Under (Or Just On Top Of) The Sea: Experience Snorkelling, Diving, Paddleboarding, and More

Nassau & Paradise Island are a place unlike any other. Home of one of the world’s most extensive coral reefs, over 300 days of sunshine per year, and sparkling turquoise waters so vibrant you can glimpse them from the International Space Station, it’s no wonder we’re so fond of saying it’s better in The Bahamas. And when it comes to enjoying life on the water, your island home right next door offers plenty of ways to do just that, from swimming and snorkelling to paddleboarding and kayaking — or simply lounging by the pool.

Whether you’re visiting with your family, friends, or a special someone, we have everything you need to make a splash! Read on to explore just a few of the incredible aquatic adventures on offer here in Nassau and Paradise Island.

Venture Beneath the Waves at Baha Mar

With its coveted location on picture-perfect Cable Beach — widely regarded as one of The Bahamas’ most beautiful stretches of sand — Baha Mar offers the perfect home base for fun and adventure on the water. Guests here can ride the waves or venture below the surface with complimentary water rentals, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkelling gear. Or, if you’re looking for a more leisurely alternative, why not grab a floatie, water hammock, or inflatable lounge and soak up the sun in Instagram-worthy style in one of the resort's refreshing pools?

For aquatic adventures with a little more (sea) horsepower, the resort also offers several motorised water sport rentals to choose from. Find your balance on a Jetsurf board, dive to new depths with a Seabob rental, or try out one of their Aqua Karts for a fast-paced, go-kart-style experience on the water. Of course, when it comes to motorised watercraft, safety is always top of mind, which is why Baha Mar always has expert guides on hand to show first-timers how to operate their equipment safely and enjoyably.

Find Your Sea Legs on a Sailing Tour

The Bahamas are home to some of the most lush, vibrant reefs in the Caribbean — an underwater wonderland of coral and marine life just waiting to be explored beyond our sunny shores. Thankfully, Nassau & Paradise Island offer plenty of ways to do that, including on a sailing and snorkelling cruise with Seahorse Sailing Adventures.

Climb aboard a custom-crafted, open-air catamaran as you embark on a three-and-a-half-hour round-trip adventure that includes snorkelling equipment, flotation devices, expert instruction, and a full hour of underwater exploration at the reef site. Marvel at the rich diversity of marine life existing beneath the surface, from manta rays, clownfish, and eels to seahorses, angelfish, and beyond.

Afterwards, take advantage of a complimentary one-hour open bar on the return journey, where you can enjoy tropical drinks, beer, soft drinks, and water and raise a glass to an unforgettable aquatic experience.

Explore Breathtaking Underwater Caves

Located on the western end of Paradise Island, not far from the iconic Atlantis Paradise Island resort, Cave Beach offers an extraordinary under-the-sea experience like nowhere else. Famous for its distinctive limestone caves that run along the beach’s edge, this white-sand hideaway is a sensational swimming and snorkelling destination. It’s also a quieter alternative to lively Cable Beach and a favourite haunt for locals looking to soak up the sun.

Dive beneath the gentle waves and marvel at the play of light and shadow created by shafts of golden sunlight as they filter through the crystal-clear waters. Afterwards, spread out a beach towel on the sand and revel in the tropical tranquillity around you. A more no-frills experience than other nearby swimming destinations, Cave Beach doesn’t offer any vendors, rentals, or lifeguarding services, so be sure to come prepared with your mask, snorkel, and fins — and maybe even a picnic to enjoy while you’re here.

Snorkel the Ruins of a Legendary Lost City

Looking for an underwater excursion that takes you to legendary new depths? Channel your inner oceanic adventurer at Atlantis Paradise Island on a snorkelling expedition through the Ruins Lagoon. Home to more than 20,000 deep-reef and pelagic fish, this breathtaking open-air marine habitat is adorned with sunken artefacts inspired by the mythic lost city of Atlantis.

Learn the basics of snorkelling from a certified instructor, then wetsuit up and take the plunge into the 2.7 million-gallon lagoon. Wetsuits, masks, snorkelling gear, and towels are included in the experience, so you can be sure you’ll have everything you need to plumb the lagoon’s depths, which reach up to 15 feet! Plus, you can feel good knowing that every expedition helps to support the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting marine life and habitats in The Bahamas and across the Caribbean.

More of a landlubber? Not to worry — you can still enjoy a front-row seat to all the underwater wonders (or even snap a picture or two) from the Hall of Waters in The Royal. 

Have a Splashing Good Time

Does reading this have you dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime oceanic adventure in the warm, turquoise waters of The Bahamas? From beachside pools to open-water excursions, discover the world of incredible experiences on the water that await you here in Nassau and Paradise Island. Start planning your island escape today!