Sandals Emerald Bay | Scuba Travel

Sandals Emerald Bay - Caribbean

  • Pristine, mile-long beach
  • 249 rooms and suites on 500 acres
  • Exclusive butler service for select suites
  • Beachfront Village - Luxurious suites just steps from the beach
  • Unlimited fine dining at 11 restaurants
  • 6 bars including swim-up pool bar
  • State-of-the-art Newton Dive Boats, PADI Certified staff
  • Free WiFi in all rooms and public areas

About Sandals Emerald Bay

Sandals Emerald Bay re-opening 1st Nov 2020

After a short and direct flight from Nassau, Great Exuma is a jewel in the Bahamian Out Islands. The mile long beach is picture perfect, the water an incredible, inviting blue and scuba divers will love being in the heart of the 176-square-mile Exuma Cays Land and Sea National Park. Sandals Emerald Bay combines unprecedented luxury with an easy-going Bahamian vibe. This is an adult, couples only retreat to paradise, where you will feel like you're the only ones there. Sandals Emerald Bay is hosts 249 rooms & suites across 21 distinctive room categories, offering contemporary accommodations and tasteful Bahamian architecture. Best of all, each and every accommodation is either located directly on the beach or just a short stroll away. From low-rise, high style Beach Houses, sumptuously appointed rooms and suites nestled amongst manicured lawns, vibrant bougainvillaea and coconut palm trees, to the exclusive seaside villas, including the one and only Royal Estate Villa, that are located directly on the silky white Emerald Bay beach, your perfect room type awaits. The accommodations at Sandals Emerald Bay all begin at Club Level and nearly half of the resort accommodations include Butler Service. Your travel consultant will help guide you through the available room and suite options to build your perfect getaway

All rooms and suites are furnished with down duvets and pillows; personal pillow menu, flat screen televisions with cable connections, DVD players on request, electronic in room safe, hairdryer; lighted make- up/shaving mirror, luggage rack, individual temperature control, robes, iron and ironing board,smoke and heat detectors, night lights, two line speaker phones with data port and I- home deck with an alarm clock. All suites includes double marble vanity sinks, glass enclosed walk-in shower and a deep soaking tub.

Across all of the Sandals Emerald Bay, the Bahamian-style architecture of elegant villas and suites is designed to harmonise with nature. The resort is secluded within 500 tropical acres along a pristine, mile-long beach, civilised pleasure coexists with exotic adventures, from three impressive pools, a half-acre, zero-entry pool with a dramatic fire pit in the middle, to 11 exceptional restaurants. Dining options cover every taste and delight, from the informal casual dining to a romantic, sophisticated evening feast. Guests at Sandals Emerald Bay are treated to an array of entertainment, including dance lessons, introductory golf and tennis lessons, live music, jazz performances and pianists. Guests looking for a slower pace can also browse the library, boasting historical information on The Bahamas and Great Exuma. As well as a diving programme, you can take part outdoor games and activities including golf, tennis, volleyball, horseshoes, outdoor checkers and chess, bocce ball, croquet, billiards, cards and board games. There's even a 2.6 mile jogging trail that takes you on a scenic route around our beautiful Greg Norman designed Golf Course. Start with magnificent views of lush greenery and wildlife, then trot along the Emerald Bay Peninsula

Unlimited golf play at Sandals Emerald Bay is included for butler-level guests only. All other guests can play 2 rounds free as part of current "2 Rounds Free" offer which is subject to change at any time. Sandals Emerald Bay features a Greg Norman-designed 7,001-yard, par 72 championship golf course that rivals any Oceanside course in the world. With fairways lining the ocean and prevailing southeastern trade winds, the golf course provides a challenging experience for novice and professional golfers alike. Its first 10 holes wind through a mix of seaside dunes and mangrove preserves, while holes 11- 16 play along the rocky peninsula offering unparalleled views. This is the home of the Bahamas Great Exuma Classic, a PGA TOUR- sanctioned Web.com Tour event.

Beach House Luxury Club Level Room

With rich mahogany furnishings and impressive natural stone floors, these rooms exude a warm, British Colonial feel. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with plantation shutters bring the beautiful outdoors inside. The bathroom houses a walk-in shower & soaking tub. Located on the second and third floors, just a short stroll away from the sparkling Emerald Bay Beach, each extraordinary room opens to a furnished, private balcony with views of the lush, tropical gardens and resort grounds.

Beach House Oceanview Grande Luxe Walkout Club Level Room

With magnificent views of the sparkling sea, these oversized retreats offer a natural, luxurious ambience just steps from the sea. Lavishly appointed with rich mahogany furnishings, natural stone floors and plantation shutters, these rooms exude Bahamian sophistication. The bathroom houses a walk-in shower & soaking tub. Sliding glass doors lead to a private, furnished patio with views of the lush, tropical gardens and resort grounds.

