Advanced Diving in The Bahamas

The presence of large great hammerheads and hulking tigers can have an unnerving effect on the less-experienced diver, but if you’re up for it, there are few places in the world that can rival the Bahamas when it comes to diving with these magnificent beasts. With more than 3,000 islands, cays, and islets; the persistent blue skies that come with a tropical climate; and an endless supply of pristine white-sand beaches, it doesn’t take much to persuade divers (or non-divers) to add the Bahamas to their bucket lists. Throughout the archipelago, there is no shortage of stunning dive sites to suit all levels, and if you’re looking for some more advanced diving in the Bahamas, there are plenty of sites to test your skills or nerves.

Bimini

The Bimini Biological Field Station, known locally as the Shark Lab, has captured and recorded 13 species of sharks in the clear waters that surround Bimini. It is the presence of one species in particular - the great hammerhead shark - that draws in divers from around the world. Yet the island chain, where Earnest Hemmingway used to troll the deep blue waters for marlin, tuna and swordfish, has a lot more to offer than 'just' up-close-and-personal encounters with the distinctive five-metre sharks.

While the great hammerhead dive is shallow, in around eight metres of water, the sharks do come very close. As do the resident tiger sharks at Tiger Beach on nearby Grand Bahama. With day trips available to Tiger Beach, you can test your nerves with some of the sharkier advanced diving in the Bahamas with a stay in Bimini.

Andros

The district of Andros consists of hundreds of small islets and cays connected by mangrove estuaries and tidal swamplands, together with three major islands: North Andros, Mangrove Cay and South Andros. The district's unique topography throws up some interesting dive sites, with the islands hosting the world's largest collection of blue holes and being bordered to the east by the depths of the Tongue of the Ocean.

With a plethora of nearby dive sites, including shipwrecks, shallow reefs and breath-taking blue holes, divers can experience everything from deep wall dives at the edge of the continental shelf to a dazzling variety of colourful corals along the Andros Barrier Reef, the third-largest barrier reef in the world. And for those seeking out the more advanced diving in the Bahamas, The Crater dive site is a must-see. The walls of The Crater are home to a thriving reef system, where colourful fish, moray eels and turtles make their way up and down the walls.

Exumas

If you're looking to maximise your time below the waves in the Bahamas, then heading out to discover the Exumas on a luxurious liveaboard could be just what the doctor ordered. The Exumas have built a reputation as a luxury travel destination, and the luxury doesn't stop at the water's edge. Blue holes, walls, wrecks, coral reefs and exhilarating shark dives combine into one package of some of the best advanced diving in the Bahamas.

Following the usual liveaboard pattern of dive, eat, sleep and repeat, the boat will take you out to explore the Exuma Land & Sea Park, featuring steep walls and wrecks, and visited by lemon sharks, stingrays, eagle rays, Caribbean reef sharks and hammerheads. The coral-encrusted wreck of a Jeep is always a crowd-pleaser, although the current can be strong, while Angelfish Blue Hole and Mystery Cave allow divers to follow in the fin kicks of Jacques Cousteau into the darkness. With some sites classified among the more advanced diving in the Bahamas, an Exumas' liveaboard trip is ideal for those looking to dive, dive, dive in the Bahamas.

The myriad islands and districts in the Bahamas can throw up a sea of options for exploring the array of advanced diving in the Bahamas. Luckily, our team of dive travel specialists has dived extensively throughout the vast archipelago and is on hand to help you piece together your dream itinerary to discover the best of the Bahamas.