Animal Interactions in the Bahamas

The sailing capital of the Caribbean is also a prime destination for divers. Below the island's green hills and white sand beaches lie volcanic slopes encrusted in hard corals and festooned with undulating groves of colorful sea fans and sponges. Currents are mild, fish life abundant and the logistics are easy. Laid-back beach resorts launch boat trips to local reefs, or visits to one of the Caribbean's most storied wrecks: the RMS Rhone. A liveaboard option combines sailing and diving on an island-hopping itinerary, while a no-anchor policy protects prime sites. Surface intervals are livened up by iconic beach bars that encourage a barefoot and fancy free approach to life.

Animal Interactions in the Bahamas Overview

Stingray encounters typically take place in shallow water over sand bottoms. This allows participants to stand comfortably without having to kick or swim. Turtle and dolphin encounters may take place in shallow depths or in deeper water with participants wearing snorkel or scuba gear while swimming with the animals.

Animal Interactions in the Bahamas Tips

Many marine animals will become accustomed to contact with humans, but they are not tame or trained and should be treated with respect and reserve. Avoid aggressive and harassing behavior, as this often results in the animal moving away. A soft stroke of a passing stingray's wing or a pat of a dolphin’s flank is considered appropriate. 

Best Places for Animal Interactions in the Bahamas

After a beach picnic on deserted Manjack Cay, everyone wades in and sticks fishy morsels between toes, then resident stingrays slurp up the treats as their silky-sleek bodies brush and tickle exposed feet. A boat ride from aptly-named Green Turtle Cay puts swimmers in the water with wild sea turtles. On Grand Bahama Island, you can hug a dolphin or don snorkel gear to join the pod on a tour of the reef.

What to Pack for Animal Interactions in the Bahamas

You won't need fins or even reef shoes to enjoy a stingray pedicure, but you should bring or rent snorkel gear and a towel because trips often include additional stops for snorkeling and swimming.