Bahamas Snorkeling Tours

Reasons to Go Snorkeling in Freeport

Dennis Plunkett — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

The Bahamas has long been a diving and snorkeling mecca for underwater enthusiasts around the world. If you're coming to the Bahamas with a limited amount of time, it can be difficult to decide on where to lay your head while you're here. Sometimes, flipping through the pages of a glossy magazine makes the process more overwhelming than helpful, especially if you're basing your entire holiday around a snorkeling excursion. It's true there are several fantastic places to throw on some fins and go andlsquo;a wandering', but if you've got your eye on Grand Bahamas, here are some reasons why Freeport may be the perfect home base for you:

3 Great Tour Excursions on Offer

If this is your first time to the Grand Bahamas, hiring a boat and going out on your own may not only be intimidating, but also, expensive. So save yourself the time, money and hassle and climb aboard one of three fantastic snorkeling excursions on offer. The first, excursion, the Sensational Snorkeling Sea Safari, is barrel of fun for the whole family! The vessel you venture out on, the Fantasia features a 30-foot high climbing wall, and adrenaline pumping sliding board. The 30-foot slide is a favourite amongst youngsters, and while the kids are at play, there is a vast deck to bask in the sun, enjoy a refreshing cocktail and lunch away at the on-board Bar and Grill. The other two excursions, the Robinson Crusoe Beach Party Snorkel and the Deserted Island Cruise and Beach Party all feature great music, plenty of fabulous Caribbean cocktails, and of course, plenty of time to dip and dive like the mermaid (or merman) that you are!

Snorkeling Sites Galore

If Grand Bahamas has a lot of something, it's snorkeling locales. There are oodles of great places to drop the anchor and go exploring like Peterson Cay, the smallest national park in the Bahamas, and an uninhabited island located close to Freeport. With several naturally formed walls, excellent visibility and plenty of shallow places for novice snorkelers to feel comfortable, this is a great spot. Paradise Island is another favorite amidst visitors - it's a two mile square island surrounded by a living coral wall, secret caves and an abundance of bright tropical fish to keep you visually entertained.

Freeport is Fun to Explore

Hey, it's not like you're a dolphin, you can't spend your entire vacation bobbing around in the sea, right? Lucky for you Freeport offers up a great selection of on-land activities that will no doubt appeal to your land-loving soul. There are plenty of beautiful beaches, but that's a given - What isn't a given is places like Port Lucaya, a hub for tourism, and chock full of amazing restaurants, boutiques and services to meet your every whim and be sure to look out for great live music on Friday and Saturday nights!

There are few places in the Bahamas that don't offer up some of the best snorkeling in the world, but if you're after a great mixture of culture, beautiful beaches and of course, memorably snorkeling sites, Freeport is definitely a place to throw on your list.

Down Under in at The Abacos

Dennis Plunkett — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

We could name a 101 reasons why The Abacos are a fantastic dive and snorkel spot, but then it would lose its uniqueness, and its one of those truly beautiful places that underwater enthusiasts can't do justice by chatting about it. One of the main differences between Abaco and many of the other Bahamian Islands is its exposure ; We have are directly exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike many other Bahamian Islands, The Abacos has direct exposure to the Atlantic, and the reefs in and around this region look significantly different than other reefs around the country. Another unique and fabulous feature, is while most snorkeling locales around the Bahamas are quite deep, The Abacos is considered shallow. This particular is also prone to cooler temperatures during the winter months which are exactly almost too chilly for delicate for corals to survive. But don't worry, you'll still find it quite warm!

Abaco's fringing coral reefs, ornate, etched and lively, have been attracting visitors for decades. If you look closely at the base of the reef, you'll notice it's been rigorously etched out with the constant tidal flows, which have created a fantastic maze of interconnecting tunnels. For snorkelers, the island of Great Abacos, the largest of the settled islands in the chain, offers a fun on land experience in between snorkeling sessions. As the top destination in the world for sailing, visitors love cruising past the funky candy-striped lighthouse of Hope Town on quaint little Elbow Cay, visiting the mighty shipbuilders of Man O'War Cay, tossing your reel in for some great deep sea fishing or just lounging on the myriad beaches on offer here in The Abacos. Pelican Cays National Park is another great activity to tick off the list, and with all those intimate islets to explore in concert with the array of shallow coral gardens, teeming with tropical species, you'll realize in moments why this is one of the hottest Bahamas snorkeling spots.

There are number of protected underwater oases here in The Abacos that are the perfect setting for anyone throwing on snorkeling gear for the first time. The Fowl Cay National Reserve and aforementioned Pelican Cays National Park are often brimming with silver baitfish, and at spots near the edge, you're bound to see a reef shark or two.

