The Top 10 Water Sports to do in the Bahamas
The Bahamas is located about 313 miles (500 kilometers) south of Florida, just north of the Caribbean Sea. It comprises 180,000 square miles of ocean, with an average summer temperature of 80-90 °F (27-32 °C) and 69-80 °F (27-32 °C) degrees in the winter. This ideal climate makes it the perfect place for a wide variety of water sports. Here are the best aquatic adventures to have in the Bahamas.
Jet skiing
Jet skiing is the water equivalent of driving a motorcycle; it is a water vehicle designed to carry one or two people per trip. It’s a fun activity that lets both riders feel the thrill of driving, while also giving you the chance to explore the open ocean to your heart’s content.
Parasailing
Parasailing is an activity that lets you experience the feeling of flying. One to three people are harnessed to a parachute, which is then attached to a boat. As the boat begins to move, air is caught in the parachute, propelling you into the air. There are many vendors on the local beaches that offer this service, and you can also book ahead of time.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is probably the most popular water sport when visiting the Bahamas. This activity will give you a chance to experience the country’s marine wildlife up close and personal. Prepare to explore the waters while swimming next to a variety of fish, coral reefs and crustaceans, like crabs or lobsters.
Banana boating
Banana boat rides are a great group activity for people traveling with family or friends. The group will ride on a banana boat while being pulled by another boat. The challenge is to hang on tight and avoid being thrown into the middle of the banana, and of course avoid getting thrown into the water.
Fishing
In case the aforementioned activities sound a bit too fast-paced for you, or perhaps they’re just not your style, then the Bahamas is also an ideal place for more traditional activities, like fishing. Almost every other beach resort and hotel offers fishing charters, and they will often show you the best spots in the respective area to catch a wild one.
Swimming with dolphins
There are many opportunities to interact with the local marine wildlife, and you can swim with a number of them, including dolphins, sharks, sting rays and a variety of different fish. You are free to visit the local beaches and swim with them at your leisure, but there is no guarantee you will find them. The most effective option is to go through one of the local companies, such as Dolphin Encounters.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a very relaxing and tranquil experience. It is a one- or two-person activity that allows you to paddle or drift along with the current of the water. Kayaking is perfect for those who might find activities such as jet skiing a bit too intense, and would rather opt for a more relaxing way to explore the ocean. Most hotels and resorts provide their guests with kayaking equipment upon request.
JetLink
JetLink is a full-service water sports training and outdoor activities company. They provide an amazing experience using the Jetpack R200X, propelling you up to 30 feet (9 meters) above or under the water for up to four hours! They also assure that 95% of clients will achieve free flight after just 15 minutes of training.
Shark feeding
This is one of the best ways to see some of the ocean’s top predators in action. A fish feeding is when a large amount of bait is thrown into the water to attract sharks to the surface, so that tourists can observe, take pictures and appreciate them for their size and speed. One of the local resorts, Atlantis, has daily feedings for a variety of sharks they have within the resort.
Sailing
The Bahamas is composed of over 180,000 square miles of water, making it perfect for long sailing trips. There are also numerous sailing clubs throughout the different islands, so, regardless of where you may be staying, you will have access to the equipment and guidance you need.