Diving in Nassau & New Providence

Explore 28 dive sites in Nassau & New Providence, Bahamas. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Nassau & New Providence

The warmest water temperatures in Nassau & New Providence occur in August, averaging 30.4°C (up to 34.0°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 24.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 24.7°C (air: 21.2°C)
  • February: 24.6°C (air: 23.5°C)
  • March: 24.9°C (air: 23.8°C)
  • April: 26.1°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • May: 27.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • June: 29.0°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • July: 30.1°C (air: 29.3°C)
  • August: 30.4°C (air: 29.6°C)
  • September: 30.0°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • October: 28.9°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • November: 27.2°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • December: 25.6°C (air: 22.8°C)

Marine Life in Nassau & New Providence

Home to 539 recorded species including 455 reef fish, 24 hard corals, 19 whales & dolphins, 11 sharks & rays, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 other.

Dive Site Difficulty in Nassau & New Providence

Nassau & New Providence has 4 beginner dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Nassau & New Providence

Based on average water temperature of 27.4°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Nassau & New Providence

  • Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Pelican Cays Land And Sea Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Joulter Cays National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Green Cay Marine Park - Marine Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Bonefish Pond National Park - Ecological Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fowl Cays National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Andros Northern Marine Park - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Andros Southern Marine Park - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • South Berry Islands Marine Reserve - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Westside National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Crab Cay Marine Reserve - Fishery Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • No Name Cay Marine Reserve - Fishery Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • South Abaco Blue Holes National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • East Abaco Creeks - Cherokee - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • East Grand Bahama National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Southwest New Providence Marine Managed Area - Marine Managed Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • East Abaco Creeks - Snake Cays - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • East Abaco Creeks - The Bight - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Marls of Abaco National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Cross Harbour National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Nassau & New Providence - Nearest Airports

  • North Eleuthera Airport (ELH), North Eleuthera - 36 km away, approx 55 min travel time
  • Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), Nassau - 58 km away, approx 78 min travel time
  • Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO), Freeport - 228 km away, approx 264 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres