Where to go in Bahamas?

[jstef]

We are thinking about diving the Bahamas this fall. What are the best dive shops and places to stay?

Thanks.

 

[fire_diver]

Blackbeards for both. Your needs may vary from mine.

 

[rick00001967]

i went to freeport many years ago. diving was so so if i remember. did my first shark feeding dive there. that was cool. also got charged by my first giant green eel. that was not so cool.
i don't remember anything special about that particular area. i know that if i was to return, it would be to nassau/paradise island. or maybe on a live aboard as suggested above.

 

[farsidefan1]

Unless you like boy scout camping on the sea I suggest the Aquacat. A substantially larger boat with your own room and bathroom(but you pay for it). If you stay in any of the nice hotels along the main drag in Nassau Stewart Cove's operation will pick you up each morning. That way you can access the shore life including the casinos. On the other hand Blackbeards is popular for many. Read up on those options before you make your decision. Once I stayed on Grand Bahama in a bed and breakfast. Dove with an operation called Sun Oddysey but mostly we just watched a line of 4 hurricanes destroy our vacation. Pretty much limits my ability to discuss the diving off that island, but I love the diving off Nassau. More big stuff than most places in the Caribbean (I know, it's acually the south atlantic but who would be anal enough to point that out? Especially sharks, nice friendly reef sharks (in case your spouse asks).

 

[Chelsie06]

I absolutely 100% suggest Carribean Divers at the Bell Channel Inn in Freeport (if diving is your main objective). I loved it so much the first time, I just went back and will be going again. The dive shop is awesome, they set everything up for you and Jerry, the guy that leads the dives, is amazing! He knows every little hole on the reefs. I had just mentioned I wanted to see an octopus right before we jumped in and he found me one! He knew exactly where one would be sleeping and mentioned later that it was his home. If you go, ask to dive Tunnel West. INCREDIBLE!

The rates are great at Bell Channel with a Dive Package. Only downside is that it is about a ten minute walk to Port Lucaya and the beach (which was not bad at all for us, but may be for you).

 

[motorref]

We are thinking about diving the Bahamas this fall. What are the best dive shops and places to stay?
I've been to Freeport twice just for diving, both times with Grand Bahama Scuba (Grand Bahamas Scuba - Meet Fred Riger). Melinda and Fred are the owners, and Dom was the DM each time. We did a couple of wrecks, some reefs and several shark dives, and I got both of my daughters certified there - Melinda was wonderful with them and I wouldn't hesitate to go back again!

KevinL

 

[tahqa]

I highly recommend Stuart Cove's on New Providence Island. They're not the cheapest around but they're a top notch company.

 

[muzikbiz22]

I'm a huge fan of UNEXSO. Great dive op, facilities, location, etc.

 

[diversteve]

The Out Islands - Exuma, Eleuthera, Andros, San Salvador - maybe Bimini. Options for all: Bahamas Government Portal - Welcome to Bahamas Diving

 

[DMDavid]

I highly recommend Stuart Cove's on New Providence Island. They're not the cheapest around but they're a top notch company.

I second this opinion.
Had the time of my life with this dive op.