Going to Bahamas for a family vacation, should we bring our own snorkle gear with us?

Yes, you should bring your snorkel gear. The underwater visibility so excellent you don't to pass the opportunity to everything from underwater even if the water isn't as warm as you would like it. I'm a certified scuba diver & the Bahamas has some of the best diving in the world. I've booked dive trips there. If the water temp. is a little cold for you; you can always wear a weatsuit. You can find wetsuits all over the Bahamas. Just check at any scuba diving shop. They all kinds of wetsuits to rent & they're not very expensive. You can rent them by the day. They also come many different types of thickness so you'll stay warm in any temp. Just make sure you check with the shop that you rent the suit from since you'll probably have to wear a weightbelt if the suit is thick. They also rent weights & belts for very cheap. In fact, you might find a package that includes mask, fins, snorkel, weights, belt & wetsuit but bring your own just in case. Finally, you can go on chartered snorkel trips with a dive boat. Some allow snorkeling with the scuba divers & they range from about $25.00 to $30..00 per day or less for two dives & this includes most of the equip.

you can rent snorkeling gear down there however i would recommend bringing your own because it tends to be very overpriced. (thats how the renters make their living) have fun its gorgeous there, i would also recommend renting a jetski or two, its well worth it if you can find a good price.