Consisting of its very own 120 mile long stretch of islands and islets, The Abacos are not just a great snorkeling destination, they're a great place to hang your hat for a week. Great Abaco and Little Abaco are the two main towns in the archipelago, and while they may not have the same hustle and bustle as Freeport or Nassau, visitors can come here to escape the more touristy options, and enjoy life out on the edge. With the Atlantic breeze in your hair every day, and nothing but endless azure seas before, the best way to spend an afternoon here is to grab your gear, hop in a boat, and take yourself on a wild adventure!

Bahamas Nurse Shark

Dennis Plunkett — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

When most people envision the Bahamas, they think of spectacular beaches and amazing weather. While the Bahamas is indeed one of the most beautiful areas on the planet, there is an even more intriguing world that lies within the ocean waters. Bahamas Snorkeling offers you a chance to get an up close and personal view of the amazing marine life. One of the exciting creatures that you are bound to run across is the nurse shark.

Although the nurse shark has a menacing appearance, it does not usually pose a threat to humans. Unlike some of the other shark species, the nurse shark spends most of its days peacefully lounging near the sea floor. When they are seen swimming around, nurse sharks are usually looking for food. Their diet consists of squid, shrimp, and fish.

With the ability to grow up to 14 feet, the nurse shark can send chills through the spines of some snorkelers. Even the average-sized nurse shark of eight-feet exudes a fearsome presence. Its strong jaws and serrated teeth are just as effective as they look. However, the nurse shark does not usually attack unless it is provoked.

Some of the distinguishing physical characteristics of the nurse shark include a grayish-brown color and large tail fins. One thing that separates the nurse shark from the other types of sharks is its smooth texture. If you desire to see this amazing sea creature in person, Bahamas Snorkeling will present plenty of opportunities to do so.

Bahamas Crabs

Dennis Plunkett — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Crab dishes are gourmet favorites. However, the land crab, found in the Gulf of Mexico area and throughout the Caribbean, is probably rarely seen on a Bahamas snorkeling trip. This land crab isn't really a sea animal. It lives in the low-lying areas close to land. Its legs extend a foot from side to side, and its meat, which is considered a special delicacy, is white and sweet.

In some areas of the Caribbean and the Bahamas, the large land crab population leads to an extraordinary journey. It occurs in June when the crabs begin a trip from their burrowed homes to the sea. This fantastic undertaking sometimes becomes a five-mile venture to lay their eggs. Perhaps some 40,000 eggs in one area are laid by the females and fertilized by the males. Once in the sea, the eggs become a kind of larva, called a zoea. The zoea begin another incredible journey, this time back to the area of the original burrows. Only a few survive. Those that do become land crabs.

The land crab mostly survives on grasses and leaves that are located near its burrow. The crab is a popular food choice in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and South America. Harvesters have reported collecting as many as 400 crabs in a single evening during the migration period.

Different species of crabs are found in southeastern North and South America. A Bahamas snorkeling venture is an exciting way to discover a gourmet delicacy.

Caribbean Reef Squid

Dennis Plunkett — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

A Bahamas snorkeling adventure enables you to explore the colorful reefs and exotic marine life that lies offshore. Get an up-close look at the torpedo-shaped Caribbean reef squid, which has the ability to fly out of water. Found throughout the Caribbean Sea, these reef squid are usually found in small schools. While hatchlings reside close to shore, these amazing sea creatures migrate further out to sea as they mature. First residing in turtle grass near the shore of various islands, adults later venture out to deep-water coral reefs. Watch how the young squid mimic the movement of the grass to avoid detection from predators and prey.

It is also common for divers and snorkelers to view these marine animals near the inshore reefs of Florida, the Bahamas and other Caribbean islands. They are often confused with cuttlefish because of the large fins, which wrap around their mantles. You can view these sea creatures up close as they appeared to be intrigued with humans. Witness how squid communicate through a variety of changes in their color, shape and texture. It is believed that the squid can create almost 40 different patterns. The changes are produced by the chromatophore organs and muscles tied directly to the squid's brain. It can be fun to watch as these changes are used to ward off predators and attract a mate during courtship. View the amazing Caribbean reef squid and other colorful tropical fish during your Bahamas snorkeling adventure.

Bahamas Lionfish

Dennis Plunkett — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

If you are a fan of Nassau snorkeling, identifying fish can be part of the fun. One fish that you may very well see is a Pterois or Lionfish, as they are commonly known. They are gorgeous creatures with contrasting stripes, and they come in colors that range from creamy white to red black. Fans of long, thin spikes protrude from their tails, fins, and backs.

