UK-based diving holiday specialist Regaldive has expanded its dive portfolio with the introduction of the Bahamas. With over 700 islands and cays stretching across 470,000km² of crystal clear Atlantic Ocean, the Bahamas guarantees a variety of diving experiences almost as large as its waters.

A vast choice of caves, blue holes, lush coral gardens, infinite walls and wrecks, both historical and artificial, mean that the Bahamas is one of the most complete dive destinations on the planet. There is something here for all divers, coupled with diverse marine life including all manner of sharks, dolphins, turtles, masses of schooling reef fish, and Bahamian national fish, the Nassau Grouper.

The Bahamas is justifiably famous for shark diving. Forget the fleeting glimpse of sharks that you might have seen out in the blue in other destinations. In the Bahamas, shark encounters are typically up close and personal. Caribbean reef sharks, lemon sharks, nurse sharks, bull sharks, great hammerheads, tiger sharks and even oceanic white-tips can all be spotted in the Bahamas.

With great all year round diving conditions, the Bahamas is ideal for those looking to combine excellent diving and snorkelling with relaxing on beautiful beaches and a variety of attractions topside. International tourist hub Nassau, capital of the Bahamas, is a natural starting point for a Bahamas holiday and offers an amazing variety of diving within an hour’s boat ride from the island.

Nassau’s vibrant culture is more than matched below water with spectacular coral walls close to shore and pretty reefs teeming with life, large and small. The eponymous Shark Wall, which drops from 10m to an incredible 2km or more, is a highlight, as are an enormous selection of wrecks. Here you can dive everything from historical cutters to artificially-sunk freighters, a make-believe Vulcan bomber and a twin Cessna used as underwater film sets in James Bond, Jaws and many other movies.

Regaldive’s partner in Nassau is the renowned diving pioneer Stuart Cove and guests can choose to stay at one of three accommodation options, from a quiet, beachside inn to a quirky boutique ‘beach hut’ resort and a smart, Hilton hotel in the heart of the downtown action. A seven night package at the charming Orange Hill Inn starts from £1,727pp including British Airways return flights from London Heathrow, transfers, seven nights’ room only accommodation in a pool view room and ten dives.

The variety of diving and atmosphere of the different islands makes the Bahamas an ideal liveaboard destination or equally good for those wanting to discover more of the country on a twin centre holiday. Regaldive offer seven and ten night trips on-board the luxury liveaboard Carib Dancer which sails out of Nassau and explores the beautiful Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.

The Exumas are a 120-mile long island chain of 350 scenic small islands and cays which offer blue holes, swim throughs and incredible wall dives in the deep channels that separate the land mass. With up to five dives a day, divers will have plenty of opportunity to explore the crystal-clear aquamarine waters, thick with coral reefs alive with every imaginable ocean critter. Regaldive offer seven night Exuma Cays trips starting from just £972pp to include full board accommodation in a twin cabin, all meals, beverages and diving. Flights are not included but can be arranged by Regaldive.

Regaldive also offer special Summer trips aboard Carib Dancer that visit the remote areas around the West End of Grand Bahama Island and the famous Tiger Beach, considered to be one of the world’s greatest shark dive spots. The exciting Tiger Beach itinerary offers the chance to encounter tiger and lemon sharks in large numbers, as well as nurse sharks, reef sharks, dolphins and numerous smaller species for a truly unforgettable dive holiday.

For further information or to book, visit www.regaldive.co.uk or call +44 (0)1353 659999.

Photos: Cristian Dimitrius