Yes, you can swim in the Bahamas - known for shallow waters and mild temperatures, most Bahamian beaches are ideal for swimming.
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West End, Grand Bahama IslandWest 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.
Shark diving in the Bahamas is a thrilling experience that allows you to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures. While some tours feature safety cages, the Bahamas offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim safely in open waters with lots of different shark species.
I've seen lots of sharks on our Bahamas trips while snorkeling & diving not far from shore. Just be smart and you'll be ok. Like a previous poster said, never swim at dusk or dark. That is why the 'beach closes' at 5:00 or so.
You also can comfortably swim in the ocean, as water temperature in The Bahamas rarely dips below 72 degrees (22 degrees Celsius) near the shorelines. Water temperatures in central Eleuthera average 75 degrees in the winter, 80 degrees in the spring and 88 degrees in the summer.
Bermuda and the Bahamas Are a Bit Less Sheltered Than the Caribbean. Rough Waters: While cruises to Bermuda and the Bahamas from the East Coast are usually smooth, squalls can arise on the Atlantic Ocean, particularly during hurricane season. The bigger your ship, the less you'll feel the waves.
There are police patrols in the main tourist areas. Be vigilant at all times and don't walk alone away from the main hotels, tourist areas, beaches and downtown Nassau, particularly after dark. Take care if travelling on local bus services after dusk on routes away from the main tourist areas.
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.
Not only are there petty crimes, like pickpocketing, there are also robberies, sexual assault, and gang-related murders, making for a bit of a scary prospect of heading outside your resort. For the most part, however, as long as you travel smart, you'll be fine.
Daytime essentials include t-shirts, camisoles, sarong and shorts as most people spend their time on the beach. Don't forget sunhat and sunglasses too, plus good sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection).
The best time to visit the Bahamas is from mid-December to mid-April, the country's peak season. Though temperatures here are great year-round (they rarely dip below 60 degrees), the islands fall within the hurricane belt, so hurricanes may be a factor between June 1 and Nov. 30 (the Atlantic hurricane season).
Swimming year round is also possible however, because seawater temperatures usually stay above 25°C (80 F). Surfing occurs on the island of Eleuthera on the east coast, where amazing waves form between October and April.
1. Tropic of Cancer beach, Exuma. Also called Pelican Beach, Tropic of Cancer Beach is the longest beach in the Exuma Chain. Located on little Exuma, some describe this beach as the most beautiful beach that they have ever seen with its super blue waters and calm surroundings.
Avoid swimming at dusk and dawnYou can reduce your risk of shark encounters by staying out of the water at these times of day. Sharks also don't have the best vision, so they will be more likely to confuse a human for its natural prey when visibility is low.
Nassau is a safe island to visit. When walking, it is recommended not to walk alone and to avoid walking at night especially in deserted areas that are not well lit.
Caribbean reef sharkThis is the most common shark species in the Bahamas, likely to turn up in large groups at feeding dives. But don't be surprised if you bump into them during normal dives as well. Caribbean reef sharks prefer to patrol in the shallows, often cruising near drop-offs at the reefs' outer edges.
Although the ocean water is slightly warmer in Jamaica compared to the Bahamas, the latter has a slight upper hand when it comes to snorkeling and scuba diving.