Watersports in the Bahamas: Fishing, Diving, Snorkeling, Sailing & Island Adventures
The Bahamas is a world-class playground for ocean lovers — from offshore sportfishing and legendary bonefishing flats to crystal-clear snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, yachting, and beach horseback riding. (You’ll also see this written as “water sports” — we use “Watersports” here for consistency.) The best part? With private charter flights, you can land closer to the out-islands where the water is clearest, the reefs are healthiest, and the crowds are smallest.
Best Bahamas Islands for Watersports
Different islands shine for different adventures. Use the quick links below to explore the best areas for fishing, diving, snorkeling, sailing, and more — then book the closest airport for your itinerary.
Use Our Bahamas Airports Map to Plan Your Trip
If you’re building an itinerary with multiple islands (for example: fly into Norman’s Cay and out of Staniel Cay), start with our airports map and destination network. We’ll help you choose the best runway for your resort, marina, lodge, or private cay.
Popular Multi-Island Watersports Routes
- Exumas Island-Hopping: Fly into Norman’s Cay → day trips to cays/sandbars → return from Staniel Cay.
- Abacos Sailing Loop: Marsh Harbour / Treasure Cay → hop between cays and marinas.
- Andros Fishing + Diving: Flats fishing + blue holes + dive excursions near lodges and reefs.
- Bimini Offshore: Quick access to Gulf Stream pelagics and tournament-style sportfishing.
Quick Tip: Pick the Airport Closest to Your Water Time
The Bahamas has many small airports across the out-islands. Choosing the closest airport to your lodge, marina, or cay can save hours of transfers — and put you on the water faster.
Not sure? Contact our charter team and tell us your destination — we’ll help match the best runway and customs plan.
Fishing in the Bahamas
The Bahamas is one of the top fishing destinations in the world. From blue-water sportfishing to shallow-water flats, the variety is unmatched — and private charter makes it easy to reach remote fishing lodges and out-island marinas.
Types of Bahamas Fishing
- Offshore / Deep Sea Fishing: marlin, sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo
- Bonefishing (Flats): world-famous shallow-water fishing on crystal-clear flats
- Reef Fishing: snapper, grouper, yellowtail, and more around reefs and structure
- Fly Fishing: trophy bonefish and seasonal shots at permit/tarpon in select areas
- Spearfishing: in-season opportunities in clear water (confirm local rules and guides)
Top Fishing Islands & Best Spots
- Bimini – legendary offshore fishing and quick access to Gulf Stream pelagics. Fly to Bimini
- Andros – globally known for bonefishing flats, plus blue holes and lodge access. Fly to Andros
- Abacos – excellent reef/offshore mix plus marinas and island hopping. Fly to Abacos
- Exumas – pristine, remote waters with a variety of fishing options. Fly to the Exumas
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in the Bahamas
The Bahamas is known for warm water, strong visibility, and incredible marine life. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or an experienced diver, you’ll find coral gardens, reef walls, and historic wrecks across many islands.
Best Spots for Snorkeling
- Exumas: calm, shallow reefs near cays and sandbars — ideal for families and beginners.
- Eleuthera & Harbour Island: beautiful reefs and turquoise shallows near beaches.
- Abacos: reef systems and sheltered waters around the cays.
Best Spots for Scuba Diving
- Andros: blue holes and unique underwater terrain (guided trips recommended).
- Exumas: pristine reefs and dramatic underwater scenery around the cays.
- New Providence / Nassau: easy access for dive operators and excursions.
Sailing, Boating & Private Yachting
The Bahamas is one of the best island-hopping destinations in the world. With countless protected anchorages and shallow sandbars, it’s perfect for sailing, catamarans, center consoles, and luxury yacht itineraries.
Top Islands for Sailing & Yachting
- Abacos: classic sailing territory with marinas and protected waters. Fly to Abacos
- Exumas: iconic sandbars and cay-hopping routes. Fly to Exumas
- Nassau / New Providence: convenient for provisioning and yacht services.
- Berry Islands: excellent for quick getaways, boating, and marina access.
Swimming with Dolphins in the Bahamas
For families and first-time visitors, dolphin experiences can be a bucket-list activity. Excursions vary by island and provider, so it’s best to plan around your resort location and confirm availability ahead of time.
How to Plan a Dolphin Excursion
- Choose the right island: Nassau / New Providence is often the easiest for organized excursions.
- Build it into your itinerary: pair with snorkeling, boating, and beach time on the same day.
- Book early in peak season: availability can fill quickly around holidays and spring break.
Swimming Pigs in the Bahamas (Exumas)
One of the Bahamas’ most iconic experiences is visiting the world-famous swimming pigs at Pig Beach on Big Major Cay in the Exuma Cays. Friendly and curious, the pigs are known for swimming out to boats in the shallow turquoise water, making this a must-do experience for families, couples, and first-time visitors.
How to Visit the Swimming Pigs
- Location: Big Major Cay (Pig Beach), Exuma Cays
- Best access: Boat tours from Staniel Cay or full-day excursions
- Pair with: Sandbars, snorkeling, iguanas, and Exuma island hopping
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Beach horseback riding is one of the most memorable Bahamas experiences — guided rides along white sand and shallow turquoise water. It pairs perfectly with a multi-activity trip (snorkeling + beach time + dining + boating).
Where to Find Beach Horseback Riding
- Grand Bahama: a popular place for guided beach rides.
- Nassau / New Providence: excursions and activity providers near major resorts.
More Fun Activities in the Bahamas
On-the-Water
- Sandbar trips and floating bars
- Jet skiing and parasailing
- Kayaking & paddleboarding (mangroves, creeks, lagoons)
- Surfing & wave riding (seasonal breaks, Atlantic-facing beaches)
- Shelling on remote beaches and uninhabited cays
- Sunset cruises and private boat rentals
Nature & Eco
- Mangrove creek eco-tours (ideal for kayaking)
- Blue hole exploration (guided recommended)
- Free-diving for lobster (crawfish) during legal season
- Conch gathering with local guides (where permitted)
- Wildlife viewing and birding
- Remote beaches and beachcombing
Family Favorites
- Swimming pigs (Exumas)
- Calm-water snorkeling
- Shallow sandbars and lagoon beaches
- Island food: cracked conch, grilled lobster, fresh snapper
Bahamas Watersports FAQs
Planning Your Bahamas Watersports Trip?
Whether you’re coming for fishing, diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, surfing, or a multi-island adventure, the right airport makes a big difference. Our charter team helps you choose the closest Bahamas runway to your lodge, marina, resort, or private cay — saving time and maximizing your water days.
Can you kayak and paddleboard in the Bahamas?
Yes. The Bahamas offers exceptional kayaking and paddleboarding, especially through calm mangrove creeks, shallow lagoons, and protected cays in the Exumas, Abacos, and Andros.
Is there surfing in the Bahamas?
Surfing is seasonal in the Bahamas, with the best Atlantic swells typically reaching exposed beaches in winter months, particularly in Eleuthera, Abaco, and parts of New Providence.
Can visitors catch lobster or conch in the Bahamas?
Lobster (locally called crawfish) and conch harvesting are regulated. Visitors may participate only during legal seasons and often with licensed local guides. Always check current regulations before planning.
Can private charter flights help me reach remote islands faster?
Absolutely. Private charter makes it easier to land closer to your target island, resort, lodge, marina, or cay — reducing transfers and maximizing your time on the water.