BAHAMAS - where's the best SNORKELING?
 

My family and I will be going to both Nassau and Port Lucaya in October. We plan to snorkel as much as possible. Does anyone have suggestions for any decent places to snorkel or any boat trips to get to good snorkeling places? Thanks!

Mike: My wife daughter and I just returned from a Diving(scuba) trip off Nassau. I'd suggest you contact some of the well-established diving operations in Nassau. The morning dives are deep for scuba divers only, but many have shallow afternoon dives for snorkelers. Contact Bahama Divers for great afternoon snorkeling trips in beautiful reefs., like Thunderball Reef, which is in about 10-15 feet of water, or Fish Hotel which has an incredible array of reef fish. Call them toll free at 800-398-dive. have fun, Bob

Plan to snorkel and swim with the stingrays on Blue Lagoon Island. There is no coral or anything where the stingray area is, but it is a real thrill to feed them and swim above them as they glide along below you. There are some beautiful fish that will swim right up to you as you sit in the water across from the entrance to the stingray area. They send you to snorkel more in the public area on the other side of the island. If you are all good swimmers the best snorkeling is to the right by the rocks.The other snorkel tour we liked was Sunday party on the Flying Cloud catamaran. Get there early for a seat on the roping (like a hammock), you sail, snorkel, have lunch on a pretty beach and play volleyball or swim. Captain Marvin and crew were great, gave kids a free t-shirt. Fresh water showers given after being in the salt water and they have steps into the water!

While you are in Port Lucaya, check out a place called Paradise Cove on the West End - about 20 minutes out of Freeport - for some great snorkeling. The reef is about 50 - 100 yards offshore. We saw parrot fish, grouper, angel fish, a sting ray, a flounder and a 4 foot long nurse shark. The people who run the place are very concerned about protecting their reef and their snorklers and provide briefings to every one before they are allowed to go to the reef. I don't know what the cost of the tour because we stayed at Paradise Cove, but they have a website you can check out. Have a good trip.

Try the "Flying Cloud" which leaves from Paradise Island near the Atlantis. This big catamaran carries you to an island about an hour's sail from Nassau. You will spend about an hour and a half snorkeling in some of the most beautiful, clear water we have seen. There were tons of colorful fish, some of the best snorkeling possible. My husband even saw a sea turtle (fairly rare). The crew of the boat is wonderful, serves a great barbecue lunch. Price: around $40 per person, which is a bargain for a good meal in Nassau! brochures for this trip are at all the hotels, and they will pick you up if you call in advance. We highly recommend it!

Thanks for all the great feedback everyone! We'll definitely check out the Flying Cloud!!