Bahamas
Why
The Bahamas are an ecological paradise made up of over two thousand
breathtaking islands located approximately 80 miles east of Florida.
These islands are renowned for their white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise water.
Diving in the Bahamas is characterized by three main components: Dramatic
walls, reefs and coral walls abundant with flora and fauna. The perfect destination
for exciting encounters with marine animals, in the world clearest water.
Divers at all levels can enjoy the overwhelming reef walls, mysterious
caves, an amazing blue hole, shipwrecks and exciting meetings with sharks.
In the Bahamas, there are several regions where you can dive with different species of
sharks, for example Tiger sharks in the Tiger Beach area, the rare Great Hammerhead
on the island of Bimini, and the Oceanic Whitetips off the island of Bimini.
When
The weather is wonderful and characterized by a stabile climate, there are
no changes is season. This together with comfortable sea conditions allows
optimal conditions for recreation and diving throughout the year.
Tourism in the Bahamas is very developed, sought after and is at a high standard,
compatible with American tourism.
The islands are situated in path of hurricanes and were hit by these storms in 1992 and 1999.
Therefore, it's best to keep up to date on weather changes, especially during the summer and
fall, which are great diving seasons and as a result the demand for vacant spaces is high.
How
The most common way to reach the Bahamas is usually via the US,
making it a favorite destination for US visitors.
The best way to dive and visit as many sites as possible is via diving cruises.
The Carib Dancer, belonging to the Aggressor fleet, which we represent in
Israel, is comfortable and luxurious. The ship sails from one spectacular site
to another allowing an ultimate vacation and coverage of vast sea areas.
We of course represent additional ships in the Bahamas.
In order to experience amazing shark dives, accommodation is available in
amazing resorts. Dive boats depart from the resorts daily and offer a range
of diving excursions that last a few hours.
כללי על היעד
אופי הצלילות
מה רואים
Dive Siets in the Grand Bahama Area– the most northern island.
Shark Junction/ Shark Alley
This site is famous for the number of sharks that come to the area
to hunt! Two research and conservation organizations on the island
are allowed to feed the sharks. The rich seabed covered with coral reefs
is a safe place for divers to observe these amazing creatures come to eat.
Level: Suitable for all divers.
Depth: 12 meters
Theo’s Wreck
A superb dive in which a gigantic 80 meters long cruise ship was deliberately sunk
in 1982 and now rests on the sandy bottom, covered with colorful corals and a lively
environment filled with schools of fish, huge eels, reef sharks, turtles, dolphins and more.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers.
Depth: 30 meters
Tiger Beach
Considered the world's best shark diving site! On this beautiful beach, in its shallow
waters, you can encounter families of Tiger sharks, Caribbean Reef sharks, Lemon
sharks and many more species. This unique spot is a true paradise for photographers.
Level : Suitable for all divers.
Depth: 4-20 meters
Dive Sites in the Abaco Islands
The Towers
Diving on this site is not merely a normal reef dive… On descending into the big blue,
you will see a pinnacle reaching to a height of 18 meters or more, tunnels and stone
caves, which are covered with a large variety of corals, among them swimming large
schools of fish, turtles, manta rays and tiny sea creatures.
Level: Suitable for all divers.
Depth: 18-25 meters.
Dive Sites in New Providence Island- close to the capital city, Nassau
Lost Blue Hole
The rim of the 12m blue hole is home to a huge number of giant schools of fish and
different species of coral. It is the perfect site for any photo enthusiast, as the sand
surrounding the full of various tiny and rare creatures. At a depth of 25 meters, you
can see lobsters hiding in crevices, and by looking down deep to the bottom of the hole
at 60m, you can see various types of sharks, such as Nurse sharks and Blacknose sharks.
Level : Suitable for all divers.
Depth: 12-32 meters.
Dive Sites in the Exumas Islands
The dives take place in a small area surrounded by a rich nature reserve.
Jeep Reef
Apart from the impressive jeep found on the seabed in the heart of the
nature reserve, it is also possible to meet a vast variety of fish and corals
feeding on the strong currents common in this region.
Level : Suitable for all divers when currents are weak.
Maximum Depth: 11 meters.
Cathedral
This amazing site is located in the Exuma Nature Reserve, as part of the
“Dog Rocks” Reef. You can observe a wide variety of corals and large fish
such as groupers, sharks, manta rays and of course many colorful reef fish.
