Deadman's Reef Paradise Cove
Dive into Deadman's Reef for vibrant coral, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Enjoy beachside dining at Paradise Cove Cafe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Better water depth for snorkeling
Deadman's Reef Paradise Cove
Best Time
Better water depth for snorkeling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into Deadman's Reef for vibrant coral, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Enjoy beachside dining at Paradise Cove Cafe.
"Awesome snorkeling! Worth the drive for the marine life and friendly staff."
Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear
Save money by bringing your own snorkel gear; access fee is only $7. :moneybag:
High Tide is Best
Visit during high tide for optimal water depth and better chances of seeing turtles. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Deadman's Reef Snorkeling
Paradise Cove, Grand Bahama Island
Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and even nurse sharks. A must-do for marine life enthusiasts!
Sea Turtle Encounters
Grassy areas near Deadman's Reef
Witness majestic sea turtles gracefully swimming in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable wildlife experience.
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
Malibu, California
Enjoy ocean views and toes-in-the-sand dining at this iconic Malibu spot. Perfect for a relaxed beach day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Snorkel Adventure
Day Trip vs. Extended Stay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear
Save money by bringing your own snorkel gear; access fee is only $7. :moneybag:
High Tide is Best
Visit during high tide for optimal water depth and better chances of seeing turtles. :ocean:
Friendly Staff & Owners
Expect warm hospitality from Barry and his team, making you feel like family. :heart:
Enjoy Local Drinks
Try the fresh mango and rum drink – a perfect beachside treat! :tropical_drink:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear
Save money by bringing your own snorkel gear; access fee is only $7. :moneybag:
High Tide is Best
Visit during high tide for optimal water depth and better chances of seeing turtles. :ocean:
Friendly Staff & Owners
Expect warm hospitality from Barry and his team, making you feel like family. :heart:
Enjoy Local Drinks
Try the fresh mango and rum drink – a perfect beachside treat! :tropical_drink:
Friday Night Happy Hour
Don't miss the awesome Friday night happy hour with great deals on drinks and food. :dollar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible snorkeling at Deadman's Reef, highlighting the abundant marine life, including sea turtles and colorful fish. The friendly staff and owners at Paradise Cove create a welcoming, family-like atmosphere, especially during the popular Friday night happy hour. While the drive might be long for some, the underwater experience and hospitality make it a highly recommended destination for a day trip or a longer stay.
"We dud a day trip here kadt year and met the owner Barry and his staff. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we decided to go back this year and stay in one of the villas!! We had an amazing time. Everyone was so kind and accommodating! They made us feel like we were an extension of their family! I highly recommend going for a day trip or renting the villa and staying for a few days! I know we will return!!"
holly lawrence malley
"We ate here and went snorkeling. This was very adventurous, we saw sea turtles, many coral reefs and lots of tropical fish here. The food was good, service excellent, I had an amazing fresh mango and rum drink here. Was a great experience."
C. L. McLaughlin
"It's a 30 minute drive to this reef from the cruise port.
The artificial reef here is wonderful.... variety of fish and clarity of water is unique. I saw a huge sea turtle at the deeper area of reef and it was all swimmable. Very few people there which was ideal. Grilled Conch was actually a soup and was not plentiful ... but filled the belly."
Jessica Cook
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Deadman's Reef Paradise Cove is about a 30-minute drive from the cruise port. While the drive might not be the most scenic, the destination is well worth it for the snorkeling experience.
Yes, Paradise Cove Beach Cafe is conveniently located right off the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu, making it easily accessible by car.
The drive to Paradise Cove in the Bahamas can be a bit long and may not pass through the most picturesque areas, but the snorkeling at Deadman's Reef is a rewarding experience.
Yes, Paradise Cove is accessible for day trips, offering snorkeling and dining options. Visitors can rent equipment and enjoy the beach.
From the cruise port, taxis or pre-arranged transport are common options. Some visitors also rent cars for more flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
If you bring your own snorkel gear, the access fee to Deadman's Reef is approximately $7. Rental equipment is also available.
While there isn't a specific entry fee for the cafe, there may be parking fees or a minimum spend requirement, especially during peak times.
For day trips and snorkeling, advance booking is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check their website or call ahead, especially for group visits.
The access fee typically covers entry to the snorkeling area and use of the facilities. Equipment rental is usually a separate charge.
While there are no strict age restrictions, it's recommended that children are supervised by an adult. A brief safety class is provided.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a wide variety of tropical fish, colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, and even nurse sharks. The artificial reef is home to abundant life.
The cafe offers a menu with seafood options, burgers, and refreshing drinks, including popular mango and rum cocktails.
Yes, Paradise Cove is great for families. Kids can enjoy the shallow entry areas, and the opportunity to see marine life is exciting for all ages.
Besides snorkeling, you can enjoy kayaking, relax on the beach, and dine at the cafe. Friday night happy hour is also a popular event.
Wear comfortable swimwear and consider bringing a rash guard for sun protection. Water shoes can be helpful for navigating the entry points. :athletic_shoe:
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, bringing a waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case is highly recommended to capture the incredible underwater scenery and marine life.
The vibrant coral reefs, swimming sea turtles, and the picturesque beach cafe offer fantastic photo opportunities.
With luck and the right equipment, you might capture images of nurse sharks, which are sometimes spotted in the deeper areas.
Underwater lighting can vary. Midday generally offers the best natural light, but consider a waterproof light if you plan extensive underwater photography. :camerawithflash:
It's advisable to check local regulations regarding drone usage before flying, as restrictions may apply to protect wildlife and visitor privacy. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts
🏖️ Beach Lovers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Snorkeling Experience at Deadman's Reef
It's recommended to visit during high tide for the best water depth, especially when looking for sea turtles in the grassy areas. While the initial entry might be shallow, venturing past the buoys and into deeper sections reveals more coral and a greater concentration of fish. The temperature can noticeably drop as you move into deeper areas, particularly near Deadman's Reef itself.
Many visitors suggest bringing your own snorkel gear to save on rental costs, as the access fee is quite reasonable when you come prepared. The experience is often described as adventurous and highly rewarding, making it a highlight for many travelers to the Bahamas.
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe: A Malibu Gem
The cafe is known for its relaxed atmosphere, where you can enjoy your meal with your toes in the sand. The menu features a variety of dishes, including seafood, and they are particularly noted for their refreshing tropical drinks, such as the mango and rum cocktail. It's an ideal location for a casual lunch, a romantic date, or simply a break during a coastal drive.
While the cafe offers a charming setting, some visitors have reported unusual or negative experiences, including being denied service. It's advisable to be aware of the cafe's policies and to approach the experience with an open mind, focusing on the beautiful beachside ambiance.
Planning Your Visit to Paradise Cove, Bahamas
For those looking for a more extended stay, Paradise Cove also offers villas. This allows visitors to immerse themselves more fully in the island experience beyond just a day trip. The Friday night happy hour is a particularly popular event, offering great deals on drinks and appetizers like conch fritters, drawing a lively crowd.
When planning your visit, consider the tide schedule for optimal snorkeling conditions. Bringing your own snorkel gear can also be a cost-effective strategy. Whether for a few hours of underwater exploration or a longer island retreat, Paradise Cove offers a memorable Bahamian experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit