With 700 islands and 2,400 cays, scuba diving in the Bahamas is world-class. Not only does this sprawling archipelago have some of the world’s clearest waters, but it also has an abundance of sharks. So it’s only to be expected that you can find some of the world’s best liveaboards in the Bahamas.
Although the Bahamas is technically in the Atlantic Ocean as opposed to the Caribbean Sea, it’s widely considered part of the Caribbean, with a laid-back island vibe and abundant beach bars.
Accessible all year-round, the Bahamas features world-class dive sites for both beginners and advanced divers. You can explore thriving reefs, sinkholes, caves, and wrecks. And no matter where you go, you’ll see many, many species of sharks.
But, of course, the best (and fastest) way to explore the Bahamas is on a liveaboard, largely because many dive sites are only accessible this way.
So let’s dive into our overviews of the top five liveaboards in the Bahamas.
The Bahamas is a year-round diving destination, but depending on what you want to see, some months may be better than others. For instance, the best time to dive with sharks is between November and May. However, the summer months are just as good—just rainier and overall quieter. However, this doesn’t affect the diving conditions. The only difference is that you’ll need a wetsuit for the slightly cooler waters in the winter.
Aqua Cat
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Diving in the Bahamas onboard the Aqua Cat liveaboard is one of the best ways to experience all there is to offer in the cerulean waters of this archipelago nation. Case in point: you can watch thrilling shark-feeding sessions, peer over dramatic drop-offs, and be whisked away on scenic drift dives. Home to the third-largest fringing coral reef in the…
Key facts
Things we like:
- A wide variety of diving
- Flexible itinerary
- Land activities for non-divers
- Gourmet food
Things we don’t like:
- No free Nitrox
- No free port transfer to/from hotel/airport
- More expensive compared to other liveaboards
Cat Ppalu
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With average visibility of 80 to 100 feet (24 to 30 m) and water temperatures hovering around 80 F (26 C), the Bahamas is one of the best scuba diving destinations in the Caribbean. Its crystalline waters are rich with coral reefs, blue holes, wrecks, and caves. But perhaps the biggest scuba diving attraction in the Bahamas is its shark…
Key facts
Things we like:
- All-inclusive liveaboard
- Log up to 19 dives
- Guests can learn how to dive
- Non-diving activities
- Available for private charters
Things we don’t like:
- Shared toilets and showers
- Small dive platform
- Port fees and park fees not included
Blackbeard’s Morning Star
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Ahh, the Bahamas—beautiful beaches, delicious rum drinks, and pirates. Although the swashbuckling era is over, Blackbeard’s Morning Star takes you back in time during a 7-day/6-night adventure. Plundering is not on the itinerary, but the price tag will make you feel like you are diving in the Bahamas for a steal. Sailing in and out of Nassau, the itinerary covers…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Very affordable price tag
- Dive variety and quantity
- Camaraderie with fellow divers
- Complimentary alcohol (beer, wine, and rum punch)
Things we don’t like:
- Close quarters with traveling sound
- Mostly saltwater showers
- Clothespins not provided for drying line
- No nitrox
Where to book Blackbeard’s Morning Star:
Bahamas Aggressor
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Diving in the Bahamas offers some of the most thrilling and diverse encounters in the Caribbean. Boasting the third-largest barrier reef, there is endless opportunity to explore across this archipelago. Your journey on the Bahamas Aggressor will take you to some of the most iconic dive sites in the region, each with unique charm. Dives are made from the easily…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Highly experienced and knowledgeable crew
- Intimate setting
- Photo and video center for photographers
- Diverse dive sites and marine life
Things we don’t like:
- A couple of people noted that the liveaboard was worn and tired
- Limited space in staterooms
- Nitrox not included in cost
Where to book Bahamas Aggressor:
Dolphin Dream
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During your time onboard the Dolphin Dream, you can see some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving sites in the Bahamas. From colorful reefs to wrecks, walls, tunnels, and blue holes, the Bahamas has something for everyone. But perhaps most people want to travel to the Bahamas to swim with dolphins and scuba dive with sharks. After all, the…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Captain Scott has been diving and sailing in the Bahamas since 1980
- Snorkeling with wild dolphins
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Small groups (12 people)
- Port taxes included
Things we don’t like:
- Expensive compared to other liveaboards and for quality of boat
- Snorkeling and scuba diving gear rental surcharge
- Shared bathroom
Where to book Dolphin Dream:
Blackbeard’s Sea Explorer
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Mentioning the Bahamas conjures images of a quintessential tropical paradise. Between the beaches, rum, and pirate history, you’ll find relaxation and adventure in this gorgeous archipelago nation. Although Blackbeard’s Sea Explorer shares its name with a pirate, pillaging is not on the itinerary. However, the price tag will make you feel like you’re diving in the Bahamas for a steal.…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Very affordable price tag
- Dive variety and quantity
- Camaraderie with fellow divers
- Complimentary alcohol (beer, wine, and rum punch)
Things we don’t like:
- Close quarters with traveling sound
- No clothespins for drying line
- Mostly saltwater showers
- No nitrox
Where to book Blackbeard’s Sea Explorer:
Liveaboards in the Bahamas
Most liveaboards in the Bahamas depart from Nassau, but considering how close the country is to the United States, some boats also depart from Florida.