Level : Suitable for all divers.
Depth: 11 – 15 meters.
Amberjack Reef
A shallow, colorful and vibrant reef, where you can see, among other things, many
reef sharks, huge schools of Jack Fish and groupers, an eel garden and lots of macro life.
Level : Suitable for all divers.
Maximum Depth: 11 meters.
Austin Smith Wreck
A ship belonging to the local army lies on the seabed at 18 meters. The 28-meter ship
sunk in 1995 on its way to San Salvador, where there should have been an artificial
reef. It is named after a crew member who drowned in an accident. The ship is home
to an impressive variety of corals and you may also observe Reef sharks here too.
Level: Suitable for all divers.
Maximum Depth: 18 meters.
Dive Sites in the Andros Island
Over the Wall
A fantastic 20 meter dive along a wall that has a steep drop to 60 meters. Here lies
a rich reef full of magnificent corals and hundreds of reef fish. This is a great site for
an amazing and very popular night dive, where you can see illuminated Plankton
glittering in every direction! Every little movement you and the other divers make
these illuminated plankton shine around you, even the bubbles sparkle! on a night
dive you can also see masses of lobsters, shrimps, Morey eels and much more.
Level : Suitable for all divers.
Depth: 20 meters.
Dive Sites in the Bimini Islands area The most remote group of
islands in the Bahamas. Some say that the dives in this area are some of the best
in the Caribbean, as they include shallow reef dives, walls, shipwrecks and more.
Atlantis Road
This popular site received its named because it is believed that the straight
stone structures, walls and even a road sign directing you to the city are
actually man-made from the legendary city of Atlantis. In a shallow and
easy dive you can see the huge and impressive stone structures.
Level : Suitable for all divers and an excellent place to snorkel.
Maximum Depth: 6 meters.
Sapona
It is a shipwreck built by Henry Ford in 1911, with a special story. The ship,
which is about 83 meters long, was used only once to transfer soldiers during
the First World War. In the 1920s the ship was hit by a hurricane, collided into
a reef so that its base lies only 6 meters deep, and half of it is above sea level.
Since then it was used by rum-runners for parties and to store of drinks, and was
blown up during World War II by the Americans. Another hurricane hit the ship
in 2004. Despite all this the ship still stands firm! The shipwreck has many holes
and niches, which have become hiding places for many creatures, among them
lobsters, many reef fish, Nurse sharks and more. A true paradise for photographers!
Level : Suitable for all divers and an excellent place to snorkel.
Maximum Depth: 6 meters.
The Bimini Barge
This site features a ship that sunk in a hurricane in the late 1980s. The ship lies on the
sandy seabed at 30 meters deep very close to a wall that falls into the depths. Due to its
unique location, it is possible to spot both pelagic and reef fish. The wreck is 36 meters
long and its shallow part is at 20 meters deep. Many corals have grown on the ship's
body making it the perfect habitat for numerous species of fish, including Jack Fish,
barracuda, whiptail stingrays, different species of shark, giant groupers and many more.
Level : Here the currents are usually strong, this site is suitable for advanced divers.
Maximum Depth: 20-30 meters.
Tuna Alley, Victory Reef, The Nodules
These are all great diving sites located between Bimini Islet and Cat Islet, and are actually
the islets walls. The dive starts with a moderate descent from 15 meters to more than 30
meters, and during the dive you can observe an additional ridge at a depth of 20 meters
that descends to the depths. These ridges are ancient coastlines, which are amazing
evidence of the changes in sea level over the years. A variety of dives can be performed
on these sites to see diverse and fascinating stone structures of walls, caves of different
sizes, arches, all surrounded with many types of corals, mainly sponge coral. Don’t forget
to take time to look around in the beautiful blue water, where you will be able to see big
fish such as blue fin tunas (in spring), Nurse sharks, turtles and more.
Level : Suitable for advanced divers.
Maximum Depth: 15-30 meters.
International Time
GMT - minus 5 hours.
Entry Visa
You are required to present a valid passport with at least 6 months
validity from the date of entry and a return flight ticket.
Flights to the Bahamas are usually via the US and therefore you
will need a valid entry visa to the US also.
for more information please contact the nearest embassy in your country.
