Snorkeling in Nassau
The named sites are Blue Lagoon Island, Rose Island and the reefs of Nassau waters. Most trips run as half-day outings, with a short boat ride out and back. The reefs are shallow enough for first-timers, and the trips are built around a snorkel stop rather than a long swim.
Places to go
Blue Lagoon Island
Blue Lagoon Island is a private island off Nassau where a day trip centers on snorkeling, stingray and sea lion encounters, and dolphin swims. It is a boat day rather than a walk.
Rose Island
Rose Island is a private island off Nassau used for beach days, with snorkeling and a resort on its shore. Most visitors go out by boat for the day from Nassau.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most snorkel trips leave from the dock by boat. The usual pattern is a boat ride of about 30 minutes each way to Blue Lagoon Island or Rose Island, then time in the water at a reef stop. Half-day trips run about 2.5 to 5 hours in total. The Seahorse Snorkeling and Sailing Tour combines a sail through Nassau waters with a snorkel stop beside colorful reefs.
At Blue Lagoon Island, snorkel trips include a shark encounter, and the island has a pristine beach. Blue Lagoon is a private island and the full day there runs about 6 to 8 hours. Rose Island's Sand Dollar Beach Resort offers snorkeling and swimming with pigs on half-day and full-day trips. Reef-safe sunscreen is required at Blue Lagoon Island.
Where to go
- Nassau waters and the Seahorse Snorkeling and Sailing Tour. A sail through Nassau waters, followed by snorkeling alongside colorful reefs. By boat. A trip that goes here: Sail and Snorkel Cruise, 3 hours 30 minutes, $115 a person
Getting there
Snorkel trips to the named sites leave by boat from Nassau, and the crossing is about 30 minutes one way. Only use licensed yellow-plated taxis.
When to go
Snorkel trips run year-round. December to April is the dry season with the most settled weather.
Good to know
- Reef-safe sunscreen is required at Blue Lagoon Island, so bring it with you.
- Bring a towel, sunglasses and water shoes, and wear a swimsuit under your clothes for the boat ride.
- Only accept rides from licensed operators on land and sea, including taxis, water taxis and watercraft.
Questions
Can you go snorkeling in Nassau?
Yes. The named snorkel sites are reached by boat from Nassau. Blue Lagoon Island and Rose Island are each about 30 minutes away by boat, and half-day snorkel trips usually run about 2.5 to 5 hours.
Is Blue Lagoon Island good for snorkeling?
Blue Lagoon Island has snorkeling, a pristine beach and a shark encounter trip.
Can you swim with pigs in Nassau?
Yes. Sand Dollar Beach Resort on Rose Island offers snorkeling and swimming with pigs on half-day and full-day trips.
