Scuba Diving for gap year and career break divers

Location

Andros Island is the largest and least-explored island in The Bahamas. With a population of over six thousand and the fewest people per unit area of all of the Bahamas, most people live on the east coast of the island in the three major towns on the island; Nicholl's Town and Andros Town on North Andros, and Congo Town, on South Andros.

Unlike most of the Bahamian islands, Andros's interior has been largely free of commercial development for the tourism industry, preserving much of its natural beauty. Current Bahamian tourism efforts refer to it as the least-explored island in the chain. Inland there are more than forty square miles (104 km²) of subtropical forest area and the swamp land that is inhabited by a variety of birds, plants and animals.

Dive Centre

This is not your usual "standard" dive centre. It has been custom-built for all you volunteers. There is a compressor for filling all the tanks and a sheltered area where we keep all the equipment. There's a fresh water tank for rinsing your kit and a small open-air classroom for PADI tuition and marine conservation lessons.

Diving in the area

The Bahamas are known for their blue holes, extraordinarily deep inland sea pools fed by the ocean via natural underground passages. These breathtaking pools, caves, and tunnels offer endless discovery and challenge for even the most experienced diver. Caution should be exercised when exploring the blue holes, as they can become dangerous vortices when the tides are strong. The safest way for most to enjoy the blue holes is from the surface--they can be up to 200 feet across, and appear like apparitions in the landscape.

The waters of The Bahamas yield incredible 30m visibility, coral that grows a bit larger and marine life that is slightly more abundant than elsewhere in the already-teeming Caribbean Sea. Coral formations reveal their hypnotic shapes and colors, from fantastic coral canyons to delicate scarlet fans and latticework. The diving tends to improve the farther one goes into the Outer Islands, and Andros is a particularly fine dive destination. Off the coast of the Abacos and Eleuthera, there are not only shipwrecks but also the rarest of undersea ruins-train wrecks.

All diving takes place in the stunning un-commercial waters near the camp, meaning volunteers work within undisturbed marine habitats creating some of the best dive opportunities in the world.

Accommodation

The accommodation consists of beachside Bahamian stilt houses, over-looking the sea. With a separate learning zone, single sex sleeping rooms with bunk-beds, electricity and running water; we have tried to ensure that you can undertake vital conservation in style! Plus you have the option to hire your own personal Privacy Pad! ....

The Privacy Pad is a single room ideal for couples or even just for one. Either with one double or two twin beds, this is a perfect option if you prefer your own private space.

Due to high demand, you must ensure that you book well in advance to take advantage of the Privacy pad.

General Facts

Official Name: Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Location: Caribbean
Population: c. 310,000
Languages: English
Religion: Predominantly Christian; Baptist (32%); Anglican (20%), Roman Catholic (19%), Evangelical Protestants (12%), Methodists, Church of God (6%)
Capital: Nassau
FCO Travel Advice Link: Bahamas Information

Weather / Climate

Tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The hurricane season in The Bahamas normally runs from 1 June to 30 November.

Visas / Entry Requirements

British nationals visiting The Bahamas do not require visas for visits of up to 3 months. If you wish to extend your stay you must apply to the Department of Immigration in Nassau. If travelling via the USA you should have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.

The Bahamas counts as part of the “contiguous territory and islands” for US visa waiver purposes and time spent in The Bahamas counts towards the 90 day maximum permitted stay in the US under this waiver. If you travel to The Bahamas via the USA (under US visa waiver arrangements) you should seek advice about visa procurement as you now have to arrange an electronic visa in advance.

Vaccinations

Please visit www.netdoctor.co.uk for more information or consult with your local GP for professional advice.

Flight routes

London to Nassau: British Airways
Nassau to Andros Town: Local charter flight