Snorkeling in The Exuma Cays With Staniel Cay Adventures

The shallow, crystal-clear azure waters reveal the true wealth of the Exuma Cays, corals and sea fans scattered across the brilliant, white sand bottom. Turtle and grouper huddle with lobster under each sun-dappled nugget of coral. A halo of brightly tinted tropical fish surrounds each coral head, living jewels creating a wealth beyond gold. The Exuma Cays are not on the regular tourist trail, which makes them even more inviting. Many of the islands are privately owned by celebrities and others, and have been the location for several films, most notably the James Bond film, Thunderball Grotto and Pirates of the Caribbean beach scenes.

Snorkeling the Exuma Cays, Bahamas is considered one of the top reef and marine life experiences in the Caribbean. The coral reefs make up a magical underwater world for visitors snorkeling  the Exuma Cays to enjoy, but they have much more to offer. Reefs are home to thousands of different species of marine life and function as a sustainable eco-system. They are also important for the whole ocean eco-system.

Many of the marine organisms use carbon dioxide that is in ocean water to produce hard shells that are a natural filtration system. They help reduce the overall carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. If these reefs were destroyed, the rise in carbon dioxide would have a detrimental effect on all life. It is estimated that a quarter of the world’s fish breed in or near coral reefs. Often called barrier reefs, they also protect the island coastlines from erosion during storms and high tide.

Snorkeling is the simplest and easiest way to enjoy the underwater world that surrounds the Exuma Cays. It doesn’t require sophisticated gear or much training. For those who can swim, it just takes a few minutes to learn how to breathe with the snorkel. Children and first-timers can gradually get used to it and go farther and farther out. There are tens of thousands of shallow water sites that are full of coral reefs and marine life.