Vaccines
There are no recommendations for any vaccinations whilst visiting the Bahamas
and there is no information on local diseases. We recommend keeping updated
with your Ministry of Health website, regarding vaccines.
Personal Documents
A passport with at least 6 months validity.
Travel and diving insurance - can be purchased on this site.
A credit card is accepted in most places (but only on some of the
boats) saving the need to carry excess cash.
Diving certificate, valid diving insurance and a diving logbook.
Photocopy of your passport, diving certificates and travel insurance.
Make sure to keep it in a separate file from the original documents.
Diving equipment
It is recommended to bring your own equipment with which you are
accustomed to using, especially a mask and a dive computer. This as an
intensive week and a computer is essential.
Check your diving equipment prior to your departure.
Rented scuba diving equipment must be booked in advance. Payment for
the equipment will be directly to the boat.
Water temperature throughout the year is between 25-28 degrees.
We recommend a short 3-5 millimeters wetsuit, throughout the year.
Important items to bring along: An inflatable buoy to mark your location attached
to a puller and rope, reef hook against strong currents, a whistle attached to your
BCD, and simple gloves to grip the reef if necessary.
Photography
The Bahamas are one of the most spectacular places in the Caribbean.
You do not have to be an expert photographer in order to take superb photos to
capture some amazing, unique and unforgettable moments.
Diving packages are available for most kinds of cameras, for photography above
and under water. Easy-to-use extreme cameras are also a popular choice.
The liveaboard produces a video on every cruise that guests may purchase.
Clothing
It is unnecessary to pack a lot of clothing on a dive holiday in a
tropical climate. A light garment to wear in the day between dives
is recommended and the dress code on board is casual. One or two
buttoned shirts for the evening can be useful.
Towels and bedding are provided by hotels and on the boats.
Medication and First Aid
Pre-equip yourself with enough personal medication, the chance of
obtaining specific drugs is impossible. Do not forget to stock up on
seasickness pills if necessary.
Pack a high factor sunscreen to protect you from prolonged exposure to
tropical weather, appropriate clothing and remember to drink plenty of fluids.
The ship is equipped with comprehensive first aid equipment including oxygen.
Flights
For flights via the US, you will need a valid US visa even if you are just in
transit. When you receive your flight ticket, please ensure that your name is
spelled exactly as in your passport!
Whilst checking in, make sure that the label on your suitcase shows the final
destination of your trip.
You must arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.
The number of bags and their weight should comply with airline restrictions to
avoid overweight charges.
Transportation, Arrival and Pick Up
The package does not include transportation to and from the ship,
but arrival is easy. Most public transport is in the form of local taxis.
On arrival you can catch a taxi from the airport to the marine where the ship docks.
On return from your cruise, the ship will assist in organizing the shuttle to the airport
or to one of the hotels if you decide to extend your vacation in the Bahamas.
Communication
In the marina area and on the first and last day of the cruise there is
available Wi-Fi access and also cellular phones can be used.
Whilst travelling in remote areas, you may purchase a satellite communication
package enabling internet access, communication, sending and receiving e-mails.
Weather
The weather is wonderful and is characterized by a great stabile climate and
optimal sea conditions, which allow recreation and diving throughout the year.
The Bahamas are renowned as a place with 350 days sun a year and therefore
tourism is developed and sought after.
It is important to know that the islands are in the hurricane path and the number
of hurricanes are relatively high between June and October but there is very little
chance that this will affect your specific trip.
These are great diving months for diving and the demand on boats is high and
therefore you should update up before arrival on this subject as well.
Sea conditions
Most activity takes place in a pleasant and calm sea, but sometimes seas are high
due to local winds. Some of the sites have currents we will use to dive in their direction.
Use an inflatable buoy to mark your position, until the dive boat arrives.
Visibility conditions under the water are good and range between
18-30 meters. Keep at safe distance that allows eye contact with the
group leader according to the site's visibility.
Electrical Supply
110 V, we recommend to bring a universal adapter to avoid problems.
The sockets are American.
Money
The local currency is the Bahama dollar whose value is equal to the US dollar,
which is also accepted everywhere. It is always recommended to check before.
Credit cards are accepted by all tourist service providers.
Local Taxes
Local airport tax a and entrance to the Marine Park is $100 (can be changed),
per person and payment is in cash or by credit card directly on the boat. This data
may be modified by the authorities without prior notice, as already occurred in the past.
