Sail and Swim Snorkeling Excursion, Nassau, Bahamas

Ship: Norwegian Dawn (NCL)

Sailing Date: December 28, 2003

Date of Snorkel: Friday, January 2, 2004

Equipment Availability: we have our own which we take with us, but the crew of the catamaran on this excursion had snorkels, masks, fins and vests available which were well washed and maintained. 

Water Access: Off the Front of the catamaran Only.

This was our second visit out to the expansive reef off Rose Island (its local name) otherwise known as Atholl Island or Thunderball Reef, where they filmed sequences for the James Bond movies.  Please refer to our first visit off the Galaxy (Celebrity Cruises) on July 9^th, 2003.  However, this was our first chance to snorkel on this reef in the winter season.  The differences between the two visits are significant.

The catamaran used for this trip was identical to the one we had sailed on the preceding July off the Galaxy, although this one was furnished by a different company and did not have a large pair of Seahorses on its sails.  Given the chillier winter time temperatures, not as many passengers took advantage of the expansive open deck to enjoy the sun.  More of us stayed below in the large enclosed lower deck featuring a cash-only snack bar, bathrooms and tables with banquettes and chairs.  The trip back and forth to the snorkeling location took approximately 45 minutes in each direction, but the crew pointed out sights of interest along the way and played loud rock music when farther away from habitation areas.  Be warned that there is a very long walk to get to and from the catamaran and the cruise ship; rubber soled walking shoes are a must.

On this excursion, our catamaran anchored towards the eastern end of the reef, unlike the July visit where we were closer to the Island.  Due to the stronger currents in the water at this time of year, access to the water was strictly limited to the front of the catamaran only.  Three large ropes were taken out from the catamaran by the crew and tied on to buoys to assist swimmers in getting back and forth to the catamaran.  The stronger current at this time of year should definitely discourage children from snorkeling in the winter even with the assistance of the ropes. Peg saw one large man who was having trouble with the current even though he was holding on to a rope—he had to be pulled back in to the catamaran!  Additionally, the water temperature was distinctly colder than during our previous visit in July.  We were glad to have our wet suits, which look strange on large people like ourselves, but were enviously admired by our fellow passengers.

Like what we had seen when snorkeling off the Galaxy in July, the number and variety of corals and fish on this reef were incredible, especially the shear size of the fish!  This time, passengers wanting to feed the fish had to pay $1 for a plastic bag of dog food. The depth of the water (15 to 25 feet) was identical to July, and the visibility was excellent as before.  However, this time we saw and photographed even more varieties of fish including Queen, French and Gray Angelfish (all enormous and gorgeous) and the illusive terminal phase Midnight Parrotfish which is truly magnificent with its iridescent blue coloration against a black background—Fabulous! We also saw and photographed Mutton Snappers, Trumpetfish, a large Eel and our first sighting and photograph of a Tiger Grouper (initial phase) in addition to the other more common reef fish that we had seen the first time in July.  This time we each had three underwater cameras apiece--still not enough for this remarkable snorkeling location!

Snorkeling Grade: A+