Clear water, coral gardens and caves lit by sunlight make The Bahamas one of the most rewarding places on earth to put on a mask and fins. From a hidden grotto in the Exumas to a reef that stretches along Andros, these five spots show the islands at their most colorful. For travelers building a list of things to do in Bahamas beyond the beach chair, each one is worth the swim.
Thunderball Grotto, Exuma
Thunderball Grotto sits just west of Staniel Cay in the Exumas. This underwater cave is ideal for snorkeling, diving and wading, and its entrance is hidden from view. The best time to explore is at low tide, when snorkelers can swim inside without scuba gear. At high tide, the entrance sits below the surface and scuba equipment is needed. Travelers heading to the Exumas can pair the grotto with the famous swimming pigs day trip.
Andros Barrier Reef
According to the official website of The Bahamas, the Andros Barrier Reef is the third-largest fringing barrier reef in the world. On the island side, the reef drops to about eight feet, which makes it a great match for snorkelers. On the ocean side, it plunges to approximately 6,000 feet in the Tongue of the Ocean, a dramatic setting that also draws scuba divers. It remains one of the great natural wonders of The Bahamas.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park covers 176 square miles of land and sea and has been a no-take zone since 1986. The Bahamas National Trust describes it as the first marine reserve in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. Snorkelers can explore coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds, with fish, turtles and iguanas throughout the park. In 2018, it won the Platinum Global Ocean Refuge Award, and today it is the most visited national park in The Bahamas. Park wardens are stationed at Warderick Wells.
Peterson Cay National Park, Grand Bahama
Peterson Cay is a tiny 1.5-acre cay and the only cay on Grand Bahama’s leeward shore. It became a national park on April 1, 1968, and in 2015 its boundaries expanded to protect about 1,000 acres of mostly marine habitat. Snorkelers find themselves close to a vibrant and healthy reef system. A coral nursery near the cay can grow 250 elkhorn and staghorn corals at a time, and the cay is also recognized as an Important Bird Area for its nesting Bridled Terns.
Lighthouse Beach, Eleuthera
Lighthouse Beach sits at the southernmost point of Eleuthera. Beyond its sand, the beach is known for several hidden caves and great snorkeling just a walk off the shore, so no boat is needed to reach the reef. It is a rewarding stop for travelers who enjoy exploring the Out Islands at a slower pace. Visitors planning to see more than one island can find tips in the island hopping guide.
Snorkeling Close to Nassau
Not every traveler has time for the Out Islands, and Nassau offers plenty of time in the water too. Cruise guests looking for things to do near Nassau cruise port can start with the guide to the best snorkeling in Nassau without a boat. Snorkel trips fit right in among Nassau excursions and Nassau attractions, and they make a fun answer to what to do in Nassau on a sunny day.
Tips Before the Swim
Checking the tide matters, especially at Thunderball Grotto. Reef-safe habits help too: look without touching the coral and leave shells and marine life in place, since national parks protect these habitats. A good Nassau travel guide or Bahamas travel guide helps match each spot to the right island, and Nassau tourism offers a convenient starting point for island adventures. For anyone searching for the best things to do in Nassau and beyond, a day underwater is hard to forget.
FAQ
Where is the best snorkeling in The Bahamas?
Thunderball Grotto, the Andros Barrier Reef, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Peterson Cay National Park and Lighthouse Beach are five standout snorkeling spots.
Can you snorkel inside Thunderball Grotto?
Yes. Snorkelers can enter at low tide. At high tide, scuba gear is needed to reach the entrance.
How big is the Andros Barrier Reef?
It is the third-largest fringing barrier reef in the world, according to the official website of The Bahamas.
Is fishing allowed in Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park?
No. The park has been a no-take zone since 1986.
