10 Amazing Water Sports You Can Do in the Bahamas

Swimming through clear 80°F waters with the sun shining down and glinting off corals sounds a little too good to be true. But here in the Bahamas, it’s just the way things are!

The Bahamas is one of the best countries in the world for watersports for many reasons. The water here is typically very shallow and exceptionally clear, making it safe for children and those not used to sea swimming.

As the islands are low-lying, beaches are plentiful and easy to get to. On many islands, you can walk from one side to the other and experience different water conditions for different sports. That means you can swim in calm water or kayak in gentle waves without traveling far at all.

No matter what water sports experience you have, there’s something for you on your Bahamian vacation. We’ll introduce you to the best water activities and show you the most amazing sights.

Read on to see 10 of the most exciting water sports the Bahamas has to offer.

1. Snorkeling

Whether you’ve snorkeled all over the world or are a total beginner, you’ll love snorkeling in the Bahamas. With warm water all year round, you’ll discover a mixture of pure white sand and coral outcrops.

You can snorkel right from the beaches or a boat, and there’s no wetsuit required. We provide all the gear and instruction for anyone who requires it so you can get the most out of your experience.

See if you can spot Caribbean spiny lobster, the beautiful blue tangs, and the famous conch as it shuffles in its huge shell along the seabed.

2. Jet skiing

If you like a little adrenaline, you’ll be pleased that jet skiing is a classic water sport in the Bahamas. With spacious bays and shallow waters, you’ll be able to zoom around and see the rugged shores and beautiful beaches from the sea.

When hiring a jet ski, you’ll receive instructions on how to drive it safely and the best spots to go to. It’s not for the faint-hearted but once you get up to speed, you’ll never look back.

3. Swimming (with Pigs!)

Tourists aren’t the only ones who love swimming in these clear, warm waters. Pigs do as well! The Bahamas has a famous group of semi-wild pigs next to Staniel Cay, and here at Sandy Toes, we have our own happy group of swimming pigs.

Living on nearby Rose Island and looked after with great care, our pigs love to swim out to greet guests in the water. No one so far has been able to stop themselves from laughing as these cheeky pigs doggy-paddle their way out into the shallows.

Take a snorkel mask with you in the water so you can see the pigs’ little legs swimming like Phelps!

4. Fishing

Made famous by Ernest Hemingway, who loved fishing in the Bahamas, there are lots of boat trips available that offer sport fishing. The Bahamas is blessed with many fantastic sport fish like blue marlin and tuna.

You can take fishing trips in the bays around the islands or choose a big game fishing trip and head into deep water. Luckily, while the islands have shallow banks, it doesn’t take long to get into much deeper seas.

5. Windsurfing

With countless bays and wonderful breezes, the Bahamas is a world-class destination for windsurfing. The wind is best in the winter months, but you’ll often get good winds year-round.

With windsurf schools on major islands, you don’t need to be a pro before you arrive and can learn from scratch in the warm, shallow waters.

6. Boat Tours

The best way to see the Bahamas is by taking boat tours. With so much to do and see, boat tours offer a way to swim, snorkel, visit islands, and see what this nation is all about.

When you take our day excursion, you’ll get to enjoy a wonderful boat tour to a private island. With glorious white sand, a delicious local buffet, and lots of activities, you’ll experience so much in a single day.

7. Wreck Exploring

Did you know that the Bahamas has lots of wrecks? From small aircraft to boats and ships, you can snorkel out to see how fish and lobsters have made wrecks their homes.

Thanks to the shallow water, you don’t need diving gear to see many of the wrecks, and you might even find underwater sculptures like the mermaid and the piano at Rudder Cut Cay.

8. Swimming with Turtles and Dolphins

Turtles and dolphins are regular guests to the waters around the Bahamas, and you might get lucky simply swimming around. In Nassau’s Blue Lagoon you can take dolphin swimming tours and meet these friendly and intelligent creatures for yourself.

Turtles are common sights for divers and snorkelers alike. Watch as they swim lazily around without a care in the world.

9. Scuba Diving

With deeper wrecks, blue holes, and underwater caves, there’s plenty to explore for scuba divers. You can rent equipment or take a scuba course and see the amazing marine life under the sea.

The Bahamas has some beautiful reefs teeming with brightly colored fish and even the odd friendly shark. You’ll be able to go much deeper than if you were snorkeling and see fish that rarely come to the surface.

10. Kayaking

Kayaking is a fun and relaxing way to get out on the water in the sunshine. We offer kayak rentals so it’s easy to hop in and paddle off. Even if you’ve never kayaked before, you’ll be in a safe place thanks to the calm waters and beautiful conditions that the Bahamas is famous for.

Try out Different Water Sports in the Bahamas

It’s impossible to visit the Bahamas and not feel the pull of its stunning water. With so many water sports on offer here and such perfect weather conditions, it’s the best place to try new sports and explore the underwater world.

From kayaking and diving to snorkeling and swimming with our Sandy Toes pigs, every day of your Bahamas vacation will be an adventure.

Get in touch with us to book our amazing excursions or to find out more about our vacation packages. We look forward to welcoming you to this incredible destination!