbathe on uninhabited islands.
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Book online! Or Call 800.328.2288 for Special Pricing and Information.

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Bahamas

Aqua Cat Cruises

Explore the dive sites of Northern Exuma in the Bahamas from this 102’ catamaran with 11 spacious air-conditioned cabins, each with private bath. A 35’ beam ensures a smooth ride at speeds of up to 14 knots. Meals are served in either the spacious dining salon or alfresco on the covered upper deck. The dive deck is custom built with a spacious photo station for camera equipment as well as rinse tanks, showers, and toilet. The sun deck offers loungers and a bar with cold beverages including Bahamian microbrewery beer on tap as well as frozen rum drinks for when the diving day is done.
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Bahamas

Blackbeard Cruises

Blackbeard’s Cruises has 2 Bahamas dive liveaboard sailboats, the Sea Explorer, and the Morning Star. Diving trips are for all levels of divers including new divers, experienced divers, singles, couples, and dive groups. Reefs, wrecks, sharks and more!
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Book online! Or Call 800.328.2288 for Special Pricing and Information.

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Diving in the Bahamas

Diving in the Bahamas is all about diversity. Tens of thousands of new divers have made their first submersions on the nearshore reefs of New Providence and Grand Bahama, but these same waters attract treasure hunters, adventurers and cave explorers, and have been the subject of hundreds of nature documentaries and feature films. The vast majority of the 700 significant islands of the Bahamas sit atop a pair of shallow limestone banks: Little Bahama Bank and Great Bahama Bank, which together encompass tens of thousands of square miles of submerged habitat. Many islands are surrounded by vast landscapes of shallow coral heads that are home to grouper, lobster and a wealth of colorful tropical species. Wrecks from Spanish treasure galleons to smuggler's yachts ran afoul on these reefs, and have since been joined by purpose-sunk wrecks. Beyond the shallows lie steep underwater walls, offshore pinnacles and blue water where big fish swim. The hand feeding of Caribbean reef sharks has long been a hallmark of the Bahamas diving scene, and each year thousands of divers earn bragging rights for swimming with the sharks, secure in the knowledge that these interactions have a stellar safety record. Emboldened divers seeking a less scripted encounter with apex predators can meet up with everything from hammerheads and lemon sharks to tigers, bulls and oceanic white tips. Even more compelling for some is the opportunity to interact with pods of wild dolphins in the sand flats near Bimini and north of West End. Island substrates are riddled with water-filled caverns that come to the surface in the form of blue holes. Cave divers have mapped miles of spectacular passages beneath the islands of Grand Bahama, Great Abaco and Andros, while Long Island is home to the world's deepest known saltwater blue hole, which plunges to a depth of 663 feet.

Passport and/or Visa Requirements

Entry/Exit Requirements: All U.S. Citizens are required to present a valid passport. No visa is required for American citizens. All persons, six years and over leaving the Bahamas, pay a Government Departure Tax of 29.00 which should be included in your international airline ticket taxes.

Immunizations

Vaccinations are not required for entry into the Bahamas. Check with your doctor and the Centers for Disease Control on recommended vaccinations for travel at Traveler's Health CDC The Bahamas.

 

Culture and Customs

Though still a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Bahama's English heritage is obvious only in the historic architecture of Nassau, a love for the Queen, and the nation's parliamentary system of government. The cosmopolitan resorts of Paradise Island and Grand Bahama may be more spiritually aligned with Miami or Las Vegas, but move into the Out Islands and you transition to island time, where the phrase “soon come” is the mantra for a relaxed, welcoming way of life. The big event on the calendar is Junkanoo, which is celebrated from December's Boxing Day to New Years Day. Every island stages a celebration, but the big show happens in Nassau when thousands of lavishly costumed revelers march through the streets to the accompaniment of horns, goombay drums and cowbells. Come March, the island sailboats are packed with passengers headed for the National Family Island Regatta in Georgetown. Here, crews from across the archipelago race traditional island sloops by day, then party the night away at Regatta Village Cricket season lasts from March to November, and ongoing commentary of the matches fills the local airwaves.

Celebrated since the 17th century, Junkanoo has grown into a large, organized event with groups that compete for cash prizes for best music, best costume, best dancing, etc. Traditionally held on New Year’s Day, Boxing Day and Independence Day, parades are also held during the annual “Junkanoo Summer Festival” and the “Just Rush” competition. Many hotels also offer Junkanoo shows for their guests throughout the year.

Electricity, Phone and Internet Access

Electricity in the Bahamas is 120 volts/60 cycles, which is the same as the U.S. and all U.S. appliances are compatible. the country code/area code for the Bahamas is 242. The local phone company BTC (Bahamas Telephone Company) should be available on your cell phone, so check with your carrier for costs for calls and data while in the Bahamas on roaming. There are many public hotspots, and you will find most hotels offer WiFi, as well as many bars, restaurants and shops.

Water Quality

Tap water is safe to drink on the main islands of the Bahamas. Bottled water is available for purchase.

Language & Currency

English is the official language, however you may hear locals speaking "Bahamian English" which has a mixture of African influence, island dialect and the Queen's diction. The H is often dropped so thanks sounds like tanks. The local currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD) but U.S. Dollars are accepted everywhere. The Bahamian and the U.S. dollar are equivalent so as a visitor you don’t need to exchange any money. Credit cards are accepted at most locations on Nassau, Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. Cirrus and +PLUS ATMs can be found on Nassau, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama and most of the major Out Islands.

Time

The Bahamas are in the Eastern Time Zone. The Bahamian Islands do observe Daylight Savings Time. They are 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 during Eastern Standard Time) and 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time during Daylight Savings Time (-4 Eastern Daylight Time).

Location, Size and Population

The Bahamas are located in the North Atlantic Ocean on the eastern edge of the Caribbean. They are approximately 45 miles Southeast of Florida. The Bahamian Islands are made up of approximately 700 islands and 2,000 cayes of which about only 30 are inhabited. The islands are north of Cuba, northwest of the Turks and Caicos, and Southeast of the Florida Keys. The size of the Bahamas is approximately 5,382 square miles with a coastline of 1,368 square miles. The capital city of the Bahamas is Nassau, located on New Providence and is approximately 80 square miles. The population of the Bahamas is 392,575 (2016).

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