Years ago, my parents visited the Bahamas for their honeymoon, and my mother often expresses a desire to return. This nostalgia influenced our choice when selecting a winter getaway; the allure of the Bahamian islands captured our imaginations. Our primary criterion was exceptional snorkeling. Renowned for its crystalline waters and stunning beaches, the Bahamas offers some of the top snorkeling experiences in the Caribbean.

If you seek to escape the winter chill, February presents an ideal opportunity to visit the Bahamas, being one of the most favorable months for travel.

Accommodations

For those heading to Nassau, the capital and a popular destination in the Bahamas, I recommend Comfort Suites, located adjacent to Atlantis. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast and gain access to Atlantis attractions through a bracelet without incurring extra fees.

Atlantis is indeed a sight to behold, featuring a vast casino, numerous dining options, shopping venues, multiple beaches and pools, an aquarium, and a water park. Visitors can indulge in a myriad of activities right at the resort. However, it is worth exploring beyond the resort’s confines, as the Bahamas offers much more to discover.

For a more personalized accommodation experience, consider various vacation rentals in Nassau that cater to diverse preferences and budgets.

Optimal Visiting Period

February is regarded as one of the driest months in the Bahamas, marking the height of the dry season. Average high temperatures hover around 79°F, while lows reach approximately 70°F, rarely dipping below 66°F. This makes it perfect for water sports, including snorkeling, with average sea temperatures around 73°F. Consequently, visitors can enjoy warm weather without the worry of adverse conditions, allowing for ample exploration of this beautiful locale with around 8 hours of sunshine per day.

Peak tourist season spans from December to April, resulting in larger crowds and increased prices. However, during my February visit outside of spring break, I found the atmosphere pleasantly uncrowded. For those preferring warmer weather, August is the hottest month, with temperatures reaching 90°F and sea temperatures rising to 88°F.

Top Attractions

Atlantis Waterpark and Aquarium

Our time at Atlantis included significant adventuring at the water slides, an undeniable favorite for families. With numerous options ranging from individual slides to group slides, the water park has something for everyone. Exploring the vast grounds reveals hidden hot tubs and an abundance of pools just steps from the ocean.

One of the main features is the exciting river ride that circles the park. Unlike a leisurely float with a drink in hand, this river comes with surprises. As I floated along, I encountered unexpected waves that turned my leisurely journey into an exhilarating challenge.

However, my excitement quickly turned to surprise when a wave unexpectedly knocked me over, leaving me sputtering in the water. Fortunately, I recovered to enjoy a more serene ride down the lazy river, where I miraculously stayed in my tube.

To cool off from the activity or to take a break, a visit to the aquarium is worthwhile. It previews some of the sights awaiting on your snorkeling escapades, allowing beach enthusiasts an opportunity to admire the vibrant marine life from dry land.

Snorkeling Adventures

In my view, the centerpiece of the region is undoubtedly the snorkeling. We embarked on a tour offered by Stuart’s Cove Dive Bahamas , departing from a location featured in the filming of Flipper. This excursion led us to two distinct snorkeling sites, concluding with the thrilling opportunity to swim with sharks.

No wetsuit is required for this adventure due to the warm ocean temperatures, though an underwater camera is highly recommended. The first snorkeling site featured hauntingly beautiful statues, creating an ethereal ambience, alongside a small passenger plane sunk for film purposes. It felt like stepping into another world, with light filtering through the waters amidst a colorful array of tropical fish and vibrant corals.

Back aboard the boat, we navigated the island, stopping at another filming site before snorkeling at a vibrant location abundant with marine life. The operators attracted tropical fish with food, enhancing our experience among the brilliantly colored corals. The underwater scene felt alive as schools of fish swirled around us, creating a mesmerizing underwater spectacle.

Our journey concluded with an exhilarating experience of swimming with sharks. The tour operators lowered a bait box near a wreck while securing a rope for us to hold onto—a safety measure as we awaited the sharks. Holding the line, we observed the sharks feeding below us, a thrilling and mesmerizing sight.

As we floated together, watching the feeding frenzy below, a sense of urgency arose as the operators called us back to the boat. My instincts kicked in, and I made my way swiftly to the safety of the vessel while my boyfriend continued capturing photos of the spectacle.

Despite the adrenaline, everything concluded safely, and I appreciated the professionalism of the tour operators throughout the experience.

Dining Away from the Resort

Following such an exhilarating day, a satisfying meal is essential. While Atlantis has many dining options, they tend to be costly. We enjoyed a sushi restaurant there, but our bill exceeded $100, and we still left feeling hungry.

For quality cuisine at reasonable prices, venturing off the resort is advisable. This approach may appear obvious, yet many visitors remain closely tethered to resort amenities, missing out on authentic Bahamian experiences.

Atlantis and Comfort Suites are situated on a separate island connected to the mainland of Nassau by a bridge. Crossing this bridge, primarily for vehicular use, leads you to a vibrant culinary scene filled with local food shacks where one can enjoy truly authentic daily meals.

At one popular spot, a boat was tied at the dock, displaying the day’s catch of conch. The chefs retrieved what they needed throughout the day and prepared the conch fresh for cooking—a truly unparalleled experience.

As locals recognized us as tourists, they warmly invited us to see the conch being shucked and even tried to sell us the shells—understanding the need to thrive in the marketplace.

Fresh conch salad and fritters quickly became my favorites, compelling me to savor them every visit. For an authentic Bahamian experience, this is the way to go.

While the downtown area of Nassau features excellent dining options, it’s important to remain cautious when wandering, as some individuals may approach with illicit offers. Nonetheless, we enjoyed Señor Frogs; though it wasn’t as crowded as anticipated, it still provided an enjoyable atmosphere with games, good food, and a whimsical environment, adorned with playful signs and unconventional seating.

Another must-visit spot downtown is the Fish Fry, which consists of various restaurants highlighting local cuisine. It differs from the Fish Fry in Turks and Caicos, as it resembles more of a strip mall layout but remains a great place to savor local dishes accompanied by a cold beer at an affordable price.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Nassau, Bahamas is highly recommended; however, the diverse islands surrounding it beckon exploration. If you desire an island-hopping experience in the Caribbean, consider checking out my guide to visiting Turks and Caicos in February.