The warm, crystal-clear waters of The Bahamas are a haven for a myriad of tropical fish, stingrays, turtles, coral, and reef sharks, and a paradise for scuba divers. Learn the basics of scuba diving and discover some of the sights and natural wonders you’ll see when you scuba dive in Nassau Paradise Island.
The Gear
One of the first things that you’ll learn when you’re taking a scuba diving certification course, like the ones offered by the experts at Stuart Cove’s Bahamas or Bahama Divers, is all of the scuba gear you will need and how to use it. Here are the basics:
Dive Mask and Snorkel: Your mask creates a pocket of air in front of your eyes and nose to allow you to see while equalizing the pressure in your ears and sinuses. Your snorkel attaches to the left side of your mask and allows you to breathe through its tube when swimming on the surface.
Regulator/Octopus: Your regulator lets you breathe underwater. Its hose connects to the tank on your back and delivers air to your mouth when you inhale. Your octopus is your backup regulator. It’s usually bright yellow, so it can be easily found.
BC/Power Inflator: BC stands for buoyancy compensator. It fits like a backpack and helps you control your depth while in the water. The control buttons for your BC are on your power inflator. Add air to your BC and you’ll rise towards the surface, vent air from it and you’ll sink to the bottom.
SPG/Depth Gauge: Your SPG (submersible pressure gauge) tells you how much air is left in your tank, while your depth gauge tells you your underwater depth. These gauges are key parts of your instrument panel.
Dive Computer: This is an electric version of your instrument panel that is often used alongside your SPG and depth gauge. It displays information about how long you’ve been in the water and how long you can safely remain there.
Scuba Fins: You’ll be swimming like a fish with these on your feet! Your scuba fins should fit like shoes–not too tight, not too loose.
Wetsuit: Your wetsuit is your insulator, allowing you to stay comfortable and warm for a long period of time while underwater.
The Sights
The waters surrounding Nassau Paradise Island have a variety of exciting landscapes to explore and a remarkable number of marine life to see! Depending on your location and ocean depth you could encounter tropical fish such as grunts, snappers, goatfish, angelfish, Giant Southern and Spotted Eagle rays, conch and Bahamian Rock Lobster, turtles, sharks, and dolphins.
The Sites
When you first learn to scuba dive, you’ll be in shallow waters but as your knowledge, certification level, and confidence grows, a whole new world of experiences become available. Here are some scuba diving sites in The Bahamas to add to your bucket list: