Bahamas Resorts

Where’s the best resort-based diving in the Bahamas?

Only 30 of the Bahamas' many islands are inhabited. While a number of these offer diving opportunities, the standout islands for those looking for an exceptional resort diving holiday are New Providence, home to the nations’ capital, Grand Bahama and Bimini. Each offer comfortable accommodation options, excellent dive operators and thrilling diving opportunities.

The most westerly island in the Bahamas archipelago, Bimini’s waters fizz with life and offer diving experiences for all levels, along with excellent snorkelling. Coral reefs, canyons and blue holes are easily accessible and harbour marine life large and small, from juvenile reef fish to turtle, dolphin and eagle ray.

Several shipwrecks dot the waters surrounding the island; the most popular being the SS Sapona, a cargo steamer that ran aground during a hurricane in 1926.

Amongst experienced divers and underwater photographers, however, the island of Bimini is synonymous with great hammerhead encounters. Imagine an iconic shot of a great hammerhead up close and personal in beautiful blue water, and you are almost certainly imagining Bimini’s Hammer Headquarters. Daily safaris are available to witness these majestic animals, with early booking highly recommended, to avoid disappointment.

To the north of the Bahamas, Grand Bahama also draws divers from far and wide. One of the largest islands in the chain, it is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life. Like Bimini, a variety of diving experiences are provided for, ranging from coral gardens to wreck diving.

Grand Bahama is an excellent place for beginners, families and those looking to learn to dive, with calm dive sites, crystal clear waters & professional tuition allied to accommodation options with excellent facilities. Snorkelling is also available.

For the more experienced, thrilling shark dives await. Regular excursions offered to the famous Shark Alley, where Caribbean reef shark, lemon shark and nurse shark patrol the blue.

Home to the national capital of Nassau and the Bahamas’ main international airport, many diving holidays to the Bahamas involve a stop in New Providence. This vibrant island oozes culture and is home to international restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

It also offers great diving in its own right, with something for everyone. Of particular note are the wreck dives on offer, including the famous James Bond wrecks where you can channel your inner 007, along with shark adventure dives; a great introduction to the world of shark diving.

What to see when

Divers flock to Bimini Island, in the north of the Bahamas, for unique encounters with great hammerhead sharks. Hammerhead Safaris are offered daily from November through to April, with the best sightings usually between January and March.

Caribbean reef shark and other shark species are reliably seen around Grand Bahama and New Providence throughout the year.

Oceanic white tip shark can be seen between March and June around Cat Island, but require a dedicated expedition to see these apex predators. Speak to the friendly Regaldive team if you are interested to find out more.

Groupers are known to spawn around the full moon between January and February each year.