Tips
Tips are commonly paid on the cruises and the approximate going
rate is 10-15 percent of the price of the cruise.
Emergency Numbers and Decompression Chambers
The closest decompression chamber is located in the hospital in the capital Nassau
and if necessary and the ship will conduct the evacuation.
Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Nassau University Medical Center Primary:
(516) 572-5201, 24-Hour: (516) 572-8820, Chamber: (516) 572-520
On Shark Dives - are the Sharks Dangerous?
Shark dive tours in Bahamas allow diving with some of the world's most famous
large and dangerous sharks, such as Tiger Sharks. However, these sharks are classed
as delicate and complex animals, and hundreds of divers around the world dive with
them every day. Diving with these big sharks is definitely an exciting and overwhelming
experience and it is recommended to dive with smaller sharks before you 'take the plunge'
and dive with the larger ones! Shark dive cruises in the Bahamas are definitely diverse,
here you can meet more friendly sharks for those who are beginner divers.
Are cruises suitable for non-divers?
Activities and the nature of the trip are suited for divers. During the cruise there
are plenty of places to stop of one of the islands, swim, snorkel and explore. This
is an optimal destination to bring along companions who are non-divers. The b
reathtaking landscapes, excursions on the island, conditions for swimming and
snorkeling are perfect to ensure you enjoy the trip of a life time!
Do I need to be an experienced diver to participate in such a trip?
Not necessarily, but previous experience is always a plus. The dives are with a guide
and it is an intensive week. Without a doubt, non-experienced divers will benefit from
this trip. Professional instructors accompany all dives and divers are split up into groups
according to their level of experience. Therefore, everyone can fully exploit their
personal potential. It is recommended to be at least an advanced diver with nitrox and
depth certification. Some of the dives are to a depth of 40 meters with strong currents.
Do I Have to Have Nitrox Certification?
On an intensive dive tour, it is recommended to use Nitrox. Using the dive computer in
regular air mode whilst breathing nitrox increases safety ranges. The Nitrox supply is
approximately $125 per week for those who are certified. You can also get certified for
Nitrox onboard for $195 and $ 75 for nitrox use after the course (prices might change).
How Many Dives are there During the Trip?
The cruise offers unlimited diving and many guests dive an average of 5 a day,
except on Fridays when there is only one dive after which the cruise returns to
its port of origin. Arrival time to the port is at 13:00.
Do we Disembark the Boat?
During the week there are several opportunities to visit the beaches, swim, snorkel
and explore the islands.
What Kind of Food is Served During the Cruise?
The food served is varied and usually American and Caribbean cuisine.
Breakfast have a superb selection of tropical fruits, fresh and chilled fruit juices,
dishes made according to your request, cereals, yogurts, excellent coffee and more.
Lunch is 3 courses and includes soup, baked bread, a selection of main dishes and
delicious desserts.
Dinner in a relaxed atmosphere and includes a fresh salad and a choice between
chicken, fish or meat, a selection of drinks and margaritas.
We will be happy to respond to requests and personal preferences, please make sure
that you have filled in the questionnaire in advance.
What is the Alcohol Policy?
We recommend that you purchase your favorite alcoholic drink from the nearest
duty-free shop. The boat takes precautions regarding drinking and diving. Anyone
who consumes alcohol will find himself or herself snorkeling until the next day!
What Happens when I Return to the Port at the End of the Cruise?
As stated, the ship returns to the port on Friday afternoon and at sunset, a cocktail
party is planned on board. You can take an afternoon explore the island and the ship's
crew will be happy to help organize such a trip.
Dinner is not served on Friday and guests can choose one of the island's restaurants to dine in.
On Saturday after a light breakfast, the ship sets sail at approximately 08:00.
Do I Need Medical Approval to Dive?
You do! In principle, the requirement for medical approval is international with a medical
statement accepted by diving organizations. If the answers to all the questions in your health
declaration are negative, then there is no problem. If there are positive answers, consult your
diving doctor and get approval. If you are over the age of 45, medical approval is required.
Should I Purchase My Own Diving Equipment?
The answer to this question is according to the amount of dives. Naturally, when
planning a scuba diving trip you can decide to purchase full or partial scuba equipment.
We recommend to purchase your own mask and personal dive computer.
We would be happy to be at your service and offer advice on purchasing equipment.
