Diving in the Bahamas
A trip to the Dean’s Blue Hole will make clearer Jaques Barzun Cousteau’s words, “From birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to the Earth. But man has only to sink beneath the surface, and he is free.” These words sum up the esoteric experience diving provides.
Diving in the Bahamas is more than leisure. It’s a way of life. With over 700 islands, there are many breathtaking diving locations in the Bahamas. These beautiful, tropical waters harbor some of the most exotic, exclusive marine life. We have compiled, in no particular order, the best five diving locations in the Bahamas.
Runway Wall, Nassau
Popularly referred to as Stuart Coves, the Runway Wall is one of the best scuba diving spots in the Bahamas. The reason for this is shark diving. The site acquired its name from serving as a runway for inbound sharks. Every year thousands of tourists visit the cove to experience the exhilarating thrill of spending time underwater with Tiger and other Caribbean reef sharks. There is also an opportunity for divers to participate in a shark feeding experience to get up close and personal with the sharks.
Tiger Beach, Grand Bahamas
If you are someone who cherishes picturesque beauty as much as diving, Tiger Beach is ideal. This location is considered by many as the most aesthetically pleasing and photogenic spot in the world. Located about an hour from the West End of the Grand Bahama Island, Tiger Beach is home to the eponymous Tiger sharks. Other sharks that own these terrains include the Lemon, Caribbean Reef, and Nurse sharks. In the company of local diving guides, visitors can have a closer interaction with the sharks and witness them being fed.
Current Cut, Eleuthera
Adrenaline junkies unexcited by the thrill of shark sightings should take a dive into the transparent waters of Current Cut. This diving site is found between Great Eleuthera Island and Current Island. This location, best experienced during an incoming tide, is not for the fainthearted and beginner divers. The the strong current can easily shake a nerve or even sweep you away.
If you have a decent diving experience, then this kilometer-long channel will be the ride of your life. Stingrays, Blacktip Reef sharks, Nurse sharks, and Turtles are just a few of the aquatic creature you will experience as dive through.
Dean’s Blue Hole, Long Island
Few spots on this list will challenge the bravery and adventure-seeking spirit of any Diver as the Dean’s Blue Hole. The deepest saltwater blue hole in the world and the second deepest overall, Dean’s Blue Hole is 663ft in depth. The hole located west of Clarence Town on Long Island is totally enclosed. On three sides of the hole are a natural rock amphitheater. The last side features a blue lagoon and white sandy beach. This creates an immersive experience. The beauty of the blue hole is that it is available to all categories of divers. However, each experience category has a maximum depth.
James Bond Wrecks, Nassau
Nassau has played an integral role in the success of the James Bond franchise serving as the backdrop for several Bond films. More than a diving site, this location allows divers to experience cinematic history firsthand. From the 1965 success “Thunderball” to the Tears of Allah shipwreck in the 1983 “Never Say Never Again,” this dive site has rich cinematic history.
Diving with a yacht charter
Yacht charters in the Bahamas provide you with a precious opportunity to dive, snorkel, beach and explore the Caribbean islands. Protected by one of the world’s largest barrier reefs – this collection of over 700 islands – is the perfect vacation spot. Cruise safely through uncharted waters and sink beneath them to feel true weightlessness. There you can truly be free.
