Stuart Cove's Snorkel Bahamas

Stuart Cove's is the gold standard for snorkeling tours in Nassau, and if your family includes kids who are confident swimmers ages 8 and up, it's one of the most rewarding water experiences available. Operating since the 1970s from their base on the south coast of New Providence, Stuart Cove's runs purpose-built snorkel boats to Nassau's healthiest reef systems — the same reefs that have been featured in multiple James Bond films.

The most popular family option is the 2-Reef Snorkel tour, which visits two separate reef sites over about 3 hours. The first stop is typically a shallow coral garden perfect for warming up, where you'll see parrotfish, angelfish, sergeant majors, and brain coral formations. The second stop is usually a deeper reef with bigger marine life — nurse sharks resting on the sand below, sea turtles cruising past, spotted eagle rays, and if you're lucky, reef sharks in the distance.

The crew is experienced and safety-conscious. They fit everyone with proper gear (mask, snorkel, fins, vest), give a thorough briefing, and stay in the water pointing out marine life and keeping an eye on swimmers. This is open-ocean snorkeling over actual reefs — not a roped-off shallow area — so kids need to be strong swimmers comfortable with deep water and wearing snorkel gear.

For older kids and teens wanting more adventure, Stuart Cove's offers SNUBA — a hybrid between snorkeling and scuba diving. You breathe through a regulator connected to an air tank floating on the surface, allowing you to swim underwater for 20 minutes without any scuba certification. It's genuinely thrilling and safe enough for ages 8+.

Logistically, Stuart Cove's includes complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off from all Nassau, Paradise Island, and Cable Beach hotels, as well as cruise ship pickup. The facility has changing rooms and storage for personal items. Book at least 2 days in advance during peak season — tours sell out regularly. Morning departures offer the best water conditions.