How safe is it to snorkel in the Bahamas?


How safe is it to snorkel in the Bahamas? Naylor says swimmers and snorkelers should not be afraid to return to the water in the Bahamas but they should always take precautions. Don't worry. Shark attacks are incredibly rare but secondly, be sensible, if you see sharks in the water don't say, 'oh, they're safe,'” Naylor said.


Why is snorkeling bad for coral reefs?

Divers and snorkelers can unintentionally disturb sand sediments that often result in covering or smothering corals. Trampling of corals can occur on shallow, near-shore reef flats and has led to extensive damage in areas with high levels of human pressure and use.


How do you avoid sharks in the Bahamas?

Shark attacks are incredibly rare but secondly, be sensible, if you see sharks in the water don't say, 'oh, they're safe,'” Naylor said. Naylor also advises avoiding wearing shiny items, water where the visibility is low and areas where ground bait or chum is being used to lure marine animals in.


How common are snorkeling accidents?

Though it is unclear how many deaths were due to ROPE, according to the Department of Health, there were 204 snorkeling-related deaths from 2012 to 2021.


Where not to swim in Bahamas?

West End, Grand Bahama Island West End has some of the most shark-infested beaches in the world. Aptly named, Tiger Beach off of Grand Bahama is one of the world's top spots for seeing tiger sharks.


What happens if snorkel goes underwater?

Unlike scuba diving where you have your own air supply, snorkels don't let you breathe while you are fully submerged in the water. The breathing tube can fill up if it dips below the water's surface, for example, a wave splashing over you, or if you dive underwater to get a closer look at marine life.


Can you see sharks in the Bahamas?

There are many different places around the islands of The Bahamas to spot sharks, thanks to the bountiful surrounding ocean. Cat Island, Tiger Beach, and Bimini are the most popular places for people to get the full shark-sighting experience.


Is it safe to swim in the sea in the Bahamas?

Can You Swim In The Bahamas? (Is It SAFE?) - TravelPeri. Yes, you can swim in the Bahamas - known for shallow waters and mild temperatures, most Bahamian beaches are ideal for swimming.


What should you be careful of in the Bahamas?

Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.


When should you not snorkel?

Choppy waters are not ideal for snorkeling, especially; if you're not a proficient swimmer. Wavy waters will bounce you around, and you'll experience diminished underwater visibility because of increased moving debris and sand. Waves also influence the ease and safety of getting in and out of the waters.