Swim with the
Nurse Sharks of the Exumas

Swimming with sharks can be an unforgettable part of a Bahamas yacht charter. Nurse sharks are bottom-dwelling sharks found in the Bahamas’ warm, shallow waters, where visitors can experience the thrill of seeing these fascinating animals up close.

Nurse sharks may have the ominous dorsal fin of a predator but they are much more easygoing than your average shark. These sharks are greyish-brown in appearance, reach 7.5 to 9.75 feet long, and weigh up to 300 pounds! Young nurse sharks can be identified by their spots. Nurse sharks feed on the fish, squid, and crabs of shallow ocean floors, and use their strong jaws to crush and eat shellfish, and even coral.

Plan a private yacht charter to explore the Bahamas and discover opportunities to swim alongside nurse sharks in their natural marine environment.

Is it safe to swim with nurse sharks?

Swimming with nurse sharks is a popular marine-life experience in the Bahamas. Generally docile and slow-moving, nurse sharks are commonly encountered by divers and snorkelers in the warm, shallow waters of the Exumas.

A private Bahamas yacht charter gives you the freedom to explore the islands and take advantage of opportunities to encounter these distinctive sharks in their natural environment.

Tips for swimming with nurse sharks

Swimming with nurse sharks is a popular Bahamas yacht charter experience. These generally mild-mannered sharks are accustomed to divers and snorkelers, but they should always be treated with caution and respect.

Nurse shark safety tips

• Avoid placing your hands or limbs near their mouths.
• Do not feed nurse sharks while swimming or snorkeling.
• Never harass, chase, step on or provoke them.
• Avoid entering the water if you are bleeding.
• Remain calm and give the sharks adequate space.

Nurse sharks rarely attack humans, but they can bite defensively if provoked. Their powerful jaws and teeth should be respected. While touching a nurse shark may occur during some encounters, observing without physical contact is the safest approach.

With proper precautions and responsible wildlife practices, swimming with nurse sharks in the Bahamas can be a memorable addition to a private yacht charter.

Where’s the best place to swim with nurse sharks in the Bahamas?

Compass Cay in the Exumas is one of the best-known locations for swimming with nurse sharks. Located in the Outer Exumas, its warm, shallow waters are known for regular nurse shark encounters.

A luxury yacht charter in the Bahamas makes it easy to reach Compass Cay while exploring the surrounding Exuma islands and secluded waters at your own pace.

This is your chance to pet the sharks

Swimming with nurse sharks in the Bahamas offers an unforgettable wildlife encounter. At Compass Cay, these slow-moving sharks gather in the shallows, providing exceptional opportunities for close observation and underwater photography.

Nurse sharks are generally calm and often tolerate nearby human activity. Their distinctive sandpaper-like skin and unique vocalizations make encounters especially memorable.

A private Bahamas yacht charter provides the flexibility to explore Compass Cay and the surrounding Exumas at your own pace, with easy access to secluded waters and other islands throughout the region.