They're beautiful fish, but look and make sure not to touch: Lionfish spikes are venomous and their poison can cause a variety of symptoms in humans. If stung by a Lionfish, seek help immediately: Their stings can cause intense pain, headaches, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, and many other symptoms. In rare cases, paralysis, heart failure, and even death have been reported from Lionfish stings. In most healthy people, symptoms will be milder, but if are stung and show signs of allergic reaction (swelling of tongue or throat, chest pain, or difficulty breathing), get to a hospital right away. These are symptoms of anyphylaxis, and they are life-threatening. Even if you don't have a severe reaction, the effects of Lionfish venom can last for several days, effectively ending your Bahamas snorkeling and perhaps even ending your vacation or trip prematurely.

The Nassau Aquatic Experience

Dennis Plunkett — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Our catamaran will transport you across the glittering blue waters to drift peacefully above one of the many coral reef communities. Here, you'll gently enter another world beneath the soft, glass-clear surface. While you may be accustomed to environments on land, whose characteristics are often largely framed by botanical or plant characteristics, the coral reef is actually a colony of many tiny animals living together. Coral polyps construct the character of the aquatic landscape collectively, providing a structure around which many other species make their homes.

While snorkeling in Nassau, you'll encounter both vertebrate and invertebrate species during your time beneath the waves. If coral polyps are the dominant species present in a reef ecosystem, reef fishes constitute the greatest range and diversity of any animal group that make their homes among the coral. In the greater Caribbean region alone there are over 500 distinct species, a small fraction of the numbers found in other oceanic regions.

Many of the non-predatory varieties of fish you'll encounter on the reef exhibit fantastic adaptations to reef life, such as a thin, flat body shape with attenuated pectoral and pelvic fins. These features render maneuvering about the solid reef structures far easier for the fish, and also create a fantastic experience for visitors, with their brilliant and flashing motions, and the bright colors that actually camouflage them among the corrals and sponges. Fish species are well-adapted to exploit the various food sources of the reef community, which leads to a striking variation in physical features designed to aid in the search for specific nutritional needs. Some of the fishes you'll delight to encounter are:

• Parrotfish

• Surgeonfish

• Rabbitfish

• Damselfish

• Sturgeon

• Sea bass

• Jawfish

• Squirrelfish

• Cardinalfish

• Soldierfish

However, perhaps the most delightful reef denizens you'll encounter during your snorkeling adventure are sea turtles. While several members of this group of species range far beyond the sanctuary of the reef community, they often seek the sheltered feeding grounds of reefs close to secluded sandy beaches that they favor for nesting purposes. Among two of the best loved are the Hawksbill turtle and the Green Sea turtle. These gentle and wondrous creatures are facing pressure from human expansion and destructive activities that include pollution, hunting, competition for living space that often destroys their nesting territory, and competition for food sources favored by both turtles and people.

If you're seeking a tang of danger, without the actual risk, visit one of the designated shark feeding areas. Here, you'll swim with reef sharks, which are taking advantage of food resources in specific places. These powerfully graceful creatures are often misunderstood and misrepresented in the media. Take the opportunity to observe them in their habitat and get a better understanding of their crucial role in aquatic environments.

Selecting the Perfect Snorkeling Adventure in Nassau

Dennis Plunkett — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Snorkeling in Nassau

Nassau is one of the most heavenly retreats for individuals who enjoy diving and snorkeling. With crystal clear waters shading from aquamarine to sapphire, this gem of a Caribbean vacation spot offers a variety of places to investigate the beautiful marine ecosystems. Both visibility and water temperature lend themselves to snorkeling, and enthusiasts flock here each year to avail themselves of the many tours and guided excursions. However, not all tours are equal. If you're headed to paradise, why not select your guides from the frontrunners of the business?

Selecting the Perfect Adventure

Coming to Nassau is all about experiencing the beauty of your surroundings. With the Seahorse Sail and Snorkel Adventure, you'll be able to avail yourself of the ultimate luxury of reveling in the lived experience. Climb aboard one of our luxurious and spacious catamarans and view Nassau and the surrounding seas from the same vantage many other adventurers, both famous and infamous. Beneath the brilliant sun and snapping sails, hark back to another time of romance and adventure, imagining how famous pirates Henry Morgan and William Teach, also known as Blackbeard, must have felt when they first beheld the natural wonders and safe harbor of Nassau.

