There are more than 700 islands in the Bahamas group, which range in size and flavour from large and lively to tiny and private. Diving is one of the most popular activities in the islands and the types of diving on offer vary as widely as the islands themselves.

The Bahamas has something to offer every diver: adrenalin-packed encounters with sharks, virgin reefs, slick dive schools, wrecks and plenty of marine life. At least one shark-feeding dive is a must - they may be a bit of a circus, but what a circus!

The outer islands offer some really good reef diving with lots of life and, with the right training and guides, the chance to have a go at some entry-level cave diving.

Nassau
The capital of the Bahamas, where old world charm meets the 21st century. British heritage is in evidence in the pastel coloured Georgian architecture, and quaint wooden offices and shops scattered along lively Bay Street. Enjoy 21st centurey shopping and entertainment in the modern resort areas. Shopping in and around Nassau is a delight. Souvenir hunters will enjoy the unique selection in the Straw Market - this is the one place on the island where you can freely haggle with the vendors, in fact, it's expected.

Cross the bridge to paradise - Paradise Island that is. This two mile long playground is dedicated to fun and relaxation. Stunning beaches, a plethora of resorts, restaurants, shops, a golf course, a 14-acre aquarium and the largest casino in the Caribbean.
There are many dive sites accessible from Nassau - over 40 frequently visited with over a dozen wrecks. Nassau is at the centre of The Tongue of the Ocean, giving access to over 15 miles of wall diving starting between 10 and 14 metres. Nassau is also home to various shark diving experiences.

San Salvador

350km south east of Nassau, San Salvador is a different world. This is the island where Christopher Columbus made landfall on his epic voyage of discovery in 1492. Today less than 1100 people live here but it is a mecca for scuba divers who come to enjoy both excellent shallow diving and superb wall diving.

The Abacos

The Abacos offer access to the third largest barrier reef in the world with sites as shallow as 5 feet and extending downwards. The diving season is year round with water temperatures averaging 75F. Diving of all types is on offer - reef, wall, wreck, caverns plus encounters with wild dolphins and turtles.

Andros

Andros Island is home to an underwater world second-to-none and, as on the island itself, much of this territory is unexplored. You can experience diverse diving from shallow water, wreck and blue hole dives to dramatic wall dives off the 6,000 feet deep Tongue of the Ocean. Approximately 1-1½ miles off the east coast is the island’s major dive highlight, the Andros Barrier Reef, the world’s third largest barrier reef.

Below the surface of Andros Island is a complex maze of underwater caves called blue holes. Experienced recreational divers can enter from either the island or ocean entrances and can even retrace the steps of the famous Jacques Cousteau.

Inland Blue Holes
Inland blue holes like The Little Frenchman, The Guardian, Captain Bill's Blue Hole and many others offer experienced divers a special thrill. There are hundreds of blue holes on Andros -- many of which are unexplored. Blue holes were originally caves that were flooded at the end of the last ice age, and exploration didn't even begin until the late 1950s.

Ocean Blue Holes
Twisting canyons, crevices and tunnels of blue hole underwater cave systems draw divers from around the world. At about 40 to 45 feet you find many varieties of coral, fans and fish. The more experienced diver can go deeper to find shells and cave systems at depths up to 130 feet.

The Exumas

The Exumas are located in the middle of island chain, yet remain mostly undisturbed. A collection of some 365 cays and islands stretching over 120 miles, The Exumas are supported at the far southern tip of the chain by two main islands, Great Exuma and Little Exuma. These islands are where most of the commercial development is. The scenery doesn't vary much, as the islands are only 7½ miles across at the widest point, but the pristine beaches, the crystal-blue waters and the lush tropical greenery attract people from around the globe.

Diving enthusiasts from around the world believe The Exumas are one of the most spectacular places in all of The Islands Of The Bahamas to take in the beauty of the world beneath the ocean's surface. Vast beds of undisturbed coral reef teeming with brightly coloured schools of fish of every variety can be seen surrounding The Exumas, in addition to the Austin Smith Wreck.

The Bahamas has it all. It's a brilliant spot for a lively, party all night holiday or a family holiday, or a honeymoon or.... you can find an island that will suit your taste. Best of all, the diving is brilliant wherever you go.

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Cosmopolitan Nassau has all the glitz of Las Vegas with casinos and lavishly themed hotels most set on lovely stretches of sandy beach. All types of food and drink are readily available; be sure to try some local delicacies such as Conch, which is served in all manner of ways from fritters to salad! The Bahamian dollar is linked the US dollar and both currencies are accepted. In common with much of the Caribbean, it is best to adopt the local easy going attitude as service can be a little slow at times.

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