Nassau: Snorkel & Shark Dive Shore Excursion

Snorkel Two Reefs & Watch Sharks Fed in Nassau Waters

You snorkel two reef sites hand-picked by the captain for clarity and calm, see tropical fish and living coral, then watch sharks being fed or observe them from the boat. The tour includes all snorkel gear, fresh water, and port pickup and drop-off timed to your ship's schedule. Actual water time runs about three hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Depart from Nassau
• Snorkel at two clear locations
• Snorkel with sharks or watch feeding
• Return to Nassau

The Experience

You're standing on the dock wondering if three hours in the water is enough time to actually see anything, and then the boat pulls away from Nassau and within minutes you're over the first reef. The captain picks the two calmest spots of the day—that part matters more than you'd think—and you're already mask-down in water so clear you can see the sand thirty feet below. Schools of tropical fish move around you like they're used to it, which they are, and the coral isn't bleached or broken; it's actually alive and branching in colors that don't quite match what you saw in photos.

The snorkel gear is provided—mask, fins, vest—so you're not renting or hauling anything yourself, and the fresh water between stops keeps you from getting parched in the sun. After the second reef, if the weather's cooperating, the guide takes you to where the sharks are. You can stay in the water and watch them cruise underneath you, calm and deliberate, or stay on the boat if you'd rather not. Either way, you're seeing them at close range in what feels like their space, not a tank. The whole thing takes about three hours in the water, which sounds short until you're actually doing it and realize your shoulders are tired and your face is pruned.

This is a shore excursion, which means the timing is locked to your ship—they'll get you back to Nassau with time to spare, and if something goes wrong with the boat or the schedule, they arrange transport to the next port. The boat holds up to sixty people, so it's not a tiny group, but it's also not a cattle barge. Children under four aren't allowed, and anyone going needs to be comfortable in the water and reasonably fit, but "reasonably" is the word that matters; you don't need to be training for anything.

What’s included

• Snorkel mask, fins, snorkel, and snorkel vest.
• fresh drinking water and ice.
• port pickup and drop-off from Nassau.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Stuart Cove's Dive Bahamas

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docked in Nassau and want to see the reefs and sharks without arranging your own boat, gear, or timing around your ship's departure—the fixed schedule and included equipment mean you just show up and snorkel.

Traveler reviews

4.39★★★★★★★★★★

293 verified traveler reviews

5 ★218

4 ★23

3 ★22

2 ★9

1 ★21

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's included in the snorkel gear?

Mask, fins, snorkel, and a snorkel vest. You don't need to bring or rent your own.

Can I watch the sharks without getting in the water?

Yes. You can stay on the boat and watch them being fed, or enter the water with the guide—it's your choice depending on comfort level.

How long is the actual snorkel time?

Approximately three hours in the water across two reef stops.

What's the age requirement?

Children under four are not permitted. Children four and older must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What if my ship leaves before we get back?

The excursion is timed for timely return to Nassau. If your ship departs, they arrange transportation to the next port at no extra cost.

How many people go on each trip?

Maximum 60 people per tour.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You need to be in good physical health and comfortable in the water, but you don't need advanced swimming skills.

Is a wetsuit included?

No. Wetsuits are available to rent for approximately $10 per day if you want one.