As the summer months come to an end, we want to remind you that it isn’t too late to book your dream vacation! Need ideas? We have a few ready for you. Get ready to explore the majestic islands of The Bahamas. No need to parse through all 700 of them – we’ve curated a list of our top five you’ll want to consider for your summer getaway.
X Marks the Spot in Grand Bahama
Beachfront villas, dolphins, and pirates, oh my! Imagine waking up to the sounds of gentle waves lapping the glittering sands outside your villa rental in Paradise Cove. After spending a lazy morning by the beach, head over to Port Lucaya Marina where you can swim with the dolphins. Your stay in Grand Bahama is sure to be filled with endless discovery, courtesy of the varied activities the island has to offer. Take a day to explore the nearby towns, settlements and caves where it is believed that pirates like Henry Morgan and Blackbeard hid their vessels – you might even find some hidden treasure! The island is so spectacular that even the filmmakers of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise HAD to choose the island as their primary film site for the second movie. Trust the filmmakers on this one: Grand Bahama Island is the perfect place to bury your doubloons and your stress!
When Pigs Float in Exuma
Surely, you’ve heard of the expression, “when pigs fly”, but have you heard of pigs that float? Just a 30-minute plane ride from Nassau, you will find Exuma’s cutest residents on Pig Beach, also known as Big Major Cay. The pigs and piglets of Pig Beach are known for being adorable, photogenic, and ready to swim up to your boat as you make an aquatic entrance! Exuma Island should be at the top of your bucket list if you want to swim in crystal-clear waters and snap a few selfies with these pig-paddling porkers.
Experience Nature’s Beauty on the Island of Eleuthera
Known for its pink sandy beaches and pineapple plantations, the island of Eleuthera is a natural beauty that you do not want to miss out on! The island’s name derives from the Greek word for “Freedom”, a fitting description for a place where nature has grown wild and free. Stunning natural attractions include sites like the Glass Window Bridge, where a passage of rocks split both the dark blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. When pineapples are in season, we strongly encourage you to take a tour of the Eleuthera Pineapple Farms where you’ll learn about the cultivation process and enjoy the delicious tropical fruits grown right there on the island.
Set Sail on the Waters of The Abacos
First, enjoy a refreshing sip of Goombay Smash, a Bahamian cocktail treasure rumoured to have been created right here in the Boating Capital of The Bahamas. Cocktail in hand, hop on a sailboat and explore the island’s hidden caves where pirates once hid and took shelter. Book a cave diving experience with Bahamas Underground and embark on a total underwater odyssey, plunging through underwater caves, swimming with the sharks and exploring a few shipwrecks on your day out! The island’s numerous aquatic activities should be a clear winner for the adventurous traveller!
Journey Through the Mysterious Andros Island
A three-island archipelago, Andros is the largest island in The Bahamas with a plentiful variety of activities to enjoy on your next vacation. This island will make you feel like you’ve been sent on a grand expedition to uncover the earth’s hidden secrets. The atmosphere of Andros feels like a fairy tale, with a local mythical creature named “Lusca” who is said to be a giant octopus that scours the waters. Of course, the mystery doesn’t end there: the island is covered with over 150 mysterious sinkholes that are home to unusual aquatic life and fossils of animals not native to the Bahamas. Need a break from the many aquatic enigmas? Experience Androsian culture by sitting in on a Batik-making class, where you’ll watch the artisans as they create their signature fabrics and enjoy an opportunity to make a colourful piece of your own.
Choose The Bahamas for some much-needed vacation time! These five islands are just a start to experiencing the unique culture, atmosphere and history of the Out Islands.
