Diving - FAQ's

Blue holes are a phenomenon created during several ice ages, when sea levels were 400 feet lower and The Bahamas was a great exposed limestone platform. Centuries of acidic rain water etched into the vast bank, creating circular depressions of various sizes and other magnificent formations.

1) Why is diving in The Islands of The Bahamas better?

The word Bahamas means “shallow banks”.  We boast on having the world’s third largest barrier reef with more than 360 blue holes plus, with 160 blue holes on the Island of Andros.  You can snorkel on one side and drop off on the other.

Secondly, with virtually no runoff, nearly all rainfall is absorbed by porous limestone islands.  Sedimentation is minimal creating some of the clearest tropical waters in the world.  Divers can expect visibility beyond 150 ft. year-round with the very best visibility often found immediately after a winter or eastern front has moved through.  During these periods, the sea can become flat calm and visibility can exceed beyond 200 feet.

2) Do I have to be certified to dive in The Bahamas?

Yes.

3) What types of dives do The Bahamas offer?

*Dolphin Encounters, Wreck Diving, Shallow Reefs, Wall Dives, Blue Holes, Caverns,  Wall Flying, Liveraboards & Splendid World-class Drop-Offs.

*Sharks Encounters - (We strongly recommend this diving should only be done with one our certified Bahamas Diving Association members only!) Which is done in a control enviroment  and divers & feeders are fit with a full body chainmail suit. The feeders present the bait on the end of a stainless steel rod (spear), a technique that keeps the sharks a bit farther away during the feeding encounter.

4) Can I go snorkeling off the beach?

Yes.

5) What is the average water temperature in The Bahamas?

Between 75-85 degrees.

6) Do Bahamian dive operators offer Nitrox dives?

Yes, dive operators offer Nitrox dives.

7) Can I go spearfishing in The Bahamas

Yes, free dive only and non-mechanized equipment such as an Hawaiian sling. The use of power spear guns at anytime is against the law.

8) Can divers get their own tanks filled in The Bahamas?

Yes.

9) Are there any operators geared for handicapped persons?

Yes. e.g. Stuart Cove, Unexso.

10) Are marriages performed underwater?

Yes.

11) Do I need a visa to enter The Bahamas?

U.S. citizens; a visa is required for stays exceeding eight months.

Canadian citizens; a visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days.

Click here for complete travel details to see if you require a visa to enter The Bahamas. Please note entry requirements for citizens from various countries may differ.

12) Do I need a wetsuit?

No. But during the months of November-February a 3 Millimeters neoprene full length wet suit is suggested but not required.

13) Where is the nearest recompression chamber located?

The nearest recompression chamber is located in Nassau.

14) What is the average water temperature in The Bahamas?

Month       Temp.        Range

April         74⁰F-75F      23⁰C

May          75⁰F-77⁰F    24⁰C

June         78⁰F-80⁰F    26⁰C

July          80⁰F-82⁰F    27⁰C

August      81⁰F-83⁰F    28⁰C

September 80⁰F-82⁰F   27^OC

October     78⁰F-80⁰F    26⁰C

November  77⁰F-790F    26⁰C