Activities |
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The Islands |
Sunrise, Emerald Palms, Andros © Bahamas Tourism
The northernmost islands of North and South Bimini are the closest to the US, and draw serious fishermen seeking the catch of a lifetime. Named after the Greek word for freedom by English pilgrims seeking religious autonomy, Eleuthera Island, east of Andros, is a popular escape, with plenty to explore and enjoy.
The rest of the islands all have something to reel in the visitor and sunseekers, fishermen, sailors and watersports enthusiasts flock to these islands time and again to experience the magic of the Bahamas.
Attractions
Ocean Beach, Treasure Cay © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Abacos Islands
The chain of tiny Abacos islands cover 649 square miles (1,681sq km) and form the most northerly part of the Bahamas nation. Located only 200 miles (322km) from Miami, they are a popular holiday destination, and therefore fairly well developed for tourism. The two main islands, Great Abaco and neighbouring Little Abaco, are separated from each other by a narrow strait. They are often tagged the 'Loyalist Isles' because of the many Tory expatriates who fled there to avoid persecution after the American Revolution. The early Loyalist settlements are still much in evidence on the cays around Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco's main town. The accommodation on the island is fairly low-key and visitors are likely to stay in a small guesthouse by the beach or cottage near one of the many marinas. No glamorous resort complexes can be found here, but the sheltered waters around the islands make it a hotspot for yachters, and islanders claim it is the cruising capital of the world. There are also coral reefs to entice divers and inland pine forests that provide wonderful bird-watching and walking opportunities.
Andros Blue Hole © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Andros Island
Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas and is a favourite for scuba divers and fishermen. The island is largely undeveloped, so the atmosphere is very casual and hotels tend to be small and unpretentious. Much of the island is covered with palm savannas, primeval forest and huge mangrove wetlands, making it a bird-watchers paradise. However, it is the underwater life that really makes Andros unique; it has the world's third largest reef running along its east coast for 167 miles (269km). Andros' most famous attractions are the Blue Holes, a network of water-filled caves, both inland and in the ocean, that draw scuba divers from all over the world. The colourful and unique marine life that lies below the tranquil surface makes Andros a fantastic spot for divers, snorkellers, and fishermen alike.
Berry Islands © Mangrove Mike
Berry Islands
The Berry Islands are among the least busy in the Bahamas, and the perfect destination for those looking for the ultimate escape. The resorts in this archipelago are extremely exclusive, catering to wealthy travellers, big game fishermen, and yachters. The largest island is the Great Harbour Cay, a multi-million dollar resort which has hosted the likes of Cary Grant and Brigitte Bardot. The privately-owned Bond's Cay features a bird sanctuary. The beaches in the Berry Islands are known as the best shell-collecting spots in the Bahamas.
Bimini Bay © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Bimini Islands
The Bimini group of islands in the Bahamas is 50 miles (80km) east of Miami and spans an area no larger than 10 square miles (26 sq km). The main island, North Bimini, is barely seven miles long (11km) and no more than 1,200ft (366m) across at its widest point. The islands are best known for the excellent fishing opportunities, with visitors from around the world coming here to test their skills and catch an array of fish including tuna, sailfish, mako shark, barracuda and, above all, blue marlin. Almost all the action happens in Alice Town, a laid-back town on the main island where fishermen gather to swap stories. During spring break in April the town becomes a little raucous with the arrival of enormous crowds of college students. Scuba divers are also lured by some mysterious stone blocks in the waters off North Bimini, which islanders claim are part of the Lost City of Atlantis.
Bottlenose dolphin © Mark Interrante
Dolphin Encounters
For all animal lovers, Dolphin Encounters is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Visitors will get the chance to swim with the bottlenose dolphins, get a kiss, or just watch from the side. There are also opportunities to interact with sea lions. Dolphin Encounters is based on Salt Cay, roughly 3 miles (4.8km) northeast of Paradise Island.E-mail: info@dolphinencounters.com; Website: www.dolphinencounters.com; Telephone: 242 363 1003; Opening time: Departure times are 8:30am, 10:30am, 10:30pm and 3:30pm; Admission: $80 - $185 per person for the programmes, $25 for observers (includes round-trip transportation by large catamarans to Blue Lagoon Island).
Glass Window Bridge, Eleuthera © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Eleuthera Island
Bahama's Out Islands have no resorts, no cruise ships, and no large crowds. Eleuthera, which stretches for almost 100 miles (161km) but is at most two miles (3km) wide, is the most popular of the group. Eleuthera, and especially its satellite, Harbour Island, just a short water-taxi ride away, have long been the holiday haunts of the fashionable set, sporting luxury hotels and fine restaurants that cater for trendy and wealthy visitors. The main entertainment here is sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, shell-collecting and fishing. The scenery can be enjoyed through a meander along the coast, passing scenic headlands and wandering through villages dotted between dozens of pristine beaches.
The Exumas
Exumas Islands
The Exumas encompass a myriad of islands and cays that stretch for hundreds of miles. The largest, Great Exuma and Little Exuma, are home to the small community of several hundred island inhabitants, who farm the land and welcome tourists. Visitors usually arrive by yacht, as these islands offer legendary cruising opportunities, and if you come without sails, you will be tempted to hire a boat and make the most of the inviting waters. Most cays are edged with towering palm trees and expanses of white powdery beaches. The surrounding reefs have magical underwater gardens that draw scuba divers and snorkellers. The main destination for divers is the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a 176-square-mile (456 sq km) natural underwater preserve, that can only be reached by seaplane or boat (charters can be arranged through the hotels).
