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The Top Snorkeling Sites In The Bahamas

By Tom Wuckovich

The Bahamas are surrounded by water and the myriad cays and tiny islands feature large areas of shallow water that are perfect for snorkeling. The reefs and coral formations can often be reached simply by wading off the beach. However, there are many companies that offer cruises to snorkeling sites, and you can take a half day or whole day to experience these majestic wonders. Here’s a primer to some of the best places to see underwater spectacles with or without a wet suit.

The Abacos

In these out islands, the world's fourth-largest barrier reef system runs almost 100 miles from Walker's Cay (the "top" of The Abacos) to about 20 miles south of Elbow Cay. As a matter of fact, about 5 percent of the world's coral reefs are located in the Bahamas.

Immediately to the west of the reef system, The Abacos' exquisite string of offshore cays extends about 85 miles from Walker's to just off Little Harbour. The Abacos' Sandy Cay, Fowl Cay and Pelican Cay National Park underwater  preserves  are protected by the Bahamian government and offer some of the finest and most colorful shallow water diving in the entire Caribbean area. The Abacos' extensive reef system and hundreds of underwater undiscovered offshore cays combine to create one of the world's safest, most exciting and most rewarding boating, diving and snorkeling areas. Of the 3,000 coral islands and reefs that make up the Bahamas, only about 20 are inhabited.

For example, you don't need a boat to snorkel off Guana Cay. Just off the beach, you will see a cove or bay with shallow water. Begin snorkeling here. If you have children with you, they will love this spot. In water only two feet deep, you and your children will have an opportunity to find a tremendous amount of marine life without ever going to the reef. It's almost certain you'll see massive schools of minnows, sea cucumbers, snappers, baby barracuda, small brightly colored tropical fish, huge puffer fish, ocean trigger fish, southern stingray and occasionally even a dolphin will visit.

Bimini

Bimini consists of multiple islands and islets, which might make it more appropriate to refer to it as “The Biminis.” This beautiful section of The Bahamas consists of North and South Bimini, which are two distinct islands that are separated by an ocean strait. Bimini is especially known for its great fishing, but also features a wonderful underwater environment that is perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and watching the amazing marine life.

New Providence Island/Paradise Island

The waters surrounding New Providence and nearby Paradise Island make for some fairly easy aquatic exploration. A lot of divers and snorkelers visit the Rose Island Reefs, Gambier Deep Reef, Lost Ocean Hole, the Booby Rock Channel, the Goulding Reef Cays, or underwater shipwrecks located in shallow parts of the sea near the coast. If you're looking for some great snorkeling, check out New Providence's Love Beach.

Eleuthera

Eleuthera has some great secluded beaches where travelers can snorkel offshore in maximum privacy. Another unique feature of Eleuthera is the Current Cut. This fast-moving gully can carry you on a flowing underwater current for 10 minutes. The waters around Eleuthera also hold various shipwreck sites and a submerged locomotive, which was being transported by a barge that sank in 1865.

Grand Bahama Island

Surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, Grand Bahama Island has a lot of dive spots, like the Wall, the Caves, Theo's Wreck and Treasure Reef. Divers also frequent Spit City and Ben Blue Hole. The unique aspect of snorkeling and diving in Grand Bahama Island is that the island is home to UNEXSO, which offers dive lessons for beginners.

Long Island

With its shallow bays edging sandy powder-soft beaches, Long Island has many possibilities for snorkelers. The south part of the island may be especially interesting to snorkelers because of its dramatic sea cliffs. Also, the east area of Long Island has great snorkeling.

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