Bahamas snorkeling
 

We will be in the Bahamas in late February for a short week. We do not mind some travel to get to the right spot but are hoping to get some great recs on where that would be for us. In our perfect world we are looking for a non- resorty, quiet, beautiful beach with killer snorkeling that we could walk to. Some good diving and dining options would be a plus. Lodging could be a house, apt, B&B etc but really is not as important as the above qualities. Thanks in advance!

Sorry, your question is way too broad - There are over 800 islands & cays and 1,000's of resorts, villas, apartments and B&B's in the Bahamas. Which island or cay are you planning to visit?

Bahamas is not know for snorkeling. Late Feb there the water might also kinda chilly, so you can be aware.

Budget also helps.

Do you already have one of the islands in mind? Easy to get to Out Islands from Nassau; Freeport, not so much.

The best snorkeling is Andros, beaches there just okay. Requires a flight from Nassau

Eluethera has decent snorkeling, gorgeous beaches, but you'll need a car, as it's a really long island. (So snorkel may not be walking distance) Requires a flight from Nassau

San Salvador has great snorkel and diving, but really only 1 place to stay: Club Med All Inclusive. Snorkel really requires a boat, but 2 a day including at Club Med. Gorgeous Beach. Requires a small flight from Nassau.

Other Bahama Islands the snorkel is average.

Thanks to both blamona and Roams for your responses. I will try to clarify some but not having been to the Bahamas at all I don't know enough to know where I will really want to go. But some follow up questions for your posts are:

Initial thoughts were Abacos or Andros.

Travel: will be starting from Paradise Island as my wife is at a conference there, so figure flights from Nassau to wherever we end up.

Budget: trying to stay under $200/night

Since water temps are lower in February , is there a notable difference between northern and southern islands, say Grand Bahamas and crooked Islands in terms of air and water temps? Or even between Abacos and Andros for that matter?

While we are neither snorkeling/diving pros or true beach snobs we definitely are looking for good to great locations for both of those categories.

Being less resorty is also important I.e we would want to avoid Club Med type areas.

Thanks again!

There's not a big difference in temperatures, either air or water, between the northern and southern Bahamas - perhaps 1 or 2 degrees F., if any. Regardless, it will be cool in February - think in terms of average daily highs in the mid-to high 70's F. Water temperatures will be in the low 70's F. - bring light weight wet-suits if you plan on spending much time in the water.

We found some nice snorkeling reefs off of Long Island but they were fairly far off-shore so accessible only by boat.

I'm guessing with budget of $200/night for accommodations you are looking at something pretty simple - basic motel or guest house - not necessarily on the beach.

Every Out-Island we visited you need a rental car to get around.