Either way, the liveaboards follow similar itineraries, and include the best dive sites across the Exumas, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Bimini, and many other breathtaking islands and islets.
Because of the many easy, shallow dive sites, most liveaboards in the Bahamas are beginner-friendly, but there are also deep dives and drift dives to satisfy the more advanced divers.
The dive trips usually last six or seven days, during which you’ll see a plethora of marine life, especially sharks, rays, groupers, and reef fish. Night diving is also very popular, so most dive boats will offer at least one night dive during the trip. Be in a night dive on a wall, reef, or even a wreck.
Apart from diving, many liveaboards in the Bahamas also offer free non-diving activities. Like beach excursions, snorkeling, kayaking, beach combing for shells, hiking in nature parks, etc. This combination of diving and land-based activities makes traveling onboard a liveaboard in the Bahamas the perfect holiday for divers and non-divers.
The best dive sites in the Bahamas
Home to spectacular reefs, wrecks, swim-throughs, and blue holes, the Bahamas features many must-see dive sites. Plus, it’s one of the best shark diving destinations in the world. Some liveaboards also organize shark-feeding sessions.
Expect reef sharks, bull sharks, hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, and nurse sharks. With excellent diving conditions, the Bahamas is also blessed with near-perfect visibility (80 to 100 feet/24 to 30 m) and calm, warm waters (75 to 81 F/25 to 27 C).
To help you plan your dive trip, below are some of the best dive destinations in the Bahamas.
Located 30 miles East of Nassau, the Exuma Cays are a chain of 350 cays with picture-perfect shallow reefs and beautiful biodiversity.
You’ll also find shipwrecks in these shallow waters, making wreck diving possible even for novices. The Exumas also have more challenging dives, including colorful walls with strong currents and various cave systems.
The variety of dive types makes the Exumas the most popular dive spot in the Bahamas, and almost every liveaboard stops here.
Further east, past the Exumas, lie Eleuthera and Harbour Island. Although there are dive sites for divers of all levels, diving in Eleuthera and Harbour Island is best-suited to advanced divers, especially drift divers looking for their adrenaline fix.
Like anywhere you go diving in the Bahamas, you’ll also see many species of sharks and healthy reefs.
Lying just 50 miles from Florida, Bimini is best known for shark diving. You can swim with reef sharks, bull sharks, lemon sharks, and nurse sharks. It’s also one of the few places in the world where you’re practically sure to see hammerhead sharks.
On top of close-up encounters with sharks, you can also explore shallow reefs, dramatic walls, and stunning wrecks. There are also exciting drift dives for the more advanced diver.
North of Nassau lie the Abaco Islands in a pristine, blue sea with healthy reefs teeming with marine life.
Diving in the Abaco Islands is suitable for beginners who want to improve their confidence underwater but also for advanced divers looking for rewarding dive experiences. There are tunnels, caves, and historical wrecks.
Although there are reefs suitable for beginners, Cat Islands is best known for the annual aggregation of oceanic whitetip sharks (April and May). To see these pelagics, you’ll drift dive into the blue at a steady depth. Of course, you may also see other species of sharks, even whale sharks. And, if you’re lucky, you might also see tuna, mahi mahi, and marlin. Have your camera ready.
Take a moment to look at this.
