Snorkelling The Islands Of The Bahamas
Snorkelling the waters of The Bahamas is a fantastic way to experience adventure for all ages.
Just be mindful of a few things when going out at all times.
Written by: Rea Bethel
Photographs by: Rea Bethel and Janet Simonson
Tips & Rules
- Number 1 rule, use the buddy system at all times, NEVER GO OUT ALONE. If in a group be aware of everyone’s ability and appoint one member of the group to keep track of the entire group.
- Do not stand on the actual reef. It can cause reef damage. If you need to stand, find a sandy spot on or near the reef.
- Corals are living animals. We need to protect and preserve them. Do not break off pieces of coral to take home with you.
- Do not touch the reef with bare hands to stabilize yourself while taking footage unless wearing gloves. Find a secure rock underside to hold onto.
- If any trash is spotted on the reef, carefully remove it. If you can take it back to shore dispose of it properly.
- If a shark is spotted. Swim to shore calmly. Stop, wait, and watch to see which direction the shark goes and continue on. NEVER panic.
- Avoid wearing anything silver or shiny while snorkelling, take it off before going into the water. Mature barracudas are attracted to shiny objects. If you have forgotten to take off jewelry beforehand and you spot a barracuda that is starting to follow you, swim calmly back to shore and take it off. Do not attempt to take it off while in the water. Depending on how you feel, snorkelling can be resumed.
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To prevent your mask from fogging while in the water. Prior to snorkeling use saliva, baby shampoo, or specifically designed mask sea drops. Do not rinse out entirely, fogging will occur.
- For a perfect fit do a dry seal test with your mask. To do this place the mask against your face and create a seal by breathing in, make sure it sticks. The goal is to make sure you have a perfect seal that is not too loose nor too tight. A poor fit will create an unpleasant snorkel. If your snorkel has a leak valve make sure it’s not broken for that too will create an unpleasant snorkel. If it is broken, do your best to find a working one.
The Bahamas has some of the best places to have an underwater adventure including snorkelling trips around some of our amazing national parks and reserves such as: Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park
Learn more about snorkelling adventures from the Bahamas National Trust who are in charge of the national parks around The Bahamas.