Strap on a mask and snorkel and jump into the Atlantic Bahamian waters for a glimpse of the country’s remarkable marine life on these five great Nassau tours.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
The Bahamas is a long archipelago marking the end of a long stretch of Atlantic Ocean between the Americas and Africa. This stunning string of islands, with their expansive shoreline and sheltered coves are a great place for marine life to thrive. For travelers spending time in Nassau, a whole range of snorkeling excursions is available, taking you to the best places to witness this marine ballet. These best five tours were selected after considering a number of factors, such as the value for money, health and safety measures, and the duration of the trip.
Nassau Catamaran Sail & Eco-Snorkel at Sea Garden
Choosing environmentally-friendly ways to travel has never been more imperative, so this sailing catamaran not only ticks that box (sails deployed only in favorable conditions) but is a really fun way to get around, too. You’ll head into the Sea Garden conservation area and stop to snorkel at reefs close to Nassau. Please note that this tour, as with many others on this list, departs from Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, a short bridge away from Nassau’s downtown. From $65 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Nassau Glass Bottom Boat, Banana Boat and Snorkeling Tour
For a fun blend of watersports in Nassau, check out this two-hour tour. Have a window on the marine world at all times thanks to the glass bottom boat harbor ride. Possible sightings include snapper and turtles. Next up you’ll head to a snorkeling site where you can spend 30 minutes exploring the reefs and rocks at your own pace, before testing out your balance on a banana boat ride. Effectively, this is three tours in one, with a Bahama mama cocktail thrown in as well. From $85 per person.
Pearl Island Beach Half-Day Snorkeling with Lunch
Just offshore from Nassau, a handful of long, thin islands sprinkle the azure ocean water, with gently shelving beaches and coral reefs. For a longer, more immersive snorkeling tour in the Bahamas, this five-hour trip involves transport from Paradise Island to the picturesque Pearl Island. Here you’ll have a barbecue lunch, sip a cocktail and take a guided snorkeling tour to the best sites on the island. Please plan ahead for this tour as there is no regular operating schedule. From $99 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Nassau Shore Excursion: Bahamas Snorkel Adventure
Another top half-day tour is this one from the cruise ship port, which is designed to run in tandem with cruise docking times. You’ll switch the ship for a much smaller boat and head out to find schools of tropical fish, where you can enter the water and snorkel right alongside them. for the more daring, there may even be a guide-led opportunity to swim with sharks, although they will also be visible from the safety of the deck. From $105 per person.
Sandy Toes Full Day Excursion to Rose Island
Rose Island is the ultimate bucket list destination for one good reason: swimming pigs! And although the whimsy and novelty of such an experience has made it extremely popular, this tour is one of the best ways to encounter the swimming pigs from Nassau. You can also don the snorkel equipment provided and go in search of tropical fish, before seeking out a hammock on shore for an afternoon nap, refreshed by the sea breeze. From $195 per person.