snorkeling
 

Hi. We're leaving for the Bahamas this week.
When it comes to snorkeling, is there a good place to possibly rent gear and do it on your own? I've heard you can swim out several yards and see lots. I'd rather do that and save $ instead of paying a tour company to take us out, although I'm sure that would be nice.
Thanks for any input anyone has!

Where are you going in the Bahamas? Robert

We're staying in Port Lucaya.

Ou can rent a boat and the area near shore between Lacaya and Freeport offers great snorkeling. The Fish Farm and Pillar Castle sites can be snorkeled to from shore, but I'd advise to use a boat, for safety reasons. Fish Farm averages 13 feet in depth and is at the eastern end of Bell Channel. Fish are tame here due to hand feeding by locals. Two huge stands of pillar corals make up Pillar Castle, in about 15 feet of water to the north of the mooring site. A small cavern has also been sculpted out by wave action, usually thousands of silversides take refuge in. A tame and huge green moray eel has taken up residence here. Lloyd Bridges in the original Sea Hunt was filmed at Sea Hunt Reef, just east of the Sanctuary Bay Channel. Many corals and sea fans in this area. There are so many places in the area. Not enough space here to tell all. Ask questions when you get there from the boat rental. Also ask about Rainbow Reef and Blackbeard Reef, both close to shore and good sites to snorkel. Hope this helps. Robert

You're wonderful!
Thanks for your help!

I would strongly suggest you buy your own snorkeling equipment. It is inexpensive and you will know how clean it is and in what condition. Renting three times would probably pay for a snorkel and mask and that is really what you need. You can manage without fins (or rent)---they're heavy to carry around when traveling.

thank you, I have heard that's a good idea....much more sanitary.