The Bahamas swim with sharks excursion is a must-try experience for everyone visiting the stunning archipelago. Located in the serene Compass Cay in the Exumas, this is where you can feel the thrill of swimming alongside nurse sharks Bahamas. Not to mention, the picturesque landscapes surrounding the island make this excursion simply too good to be true.
But for many, hearing the word “swim with sharks” makes them nervous. Is it safe? Can I take my children there? Where precisely is it in the Bahamas? How can we get there?
There are just endless questions about this mysterious yet thrilling island. We are here to help you to uncover them one at a time. From the most convenient way to visit the island to how to properly interact with these bottom-dwelling creatures, you will have all the information you need to visit Compass Cay and swim the sharks.
Read on to find our complete guide covering all you need to know about the Bahamas swim sharks tour. Fly from Nassau to go Swimming with Nurse Sharks with Bahamas Air Tours Nassau to Exuma Day Trip or Miami to Bahamas Day Tour.
The Bahamas swim with sharks excursion happens at Compass Cay Marina.
All You Need to Know About Bahamas Swim with Sharks Day Trips
First, the Bahamas swim with sharks tour is extremely safe. But it’s important to take some notes before visiting the shark-infested island to avoid any unwanted situation during your day trip to Bahamas. Below, we have listed all you need to know about the Bahamas swim with sharks day trip to ensure the most enjoyable and worry-free trip.
Where are the Compass Cay Sharks
As the name suggests, Compass Cay Sharks can be found in the pristine island of Compass Cay, precisely at the Compass Cay Marina where dozens of boats dock each day. Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by a group of docile sharks swimming in the turquoise water.
Compass Cay Marina is one of the rare totally protected harbors in the Bahamas and can accommodate boats of various sizes (up to 180’ mega yachts). Aside from the swim with sharks Nassau tour, you can explore the island and venture to one of their thirteen pristine beaches. These hidden gems offer an exciting day of snorkeling, fishing, swimming, or just pure relaxing.
Where is Compass Cay Bahamas located?
Compass Cay can be found nestled among the 360 unspoiled cays, islands, and islets of the Exuma Cays. This secluded archipelago is often known as being the wilder side of the Bahamas, promising a unique adventure that can’t be found elsewhere. The busiest airstrip in the region can be found in Staniel Cay, where most adventurers kick off their Bahamas swim with sharks tour, Pig Island excursion, and many more.
Compass Cay is located only 10 miles north of Staniel Cay. It can be easily accessed via a short boat ride from Staniel Cay. To put it into perspective, it’s around 75 miles south of the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau. And 350 miles away from Miami. These short boat rides can be arranged in Staniel Cay by taking a water taxi or through local fishermen at Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
Of course, the easiest way to visit the island (and the best value for your money) is by arranging a day trip with Bahamas Air Tours. With us, you get to travel lavishly and explore countless hidden gems during your Exuma Day Trips.
Compass Cay Bahamas from a bird’s eye view.
History of the Compass Cay Marina Bahamas
One of the most common questions during the Bahamas swim with sharks excursion is how did these nurse sharks Bahamas get here.
Well, according to the owner of the marina at Compass Cay Bahamas, these sharks are originally wild creatures roaming the Exumas. Out of admiration, the owner brought several sharks to Compass Cay and treated them as his own pets. As years passed by, the population of the sharks around this island grew larger. Though there is no official estimation, there seem to be several dozen docile sharks inhabiting the waters of Compass Cay.
As the island gains popularity thanks to the rapid development of tourism, the owner now focuses on transforming the surrounding environment into a sanctuary for his pet sharks. Compass Cay nowadays is not only a paradise for travelers but also the forever home for the renowned nurse sharks.
Is swimming with nurse sharks dangerous?
The idea of swimming with the Compass Cay sharks can be quite nerve-wracking. Blame it on hit movies such as Jaws or Meg. Which often portray sharks as monstrous creatures who will rip your arm off at any second.
But this is totally not the case in Compass Cay Marina, as the sharks here are docile and especially harmless. Compass Cay’s sharks are a part of a species that is known as “Ginglymostoma Cirratum” by their scientific name. Or, Reef or Nurse sharks in everyday language.
As a carnivore, they rarely hunt for meat like other sharks in the ocean. Instead, they are known as bottom-dwellers. They spend most of their time on the seabed scuttling for micro marines. It’s good to know that you are not on their menu list while swimming next to them, isn’t it?
These gentle beings can grow up to 10-feet in length and their average lifespan is around 2 to 3 decades. Though their unintimidating figure often earns them the nickname of “oversized catfish”, nurse sharks can weigh a massive 300-pounds in extreme cases.
The Compass Cay sharks in the Exuma Cays.
Are Bahamas swim with sharks activities safe for the whole family?
The Bahamas swim with sharks tours are widely popular among families with kids. With that being said, swimming alongside the sharks with your children is relatively safe.
However, total supervision of your children is highly advised. Even though the nurse sharks here won’t attack you or your children, they will still strike you or your children if provoked or threatened. As the general rule of thumb, swim peacefully among the sharks and do not let your little ones touch or feed these creatures.
Proper Compass Cay sharks etiquette
Though accidents while swimming with the sharks in Compass Cay Bahamas are extremely rare, precautions and safety measures should be taken. Just to avoid any unwanted danger. The razor-sharp teeth and jaw of Compass Cay sharks are strong enough to bite through rock-hard coral.
Before diving into the shark-infested water, listen closely to the trainers at Compass Cay and take note of their restrictions. These trainers will teach you how to enjoy this exciting activity in the safest way possible.
It’s also advised to avoid any physical contact with the shark as they will strike for self-defense. Instead, simply admire them up close in the azure water. Bringing your own food to feed the shark is also a big no as sometimes they can’t distinguish between your finger and worms.
Bahamas Air Tours offers personalized trips to Compass Cay Bahamas.
Book Your Swim with Sharks Nassau to Exuma Excursion!
With all the information above, we believe now you are ready to embark on a magical Bahamas swim with sharks excursion. For a worry-free and exclusive tour to Compass Cay, why not join Bahamas Air Tours. We will not only take you to join the Bahamas swim with sharks tour but also seven other exciting adventures. All in one day! These interesting destinations include:
- Swim with Exuma Pigs at Pig Beach, Big Major Cay
- Adore endangered Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay
- Visit James Bond shooting location at Thunderball Grotto
- Uncover an underwater plane wreck owned by Pablo Escobar (exclusive to Bahamas Air Tours)
- Meet interesting people at Staniel Cay Yacht Club
- Explore the cultural Staniel Cay via golf cart
- Uncover picturesque sand bars at Pipe Creek
Every traveler will also have the privilege of a window seat. So you can adore the views of the islands from above during their flights to Bahamas. A unique attraction on its own for your Bahamas vacation.
You can definitely do more than swimming with nurse sharks with Bahamas Air Tours. Contact us to find out more now.
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