Grand Bahama and the Little Bahama Bank

• Reef dives: Match certification, logged experience, depth and current to the exact site. Be able to maintain buoyancy without reef contact. Use an appropriate buddy, computer, surface signaling plan and operator briefing.
• Tiger Beach: Confirm West End or Freeport embarkation, operator animal-interaction policies and authorization, documented qualifications, oxygen and emergency communications. Large predatory sharks may be attracted or fed on some offerings. Presence does not prove safety. Do not promise sightings or participation for uncertified divers.
• Offshore exposure: A shallow dive site can still be remote, rough and hard to evacuate. Winter fronts and tropical systems cancel sailings. Ask about return-to-port, rescue resources, vessel suitability and the consequences of being seasick or unable to dive.
• Caves/wrecks: Never enter enclosed spaces casually. Lucayan cave swimming is prohibited, cave diving requires a special permit, and technical overhead procedures are outside a normal recreational license.
• Snorkel/freedive: Do not go alone, hyperventilate or rely solely on hotel beach appearance. Require guide assistance, current and boating awareness and rescue cover when necessary.
• After diving: Follow established dive-to-flight recommendations, medical restrictions and a current incident response plan; any suspected decompression illness needs prompt medical evaluation.

The UK FCDO lists Rand Memorial Hospital, East Mall Drive, Freeport, at +1-242-350-6700. This is a general medical facility listing last updated in 2021, not proof of current emergency capacity or a functioning recompression chamber. The Bahamas Aggressor II briefing describes decompression-chamber arrangements requiring travel away from Grand Bahama; no operational local chamber, guaranteed medevac route or guaranteed response time was independently established. Call 911 or 919 for local ambulance/police emergencies, then contact DAN +1-919-684-9111 for 24-hour specialized dive medical assistance. Obtain an evacuation and cost-coverage plan for remote shark trips, carry incident and insurance details, and ask whether medical oxygen is onboard.

The Bahamas National Trust manages Lucayan National Park, Rand Nature Centre and the protected Peterson Cay marine habitat. Its bylaws prohibit disturbing resources, dumping, taking organisms and other harmful activities without authorization. Peterson Cay supports a globally significant bridled tern nesting colony and has little visitor infrastructure. Maintain distance from wildlife, never touch coral or wildlife, use approved moorings and minimize boat impact. Tiger Beach is a distinct offshore operator-managed dive location; BNT park bylaws should not be presented as a verified Tiger Beach shark-feeding law. Confirm permissions and animal-handling legality with the relevant authorities and operator. No independent current water-quality readings or comprehensive seasonal closure notices were verified; check them again close to travel.