Beach House Oceanview Club Level Junior Suite

A sophisticated sanctuary, each oversized junior suite is a model of contemporary luxury, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the beautiful landscape outside. Natural stone floors feature custom area rugs that accent handcrafted mahogany furnishings, plantation shutters, and British Colonial touches. The bathroom houses a walk-in shower & soaking tub. These junior suites are located on the first second and third floors.

Beach House Butler Suite

Radiating classic elegance and understated simplicity, these one-bedroom Love Nest Butler Suites offer the utmost in comfort and contemporary luxury. The spacious bedroom and comfortable sitting area feature rich mahogany furnishings, modern stone floors and tastefully elegant British Colonial accents. The suites marble bath is complete with a double vanity, walk-in shower and a soaking tub. Butler Elite and 24-hour room service are included

All rooms and suites are furnished with down duvets and pillows; personal pillow menu, flat screen televisions with cable connections, DVD players on request, electronic in room safe, hairdryer; lighted make- up/shaving mirror, luggage rack, individual temperature control, robes, iron and ironing board,smoke and heat detectors, night lights, two line speaker phones with data port and I- home deck with an alarm clock. All suites includes double marble vanity sinks, glass enclosed walk-in shower and a deep soaking tub.

We would be happy to put together a tailormade booking for you, please fill in your details below with your ideal dates and one of our diving holiday experts will be in touch with you to discuss your plans.

Sandals new Platinum Protocol of Cleanliness encompasses added health and wellbeing requirements across all points of contact at every resort, including common areas, all restaurants and kitchens, bars, guest rooms, activities, fitness centers, spas, and includes all behind-the-scenes operations. They are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare to welcome guests back to the beauty and warmth of the Caribbean in a friendly, clean and, most importantly, safe environment.

Prevention is the key to safeguarding the health of Sandals employees and our guests. They long ago developed a sophisticated approach to preventing the spread of illnesses at Sandals resorts under the guidance of medical professionals, the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the local Ministries of Health in each country sandals resorts are located. Sandals have dedicated Quality Inspection Teams and environmental health and safety managers at all of their resorts to make sure every procedure is in place to protect every guest and team member. Sandals resorts have always been equipped with full-service medical stations staffed daily with a registered nurse and 24/7 on-call medical personnel, but they have now upgraded these facilities to include the appropriate equipment and supplies needed to address new protocols.

Dive Centre Protocol's

Countertops, pens, clipboards, picnic benches to be sanitized after each use
All masks to be placed in sanitization solution and liquid detergent and visible to guest
All Team Members will wear masks/face shields and sanitize hands while interacting with each guest
Dive pool deck will be sanitized daily
Doors will remain open for airflow
Weight belts, regulators and dive masks to be left in sanitization bucket onboard after use
All tanks, seats and vessel bathrooms will be sanitized before and between trips
Wetsuits, fins and jackets will be taken back to the dive shop by guests and placed in sanitization solution
Tanks will be set up 6 feet apart on dive boats
Boat manifest to be adjusted to limit occupants and accommodate the six ft. rule in accordance with social distancing guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Location

Nassau (NAS) is around 9 hours direct flying time from London. Indirect services take longer. From Nassau you can connect with local flights to several islands. The Bahamas is a scuba diving paradise, with breathtaking dive sites offering pristine reefs, multitudes of exciting wrecks, blue holes, spectacular walls and the chance to dive with dolphins and sharks. It's also got great life surface side, with pristine beaches, plenty of restaurants and bars and a fabulous place to while away the hours enjoying the Caribbean sunshine.

Covid Travel Information

View entry requirements here

From 19 June 2022, fully vaccinated adult travellers will no longer require a negative COVID-19 test for entry into and inter-island journeys within The Bahamas.

If you are not fully vaccinated and are aged 12 and over you must present a negative COVID 19 PCR test, taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas. Self-administered tests are not accepted.

You must present proof that you have been fully vaccinated to enter The Bahamas. You may also be asked to present proof of vaccination to enter a variety of locations in The Bahamas and should carry it with you at all times.

The Bahamas will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record.

From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you:
do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form
do not need to quarantine when you arrive
This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.

It includes people who are transiting through England.
Updated 113 SEP 2022

Weather and Climate

The Bahamas enjoys fairly constant trade winds, and as such, it a fabulous year round holiday. The winter air temps are between 21-24C whilst the simmer months are warmer, 27-29C, with a greater chance of rain. Water temps go from around 23C (Feb) and 29C (Aug).

