Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving in The Bahamas: Explore Underwater Paradise Safely and Securely

Here are all the ins and outs you need to know for planning your diving adventure in The Bahamas:

Dive Certification

The Bahamas has a variety of certification and Bahamas instruction courses. These are led by a team of dive instructors who are widely experienced and extremely knowledgeable in the world of Bahamas scuba diving.  The courses vary in terms of what they offer and how close you get to a full certification. Some of the courses, such as the Open Water Referral Course and PADI Open Water E-Learning Referral Course, help students to complete a certification that has already been started.

 All BDA operators offer learn-to-dive courses for non-divers. Certified divers will enjoy more dive sites, but there is great diving for divers and non-divers alike.

When to Dive

The Bahamas is a year-round diving destination, but it is important to note that the hurricane season runs from June through November. If your clients have set their sights on the sharks, then you’ll want to book them from October to June, optimal season for spotting the bucket list species. 

Weather & Water Temperatures

Weather temperatures vary slightly based on the time of the year, ranging from 80-85°F in the summer to 70-78°F in winter.

The temperature of our crystal-blue water averages an amazing 80°F year-round. Here is a monthly guide of water temperatures:

• January 72° - 75°

• February 72° - 75°

• March 73° - 77°

• April 74° - 75°

• May 75° - 77°

• June 78° - 80°

• July 80° - 82°

• August 81° - 83°

• September 80° - 82°

• October 78° - 80°

• November 77° - 79°

• December 75° - 78°

Visibility

The Bahamas has some of the clearest waters in the world. Divers can expect visibility beyond 150 feet 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 (over 60 meters).

What to Bring

Remember to bring your C-card and logbook. Bringing your own diving and snorkeling equipment is suggested for a proper fit, but dive operators and dive shops are happy to rent fins, masks and snorkels.

Dive Operators

Dive operators in The Bahamas are extremely well-equipped and knowledgeable. They can fill divers’ own tanks, plus they offer Nitrox dives to those interested. In addition, many operations offer accommodations for special needs.