Grand Bahama © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Fifty miles (80km) east of Miami, Grand Bahama is an idyllic island of white beaches and aquamarine seas beneath which the coral reefs teem with life. Most visitors stay in Freeport, a few miles inland, or at the seaside suburb of Lucaya on the south coast of the island. Here you can sail, play golf or simply relax by the pool at one of the many all-inclusive resorts. In town there are plenty of boutiques and bazaars to tempt shoppers, and evenings can be spent at one of the many restaurants, after which those travellers with cash left in their wallets can head to one of the island's casinos. There is also much to entice divers and snorkellers. Outside Freeport, between Sweeting's Cay and Pelican Point are seven blue holes inviting exploration, and a little further west is Deadman's Reef, accessible from the powdery white beach at Paradise Cove. East of Freeport is the Lucayan National Park, home to the largest underwater cave system in the world. Walkers can enjoy the island's natural flora and fauna or hire a kayak and explore the mangrove creeks.
Half Moon Cay Bahamas © Holland America Line
Half Moon Cay
The resort is a private paradise, reserved for passengers who are tendered ashore to the pier from Holland America Line's cruise ships, and those who have paid for the pleasure will not be disappointed. Half Moon Cay (pronounced 'Key') is an island about 100 miles (161km) south of Nassau, capital of the Bahamas, and has been sensitively developed to preserve its natural assets and ecosystem, while ensuring it provides a fantastic day ashore for cruise passengers. The main attraction is the two-mile (3km) crescent of surreally beautiful beach, dotted with palm trees, adjacent to which are wonderful bird-watching opportunities in a well-preserved waterfowl nesting habitat. All the facilities at this pristine resort are connected by pathways, but those who prefer can catch a tram which runs continuously from the welcome centre to the food pavilion. Visitors wanting to cure their 'sea legs' can take some delightful walks along marked trails with descriptive signs pointing out the local trees, plants and birds.
Harbour Island © livingonimpulse
Harbour Island
Once the capital of the Bahamas, Harbour Island is home to Dunmore Town, whose flower-lined streets and colourful New England-style buildings are popular with tourists in the Bahamas. Harbour Island's main attraction, though, is the spectacular pink sand beach that takes advantage of the protection of a coral reef for tranquil waters and excellent swimming. The accommodation on Harbour Island caters mostly to wealthy travellers, especially along the "zillionaire's row" development.
Deans Blue Hole Long Island © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Long Island
One of the main events on the Bahamas yachting calendar is the Long Island Regatta, which takes place in the town of Salt Pond each May, drawing visitors from all around the world to one of the most beautiful and unspoilt islands of the Bahamas. The locals of Long Island still depend on fishing for their livelihood, while visitors revel in the shallow bays and white beaches of the western shore. The rugged windward coast features towering cliffs washed by wild waves. There are also some renowned offshore diving and snorkelling spots, and a spectacular view from the northern tip of the island at the site of a monument to Christopher Columbus, who enjoyed the vista when he came ashore in 1492. The island is also home to the deepest blue hole in the world, just north of Clarence Town.
Mayaguana © Waustindavis
Mayaguana Island
Mayaguana is among the least developed islands in the Bahamas. With modern amenities few and far between, the island appeals to adventure travellers looking to experience the pristine wildlife of the area, including iguanas and bright pink flocks of flamingos. Scuba diving in Mayaguana is a top draw, especially in Abraham's Bay, and bone fishing is another popular activity. Be prepared before you visit Mayaguana, as there are no ATMs or banks, and credit cards are not widely accepted.
Atlantis, Paradise Island © adobemac
Paradise Island
Connected to New Providence Island by a bridge, Paradise Island is one of the most popular destinations in the Bahamas. It offers a variety of beaches to suit a range of tastes. Most of the island's hotels and resorts are along Cable Beach, Paradise Beach or Cabbage Beach offering miles of white sand and outstanding watersport facilities. The Bahamas' capital city of Nassau is located here, or to escape the crowds one can head over to the secluded Caves Beach or Love Beach, a popular spot for snorkelling.
Horse riding © Wildcat Dunny
Pinetree Stables
Pinetree Stables takes people on a 2-hour Bahamian horseback ride from Freeport on the top of the island, through an endangered Pine Tree forest, past a castle, and eventually over the dunes and onto the beach where more experienced riders can canter through the lapping water at the edge of the sea. No horse-riding experience is necessary, but the minimum age allowed is eight-years-old. This fantastic activity is a must for the whole family. Reservations are recommended.E-mail: info@pinetree-stables.com; Website: www.pinetree-stables.com; Telephone: 242 373 3600; Opening time: Trail rides daily at 9am and 11.30am; Admission: $99 per person. No children under 8 allowed, other restrictions apply.
Events
Fish and chips © f10n4
Fish Fry Fridays
Grand Bahama Island is home to the B.T.V.I. Eatery, which indulges visitors' taste buds with its weekly Fish Fry Fridays. Local culinary delights include the obvious fried fish, as well as conch fritters, potato bread and guava duff. Combined with the ambient Caribbean atmosphere, this occasion is enough to make anyone feel truly relaxed.Venue: Peach Tree Street, Settler's Way, Grand Bahama Island; Date: Every Friday; Time: 4 pm - 9pm
Bahamas full moon © Ben Alford
Croon to the Moon
Croon to the Moon is a celebration held on each Sunday nearest the full moon (hence the name) and features bonfires, live music, karaoke, cocktails and some fine local cuisine. Crab races are arranged to keep kids entertained; Croon at the Moon is definitely a holiday event for the whole family to enjoy.Venue: Old Bahama Bay, West End, Grand Bahama Island; Date: Each Saturday nearest the full moon.