Travel

Flight options

There are both direct and indirect flight options to the Bahamas (Nassau). BA operate the direct flight from London. Depending on the day of departure, you may need to route via the States, usually Miami, with American Airlines. You must have a valid ESTA before travel or transit through the USA. We are able to book most major airlines. If you have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Nassau, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.

Stopovers

If you are routing through the USA, we are able to book a stop over en route. This is usually in Miami. You must have a valid ESTA before travel or transit through the USA.

Arrange before you go

Regular Entry Requirements

UK passport holders are able to obtain a visa on entry to the Bahamas. Please ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. if your flights transit through the USA, you MUST have a valid ESTA or visa before travel. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Previous travel to certain countries (eg Cuba, Sudan) will exclude you from the ESTA programme and you will need to apply for a visa before travel. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here

Insurance

Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation. Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here

Immunisations

Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here

Preparing to fly

Seating

You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.

Check in

As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.

Lounge

An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here

Parking

Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here

What happens when I arrive?

On arrival for any of our Bahamas holidays, you will be met and taken to your hotel or liveaboard. Simply make your way to through baggage reclaim and immigrations. Your transfer will be waiting for you with a board with your name, resort or liveaboard. If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.

Transfers

If you are travelling onto Bimini you will need to catch a domestic flight. These can only be booked with a smaller baggage allowance than the international flights. Excess baggage is charged for locally. Domestic flights are on smaller planes, and the schedule can be affected by adverse winds. We will always try to allow time in your itinerary for any possible delays. If you have made your own flight arrangements to land in Nassau, please confirm at the time of booking if airport transfers are included or available at an additional cost

Departures

You will be advised locally of your transfer times at the end of your holiday. The departure tax of BS$15.00 is collected from every person 6 years and older.

Info

Tipping

All Sandals holidays include tips and taxes as part of your package. Any applicable departure tax at the airport is payable in cash locally

Currency

USD, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but you should check with your bank about any additional overseas charges they may levy for using your card.

Phone coverage

Phone coverage is generally good - do check with your phone provider about any applicable overseas charges. Alternatively, you may wish to purchase a local SIM for making calls or data use

Plugs and electricity

Electrical outlets in The Bahamas are 60 cycles / 120 volts, which is compatible with all American devices. British and European appliances require a two-pin flat adapter and a 220-volt converter.

Extras

Hire equipment

Kit hire is arranged in resort and is included in your package price

Extras

Entry level PADI courses are booked and paid for in resort

Souvenirs

Sandals resorts have a wide range of shops on site with a variety of gifts and souvenirs

Nitrox/Gas

Limited - please ask at the time of booking if nitrox may be available

Payments

Deposits and Balances

Sandals holidays departing more than 71days in advance can be secured with a £175 deposit pp. If departing less 71 you will need the full balance to be paid at the time of booking.

Ways to pay

We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. We do not take AMEX. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £8 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.

Group Payments

If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation

Discounts

Repeat Guests

Included

7 nights all inclusive in your chosen room grade - all inclusive with meals, drinks (inc selected premium liquors), in resort entertainment schedule and a wide range of selected and and water sports. Unlimited golf play at Sandals Emerald Bay is included for butler-level guests only. All other guests can play 2 rounds free as part of current "2 Rounds Free" offer which is subject to change at any time
Sandals resorts include complimentary scuba diving for certified divers, with two 1-tank dives, or one 2-tank dive, every day of your stay (except arrival and departure days)
Use of the Red Lane Spas plunge pools, steam baths and saunas (all of which are free to use)
Your holiday includes flights to Exuma (via Nassau) from the UK- please ask for a competitive quote to upgrade your flight option from economy. Return airport transfers are included

Excluded

Spa services, candlelight dining and selected excursions/sports are booked and paid for in resort

Additional diving, any PADI courses or scuba reviews are booked and paid for in resort

All Sandals holidays include tips and taxes as part of your package. Any applicable departure tax at the airport is payable in cash locally




At Sandals Resorts certified divers can dive every day at no extra change - twice a day with one tank or one two-tank dive, every day of your holiday.

Discover the fantastic Exuma national park at Sandals Emerald Bay. The dive sites range to suit all experience levels, from novice to advanced, at around 20 different locations. Drop offs and gentle sandy slopes, schooling chubb, grunts, barracuda and snapper are common. Nurse sharks and sting rays love the sandy ledges. Huge clouds of angelfish and jacks hang in the blue. Morays hide under brain coral bommies. Come face to face with the local Nassau groupers. Popular sites include Three Sisters Reef, Chubbs Reef, Fish Reef, Emerald Isle Reef, D-Kutt and so many more!

Top-of-the-line equipment hire included
State-of-the-art Newton Dive Boats
Entry level PADI courses available - extra charges apply
Scuba reviews available - extra charges apply



If you've never dived before, the brief introductory PADI Resort Certification programme will have you experiencing a whole new underwater world that same day. Entry levels courses are available in resort. Talk to your experienced PADI instructor for more info, timings and costs.

FISH REEF

Skill level: Novice | Ave Depth: 20ft | Max Depth: 35ft

This reef is located directly north of the Sandals Emerald Bay Marina. It is a shallow reef ideally suited for beginners, Schooling fish regularly seen at this site are white grunt, yellowtail snapper, blue parrotfish and squirrelfish. Distance 15 minutes from dive shop.

EMERALD ISLE REEF

Skill level: Novice | Ave Depth: 0ft | Max Depth: 46ft

Maximum depth is 46ft, distance is 45 minutes from dive shop, school masters and nurse shark and a lot of tropical fish.

OCEAN BIGHT REEF

Skill level: Novice | Ave Depth: 0ft | Max Depth: 18ft

Just next to the hotel, supports a lot of small tropical reef fish. Ideal spot for beginners or for the discover scuba dive.

OCEAN RIDGE

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 0ft | Max Depth: 60ft

Beautiful dive site with an abundance of visiting fish at this site including, barracudas, grey snappers, parrot fish and yellowfin grouper.

ROLLE REEF

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 0ft | Max Depth: 60ft

Corals and parrot fish, quarrel fish ,Spanish grunt ,yellow tail snapper ,lion fish , blue stipe grunt ,blue chromis and trigger fish. Located 40 minutes from the resort.

BUCK WALL

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 80ft | Max Depth: 200ft

This reef location is just off lee stocking island. This reef is fairly colorful, with an abundance of marine life, jacks, snappers, Nassau grouper and occasional sight of moray eels, fan coral, tube sponges, and aqua light blue vase sponges.

STOKING ISLAND BLUE HOLE

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 80ft | Max Depth: 200ft

Also called angelfish blue hole due to the many angelfish, which hang out in the area. It starts at 18ft and goes down to 90ft. Different types of tropical fish visit the area.

SANDALS WALL

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 00ft | Max Depth: 50ft

Sharks, barracudas, stingrays, jacks, snappers, dolphins and a variety of tropical fish seen in this area. Starts at about 50ft

THE TUG WRECK DIVE

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 50ft | Max Depth: 70ft

a variety of fish visit this spot, they come and go with the tide, Barracudas, eels, stingrays, jacks other tropical fish.

RAS MOHAMMED

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 0ft | Max Depth: 200ft

This reef is suited for advanced divers only.This reef is fairly colourful, with an abundance fan corals, barracudas, amberjacks, bar jacks and parrotfish. Distance 1 hour from dive shop.

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The culinary experience at Sandals Emerald Bay is unrivalled in the Caribbean. Whether you crave an evening of sophisticated gastronomy, the barefoot elegance of oceanside dining, a refined afternoon tea, or a lively night at an authentic English pub, unique venues offer the taste and ambience to suit every mood and whim.

There are 11 restaurants to choose from and 6 Bars
Below are some of our favourites

Bahama Bay - A unique dining concept featuring a variety of the finest Bahamian and Caribbean favourites

Discover Bahamian-Caribbean Perfection. With views of Exumas stunning Emerald Bay, this two-level restaurant offers a delightful buffet breakfast featuring delicious made-to-order omelets and refreshing smoothies. At lunch, indulge in an impressive variety of culinary delights, from Asian to Continental,as we showcase the best cuisine from across the Caribbean and the world. For dinner, the chefs of Bahama Bay present a spectacular feast of the finest Bahamian and Caribbean cuisine.

Barefoot By The Sea - Fresh seafood and island specialities right on the beach

The sandy pathways of Barefoot By The Sea are a part of the ambience of this charming seaside restaurant. Located just a stones throw from the enchanting clear-blue waterscape of the Exumas, Barefoot By The Sea is one of the few restaurants where you can actually show up barefoot, digging your toes into the fluffy, white sand while enjoying delectable seafood. The cuisine here is just as enticing as the view, presenting distinctive seafood recipes full of savoury fervor.

Jerk Shack - Jerk Style Cuisine. A True Caribbean Experience.

Discover Authentic Jamaican Jerk. Believed to have originated with Jamaica's Arawak Indians, jerk cookery began as a preservation method. The Maroons of Jamaica, who once sought refuge in the island's Blue Mountains, eternalised the Arawaks ancient jerk technique by spicing or seasoning the meat, wrapping it in leaves, then placing it on hot rocks over a lattice of wood.