Is Snorkeling Better In Nassau Or Cococay?

Nassau and Cococay are both beautiful locations for snorkeling, each with its own unique benefits. Nassau boasts clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life, making it an appealing way to enjoy the beauty of the Bahamas. The reef at Nassau has two excellent spots for snorkeling, including Snorkel Beach on the east side of the island and snorkeling tours.

Cococay, on the other hand, is known for its secluded beaches and tranquil waters. The best place to snorkel at Cococay is at the north end of the island near the coral reef, where the water is crystal clear and there are many different types of fish to see. Most snorkelers in Nassau go on an excursion to offshore reefs that cost from 50-70pp.

In terms of snorkeling, there are several options available in The Bahamas, including renting snorkeling equipment, taking a kayak excursion to snorkel for 1.5 hours at 69pp, or using jet skis at CocoCay. The ski tour on Royal Caribbean’s private island is awesome and safe, while the water is prettier than the cable beach in Nassau.

Coco Cay offers bungalows for snorkeling, watersports, and exploration, with a maximum depth of 25-30 feet. The big beach at Chill Island is perfect for snorkeling, but there are some sunken artificial items out there. Goulding Cay Reef off the west coast of New Providence is considered the best option for kids and beginning snorkelers.

In summary, Nassau and Cococay are both excellent locations for snorkeling, with their unique benefits and unique features. While Nassau offers clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life, Cococay offers secluded beaches and tranquil waters, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the Bahamas’ underwater world.

Does CocoCay have good snorkeling?

CocoCay, also known as Little Stirrup Cay, is a stunning private island in the Bahamas. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, CocoCay offers some of the best snorkeling experiences in the Caribbean. If you’re a snorkeling enthusiast or someone who loves exploring underwater wonders, you’re in for a treat! Let’s dive into the best snorkeling spots on CocoCay and discover the treasures that await beneath the surface.

Top Snorkeling Spots on CocoCay. When it comes to snorkeling on CocoCay, you’re spoilt for choice. Here are some of the top snorkeling spots that you should definitely check out:

• The Wreck of the S.S. Our Lucaya: This shipwreck is home to an abundance of colorful fish and fascinating coral formations. It’s a perfect spot for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
• Rainbow Reef: As the name suggests, Rainbow Reef is a kaleidoscope of colors. This vibrant reef is teeming with a variety of fish, including angelfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish.
• The Grotto: This unique underwater cave system offers a mesmerizing snorkeling experience. Swim through the caves and marvel at the ethereal beauty of the sunlight filtering through the openings.
• Aquaventure Cay: Located just off the shores of CocoCay, Aquaventure Cay is a thriving ecosystem of marine life. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and even the occasional nurse shark.
• Snorkel Bahamas: If you’re looking for a guided snorkeling tour, Snorkel Bahamas has got you covered. With their experienced guides, you’ll explore some of the island’s best snorkeling spots and learn about the fascinating marine life.

Which Bahamas island has the best snorkeling?

A tiny speck of an island a short distance northwest of Nassau, Pearl Island is a fantastic destination to snorkel around Nassau.

Pearl Island’s certified snorkel guides lead enthusiasts to some of the best snorkeling spots with the island’s coral reefs lying just 50 feet offshore.

Trumpet fish, Bahamas grunts, porcupine fish, sand divers, queen triggerfish, grouper, lionfish, moray eels, Bahamas shrimp, and parrot fish are just some of the species lurking underwater.

Take in the vivid blues and greens of the reef before returning to shore and enjoy a walk to Pearl Island’s pretty white and pastel-hued lighthouse.

Where is CocoCay compared to Nassau?

CocoCay or Little Stirrup Cay, sometimes titled Perfect Day at CoCoCay () is one of the Berry Islands, a collection of Bahamian cays and small islands located approximately 55 miles (89km) north of Nassau. It is used for tourism by Royal Caribbean Group exclusively. Little Stirrup Cay is adjacent to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruises’ private island since 1977.

The island is less than a mile (1.57 kilometer) long from east to west and less than 480 yards (0.43 kilometer) from north to south. It has a population of 38 (2010 census).

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., which owns Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, assumed the lease of the island upon acquisition of Admiral Cruises in 1988. In 2019, the island was extensively renovated by Royal Caribbean at the cost of $250 million and renamed Perfect Day at CocoCay. Upon being announced in 2018, the renovation plans were criticised by activists, who raised concerns about harm to the environment and “natural beauty”, drawing Disneyland comparisons, and to small local businesses.

Which island in the Bahamas has the prettiest water?

Exuma isn’t just one tiny place but rather a chain of more than 360 islands dotting the Caribbean sea. The islands have been largely left untouched with purposeful conservation, allowing visitors to swim in its gin-clear waters in peace and solitude.

Where to Stay in Exuma, Bahamas. For accommodations, look to the biggest island in the archipelago, Great Exuma. There are plenty of luxury hotels, villas, and cottage accommodations to choose from, so you can find your perfect fit. One of our favorites is the Rosewood Baha Mar, a 5-star luxury resort that combines that easy sense of Bahamian leisure with refinement and tranquil natural beauty.

When To Visit. High season runs from December to April and promises dry and pleasant weather. It’s a great time to take a dip in some of the clearest waters in the world. If you prefer thinner crowds, opt for the shoulder season of May and November. Weather is still good, though there’s technically a higher chance of rain.

What months are best to snorkel Bahamas?

The best time to snorkel in the Bahamas is any time you feel like it. Peak season is from mid-December to mid-April, but the air and water are warm enough even in the off-season to make snorkeling a possibility any time of year.

Don’t know how to snorkel? Don’t worry! Taking a snorkeling class is easy and informative so you can learn everything you need to know.

1. Clear Waters. One of the best things about snorkeling underwater in the Bahamas is that the water is so clear.

How long does it take to get from Nassau to CocoCay?

The best way to get from Nassau to CocoCay without a car is to ferry and travel which takes 6h 25m and costs . How long does it take to get from Nassau to CocoCay? It takes approximately 6h 25m to get from Nassau to CocoCay, including transfers.

What is the most pristine reef in the Caribbean?

Where to Go: For the best Caribbean snorkeling, Gardens of the Queen (Jardines de la Reina) cannot be missed. Located on the south side of the island, this strictly protected area is considered the most pristine reef system in the Caribbean. Today, the Gardens of the Queen is a bustling home to beautiful coral formations and an abundance of species that are now rare elsewhere, like groupers, sharks, hawksbill sea turtles, and countless other species.

One reason the Gardens of the Queen is so well preserved is due to its isolation. It is located offshore, with no hotels in proximity, and can only be visited via liveaboard.

Best Time to Go: The best time to visit is from November to May when the weather is dry and the visibility is excellent. The shoulder seasons yield even fewer tourists with the same idyllic conditions.

Are there sharks near CocoCay?

@spyder5156 also claimed to have seen sharks while snorkeling on the island. They paid for access to the exclusive Coco Beach Club in March 2023 and had a better-than-expected experience. It was the first time they had seen sharks while snorkeling!

“We got into port at 9am… we were at Coco Beach Club (paid for access) slightly to the left side closer to the pier for the overwater cabanas. There were several in the area because we saw another when we went out to the sandbar about 100 feet from shore,” they later commented.

“It was awesome! Edit: We saw them…several times throughout the day, so (it was) not just limited to (the) morning.”