Crystal-clear waters, sugar-soft sand, and thriving reefs make the Bahamas one of the Caribbean’s most enticing diving destinations. But beyond the postcard-perfect surface lies a world of thrilling shark encounters, blue hole descents, and coral gardens alive with color. With more than 700 islands and 2,400 cays, the Bahamas offers year-round diving — but choosing the right season can greatly enhance your experience. From tiger shark interactions at Tiger Beach to dolphin swims off Bimini and drift dives in the Exumas, here’s when to go, what you’ll see, and where to dive in the Bahamas.

Quick Summary

• Best time to dive: November to May (dry season); specific seasons vary by region and species
• Water temperature: 24–29°C (75–84°F)
• Visibility: 20 to 40 meters (65–130 feet)
• Marine highlights: Tiger sharks, hammerheads, dolphins, reef sharks, blue holes, coral walls
• Season type: Subtropical; diving available year-round, with species-specific peaks

Diving Seasons in the Bahamas

Dry Season (November to May)

This is the best overall time to dive in the Bahamas. The dry season brings stable weather, warm water, excellent visibility, and peak encounters with big animals. Shark diving is at its most dramatic, particularly from December to March, when tiger sharks congregate at Tiger Beach, and great hammerheads arrive off the coast of Bimini.

During this season, water temperatures are slightly cooler, which tends to attract more pelagic species. Liveaboards and resort-based operators run frequent trips to Grand Bahama, Bimini, Andros, and the Exuma Cays, where divers can explore walls, wrecks, and blue holes teeming with life.

Wet Season (June to October)

The summer months bring warmer water, lush green landscapes, and a greater chance of tropical storms or hurricanes. While diving is still possible — and in some areas, excellent — itineraries may shift depending on sea conditions. Visibility can be reduced after heavy rainfall, particularly in nearshore or lagoon environments.

This season is ideal for divers interested in macro life, reef scenes, and wreck diving in areas like Nassau, Long Island, and Andros. Some dive sites experience fewer visitors during this period, resulting in quieter, more intimate underwater experiences. Be sure to monitor weather forecasts and consider purchasing travel insurance during peak storm months.

Marine Life Highlights

The Bahamas is synonymous with shark diving, offering close encounters with Caribbean reef sharks, tiger sharks, nurse sharks, lemon sharks, and great hammerheads, many of which can be found in shallow, photo-friendly waters. Tiger Beach is renowned for providing reliable interactions with tiger sharks, frequently accompanied by lemon sharks and remoras. Bimini, on the other hand, is the only place in the world where you can regularly dive with great hammerheads in as little as 6 meters of water.

Divers can also encounter Atlantic spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, turtles, eagle rays, and, during certain months, even bull sharks and oceanic whitetips. The blue holes of Andros and Dean’s Blue Hole (on Long Island) add another layer of exploration for advanced divers, offering vertical sinkholes with cathedral-like walls and curious thermoclines.

Photography Tips by Season

The dry season offers optimal visibility and is ideal for capturing marine megafauna, making it perfect for wide-angle photography. Bring a fisheye lens and strobes to capture tiger sharks at Tiger Beach or hammerheads off Bimini. Overcast conditions are rare, but ND filters may help tame the Caribbean sun during shallow dives.

In the wet season, divers can shift focus to macro subjects, such as shrimp, blennies, and nudibranchs, especially along the coral heads of the Exumas and Eleuthera. Wrecks like the Ray of Hope and Bahama Mama in Nassau also lend themselves well to ambient light photography, especially in the calm morning hours.

Dive Travel Tips for the Bahamas

• Liveaboards vs Resorts: Liveaboards offer weeklong itineraries to Tiger Beach, Bimini, and the Exuma Cays. Resort-based diving is popular in Nassau, Freeport, and Andros.
• Booking in advance: December to April is the peak tourist season. Book shark-specific trips up to a year in advance, especially if targeting hammerheads or tiger sharks.
• Permits: Most dive sites do not require permits; however, shark diving excursions may incur additional costs or require specialized gear and briefings.

Liveaboards and Dive Operators

Reputable liveaboards focus on shark itineraries and remote reef diving in the Exumas, Eleuthera, and Long Island. Many vessels operate out of Nassau or Freeport, offering easy access from major airports.

Land-based dive shops like Stuart Cove’s in Nassau, UNEXSO in Freeport, and Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center specialize in daily boat dives, shark dives, and customized wreck or reef itineraries. The Bahamas is one of the few destinations where cage-free shark diving is both familiar and safe, provided it is conducted under the guidance of professionals.

Other Top Dive Destinations by Season

Seeking seasonal wildlife encounters and optimal conditions? You might also like:

• Best Time to Dive in Cocos Island
• Best Time to Dive in the Azores
• Best Time to Dive in the Maldives
• Best Time to Dive in Socorro

When to Dive in the Bahamas

The Bahamas offers spectacular diving opportunities all year round, but for shark lovers and pelagic enthusiasts, November to May is the ideal time. This is when tiger sharks, hammerheads, and dolphins take center stage, with the best visibility and calm seas. If you prefer quieter reefs, fewer tourists, and warm water, summer diving still delivers, so keep an eye on the forecast. From shallow wrecks to shark-infested shallows, the Bahamas remains one of the world’s best destinations for unforgettable encounters beneath the surface.