Though they are the most notorious of Nassau's visitors, they are only two of the many who have been captivated by the breathtaking scenery. The biggest advantage to selecting a tour or guided experience of a snorkeling adventure is being able to take your ease and let others do the navigating. When you choose the best guide, they fall back on their knowledge of the surrounding points of interest and reef beauty spots, providing a day sure to be filled with high-quality memory making material.

Top 3 Snorkeling Tours in Freeport Bahamas

Dennis Plunkett — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

At Bahamas Snorkeling Tours, we offer the best prices on Freeport Bahamas snorkeling tours, guaranteed. In fact, if you find a better price somewhere else, we will match it! Snorkeling in Freeport is a fun and rewarding experience that your entire family will enjoy. Learn about our top three most popular Freeport Bahamas snorkeling tours as well as the activities they offer.

Sensational Snorkeling Sea Safari

Our Sensational Snorkeling Sea Safari tour is a classic choice. Come aboard our newest motorized catamaran, Fantasia, which features a 72-foot wide double deck. This tour ventures out to Grand Bahama Island where snorkelers will enjoy diving into the breathtaking coral gardens bellow the crystal clear water.

The Sensational Snorkeling Sea Safari tour is perfect for families with young children. Fantasia features a 30-foot high rock climbing wall as well as a 30-foot long slide. The colorful and vibrant coral gardens are located in shallow water, which is ideal for families with small children.

With constant supervision from our friendly and professional staff, you can rest assured knowing that your family will enjoy a safe and memorable experience. Exotic fish frequent the Grand Bahama Island and our staff can gather them so you can enjoy a closer look.

Once you're finished exploring the coral gardens, step back on board for a freshly prepared meal and beverage from our bar and grill.

Robinson Crusoe Beach Party and Snorkel

The Robinson Crusoe Beach Party and Snorkel tour is ideal for adults and older children. This tour begins on our premier party boat, the Bahama Mama, and cruises through the crystalline Grand Bahama Island. The Bahama Mama has remained a main attraction for over 15 years and is sure to delight even the pickiest guests.

Complete with a sun bathing deck, buffet styled lunch, bar and tropical tunes, you will love the unlimited fun offered by the Robinson Crusoe Beach Party and Snorkel tour. As an added bonus, this tour visits our secluded and private beach escape, the Shangri-La. There you can enjoy swimming, relaxing on the soft golden sand, or engage your competitive side by participating in volleyball or other beach games. Included in this tour is 90 minutes of snorkeling at a breathtaking coral reef, complete with living coral and tropical fish.

Deserted Island Cruise and Beach Party

The Deserted Island Cruise and Beach Party tour combines the best of both worlds. Guests get to enjoy a 30-minute from the beautiful Grand Bahama Island to Peterson Cay, an unspoiled preserve that will delight outdoorsy types and nature lovers. This tour is ideal for anyone who enjoys swimming and snorkeling in pristine waters with some of the most breathtaking exotic fish in the world. A refreshing picnic style lunch accompanies this tour as well as unlimited rum and punch. For a tranquil day relaxing on the beach, look no further than the Deserted Island and Beach Party tour.

Snorkeling in Freeport is an unforgettable experience for both young and old. All of our tours are guided and supervised by professional staff for your safety and enjoyment. For the best priced tours in Freeport that don't sacrifice the fun factor, look no further than Bahamas Snorkeling Tours.

Popular Destinations to Snorkel in Nassau

Dennis Plunkett — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Swim among the bright corals and sea sponges to explore the habitats of crustaceans, starfish, fish, and turtles. View the predators of this underwater ecosystem at a comfortable distanceandmdash;sharks, barracuda, and other fishes. Catch a glimpse of the elephant's relative, too, the gentle manatee, as they graze in shallow reef lagoons. These tours, when conducted by the best and most responsible companies, are a form of ecotourism. They allow people to experience the beauties of this unique environment without offering harm to the many species that call it Home.

Because many of the local beauty spots are located in waters less than 25 feet deep, they offer opportunities suitable for visitors of all but the youngest ages. Some of the most popular destinations are Little Elvis, Nari Nari, and Goulding Cay. As well, snorkeling tours may include one or more of the shallow shipwrecks, which have formed a framework upon which aquatic ecosystems have developed.

Snorkeling in Nassau is a wonderful way to experience the wild beauty beneath the waves. Because it offers visitors a glimpse of another world, one well worth preserving, you'll want to take your time, and select the ultimate adventure. Make the most of your time in Nassau, whether it's a day or a two week stay in this paradise. The Seahorse Sail and Snorkel Adventure offers you the premium experience, filled with unforgettable sights and the best snorkeling locations. Come and join the adventure today.