Diving

CLIMATE

Temperatures normally range from 70⁰ to 80⁰ Fahrenheit (21⁰ to 27⁰  Celsius). Summer daytime highs are typically around 80⁰ or  90⁰ F (32⁰C) and winter lows are rarely below 60⁰F (16⁰C). The rainy season usually occurs between November and April.

AVERAGE WATER TEMPERATURE

Month            Temp.        Range

Jan -Feb      72⁰F-75⁰F       22⁰C

March          73⁰F-77⁰F       23⁰C

April            74⁰F-75⁰F      23⁰C

May             75⁰F-77⁰F      24⁰C

June            78⁰F-80⁰F      26⁰C

July             80⁰F-82⁰F      27⁰C

August         81⁰F-83⁰F      28⁰C

September   80⁰F-82⁰F      27^OC

October       78⁰F-80⁰F      26⁰C

November    77⁰F-79⁰F     26⁰C

December    75⁰F-78⁰F     24⁰C

WHAT TO WEAR

We advise anyone who is bothered by the sun to protect their skin by using sunblock in and out of the water. 

Lycra skin and/or 3-5 millimeters wet suit are recommended. However your thermal protection should be based on your individual sensitivity and comfort. Here is a suggested guide:

 MONTH                 WET SUIT  

Jan. - March       3mm or 5mm full suit  

April - May          3mm full suit  

June-Aug.          No wetsuit required

Sept. - Oct.        1mm - 3mm suit  

November          3mm - 5mm  

December         3mm - 5mm full suit

CURRENCY

The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar which is on par with the U.S. dollar.  U.S. currency is widely accepted throughout The Islands of The Bahamas. 

CUSTOMS

U.S. citizens are allowed up to $800 worth of merchandise once they are out of the country for more than 48 hours, with limitations of no more than 32 ounces of tobacco and no more than two liters of alcohol for individuals over the age of 21 yrs.

ENTRY/DEPARTURE REQUIREMENTS 

A valid passport is required for all U.S. citizens, with proof of a airline round-trip ticket for return. A visa is required for stays exceeding more than 90 days. For more information visit  The Bahamas Embassy  website for entry requirements into The Bahamas.

BUSINESS & SHOPPING HOURS

Banks & business merchants are open Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. . Store hours differ but the majority are open Mon. - Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

TAXES/DEPARTURE TAX

There is no sales tax in The Bahamas, but there is a 10 -18 % tax on your hotel room rate. Additionally there is a $20 departure tax ($23 from Grand Bahama Island) for all travelers over the age of 6 years. 

TIME ZONE 

The Islands Of The Bahamas is situated in the Eastern Standard Time Zone. Daylight Savings Time is also observed in harmonization with the United States.

 DIVE TIPS

• Don't forget to bring your C-card and logbook.

• For any type of marine activity good to excellent physical condition is recommended.

• Consumption of alcohol and diving do not mix, therefore we recommend that you limit your intake the night before your day of diving.

• Bringing your own diving and snorkeling equipment is suggested for a proper fit. Nevertheless dive operators and dive shops are happy to rent fins, masks and snorkels. 

• If you haven't been diving in a while it is recommended that you take a local dive refresher course with a reputable and licensed dive company. 

• Always dive with a dive buddy never dive alone. It's advisable especially during cave exploring, wreck diving and night diving. Dive within your boundaries and observe your air and time limits.

• To avoid dehydration drink plenty of fluids mainly water and use sunscreen between dives.

• After your last dive you should avoid flying for at leat 24hrs to avoid decompression illness (DCI) also called the bends.

• Always tie your vessel to a moorings to prevent anchoring onto or damaging marine reefs and take home all your garbage and unrecyclable materials to protect the environment.

• Secure regulators and gauges to avoid dangling, so they don't damage reefs and marine life.  

• The Bahamas Dive Association cautions against shark diving with any operator other than its members. Each member adheres  to the approved guidelines to maximize safe shark interaction.