The Bahamas Islands Exploration
The Bahamas are a popular vacation destination for many Americans, but most travelers don’t explore beyond Nassau and Paradise Island. These islands are full of fun activities, but can also be crowded, overwhelming and expensive. If you’re interested in adventuring beyond the standard tourist experience, there are numerous exquisite options. The archipelago consists of approximately 700 coral islands, 16 of which are advertised as tourist destinations. On these islands, you will find authentic Bahamian culture, pristine beaches and preserved reefs that are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Here is our selection of six islands worth exploring within the country’s three major regions.
Northern Bahamas - The Abacos and Freeport
The Abacos is a chain of small islands known as the boating capital of the Bahamas. The area is ideal for fishing, sailing and enjoying days on the water. The string of islands includes small towns with quaint shops, restaurants and luxurious hotels. The Abacos are also great for golfers, complete with four beachfront courses. There are numerous natural attractions in the Abacos such as The Catacombs near Green Turtle Cay. This coral garden is a great diving site to see a variety of tropical fish, eagle rays and turtles. In the Abacos you can enjoy boating from cay to cay, explore the reefs and experience the freedom of island life.
As the second-largest city in the Bahamas, Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island has a lot to offer. Go diving, offroading, kayaking, swimming or snorkeling to experience the natural side of Freeport. On the southern shore lies Peterson Cay, the smallest national park in the Bahamas. Only accessible by boat, this reef is full of rays and teaming with fish. Head inland to the Port Lucaya Marketplace for shopping, dining and nightlife complete with live entertainment.
Central Bahamas - Eleuthera and The Exumas
Eleuthera has tons of stunning beaches, coves and hidden gems. One side of the island faces the turbulent Atlantic Ocean to enjoy some boogie boarding or surfing. Riding the rougher waves can be thrilling yet tiresome, so check out the other side of the island for an entirely different environment. The calmer west side of the island is surrounded by the Bight of Eleuthera (often mistaken for the Caribbean Sea) with waves less than a foot tall. The aqua-colored water is usually shallow for a few hundred feet offshore. This side is also great for snorkeling and swimming. The Glass Window Bridge is a well-known place to see where both sides converge. Stand on the bridge and watch the dark blue ocean mix with the cristal clear bay, as the Atlantic side crashes against the coral rocks. For a cultural experience, go downtown to Governer’s Harbor for a fish fry on a Friday night. Fish fries are gatherings where locals and tourists come together to eat fresh fish, conch salad and other signature dishes. People dance and sing while a band plays, and these parties typically last into the night.
Known for its crystal clear waters and swimming pigs, this chain of over 300 islands is a vacation destination like no other. This secluded island is great for a luxurious stay away from home with tons of ultra-exclusive resorts and beachfront bungalows. Explore the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, an extraordinary sea reserve dedicated to protecting the most exquisite parts of the islands. This island has an upscale side but that does not take away from the beautiful, natural scenery.
Southern Bahamas - Inagua and Long Island
Inagua is known as the birdwatching capital of the Bahamas. With thousands of flamingos and over 140 species of birds, there is no shortage of opportunities to see what this mostly-uninhabited island has to offer. National parks cover the majority of Inagua, keeping the island looking as it did hundreds of years ago. The accommodations are modest on this small island, but the experience is genuine. Visit the Great Inagua Lighthouse, see the Bahamian Parrots, try the local food and enjoy a place like no other you’ve ever experienced.
The location of the second deepest blue hole in the world, the oldest church in the country and world-class bonefishing, Long Island is a quiet but worthwhile tourist destination. The main attraction on the island is the blue hole which houses beautiful coral reefs, sharks and thousands of colorful fish. Stay in a family-owned inn and travel by boat or small plane to other islands in the area. With white sandy beaches, clear sapphire waters and countless opportunities to make memories, Long Island is a great place to stay to explore the seven islands of the southern Bahamas.
Tag @theedgemag if you take a trip to any of these beautiful Bahamian islands!