14 Islands in the Bahamas You Can Still Visit
Updated: Sep. 26, 2019Hurricane Dorian delivered a frightening Category 5 blow to the Bahamas' outer islands of Grand Bahama and Abacos the beginning of September. However, while the devastation there is overwhelming, much of the Bahamas, which comprises 700 hundred islands across 100,000 acres of ocean, survived the storm fully intact. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism says the best way to help the country recover is to come visit these beautiful spots.
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Nassau/Paradise Island
For many visitors, Nassau and Paradise Island are synonymous with the Bahamas. It’s the location of the largest airport in the country as well as a massive cruise port where many ships dock. The beaches here are lovely wide stretches of golden sand, and there’s a rich island culture that you can experience in the Straw Market for shopping or the Fish Fry collection of casual eateries. Paradise Island is also where the mega waterpark and hotel complex Atlantis is located, which is fully open for business. The resort also has a link to donate to Hurricane Dorian relief efforts right on their home page. These are some of the highlights of the Bahamas beyond Nassau.
Andros
World-renowned for bonefishing and diving, Andros is situated along the world’s third-largest barrier reef. Although it’s one of the largest islands, it also one of the least developed in The Bahamas, making it the perfect home for several nature preserves, bird watching destinations, and blue holes. It’s also where to find the secluded Kamalame Cay Resort which offers peaceful villas facing the calm water here, the ideal location to experience the special island’s natural wonders.
The Exumas
Located 35 miles southeast of Nassau, The Exumas are divided into three major areas: Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and The Exuma Cays. Together they’re the epitome of a Bahamian paradise with stretches of secluded golden beaches and clear turquoise waters. And with 365 cays and islands, you can explore a new tropical oasis every day of the year. And cute animal alert: This is also home of those much-photographed swimming pigs. Discover more of the Caribbean’s hidden gems.
Eleuthera and Harbour Island
Located about 60 miles from Nassau and 200 miles from Florida, Eleuthera is best-known for its rolling fields of some of the sweetest pineapple in the world. Harbour Island is loved by celebrities and discerning travelers for its famous pink-sand beaches, exclusive resorts, pastel-hued buildings, and high-end shopping. Check out more stunning pink sand beaches around the world.
Bimini
Located just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, Bimini is a peaceful, quaint getaway with a mix of adventure that exudes uniqueness, vibrancy and Bahamian authenticity. Popular on-island activities include scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking through the Bimini Nature Trail.
The Berry Islands
Home to a number of spectacular dive sites, including a 600-foot-wide blue hole, as well as some of the most remarkable bill fishing in the world, The Berry Islands are the perfect destination for anglers and underwater adventurers. From pristine beaches and historical sites to renowned fishing and diving, visitors can expect to find tranquility and natural beauty around every corner. No matter where you visit in the Bahamas, it will be easy to pay for food and donate money to relief efforts since it’s one of the foreign countries that use the U.S. dollar as currency.
Cat Island
With its sandy beaches, nature preserves and historical ruins, Cat Island is perhaps the most serene island in The Bahamas. It’s also the birthplace of Rake ‘n’ Scrape music and much of the country’s folklore and offers a true immersion into Bahamian tradition and culture.
Long Island
One of The Bahamas’ most scenic hideaways, the island is divided by the Tropic of Cancer and is bordered on each side by two contrasting coasts. Long Island is perhaps most known for Dean’s Blue Hole, which draws free divers from around the globe to test themselves in what may be the deepest blue hold in the world.this island offers excellent fishing, diving, boating, and natural beauty.
San Salvador
A premier scuba diving destination and well-known historic island where Christopher Columbus may or may not have first made landfall in 1492. This off-the-beaten-path island offers diverse terrain including miles of secluded beaches and sparkling inland lakes.
Rum Cay
This is the Bahamas best-kept secret. This authentic Out Island gem is prominent for its historical ruins, lush landscape, pink sand beaches and thrilling surf on the island’s north coast.
Acklins and Crooked Island
These islands are remote and not well-known as tourist destinations. Their untouched natural surroundings offer plenty of exciting activities for adventurous visitors. Acklins’ rustic landscape is ideal for vacations looking for private getaways with secluded beaches and Crooked Island boasts sparsely populated settlements such as French Wells and Gun Point.
Mayaguana
Home to a plethora of fishing hotspots and small countryside fishing villages. This Out Island is the ideal destination for travelers looking for an authentically Bahamian experience full of seclusion and charm. Today, the island is home to just 300 locals who live in three quaint villages making it a very close-knit community.
Inagua
The Bahamas’ southernmost island is known for its natural surroundings and act as a great destination for eco-tourists. Inagua National Park covers 45 percent of Great Inagua and is home to over 80,000 West Indian Flamingos while Little Inagua is a protected habitat for endangered sea turtles and features vast reefs protecting the island from boaters and sailors. Discover 11 more of the least crowded islands in the Caribbean.