The 14 Best Islands to Stay on Your Next Trip to The Bahamas

What is the best place to stay in The Bahamas? Well, that’s a tough question considering every island of The Bahamas is unique, which means that when planning a trip to this slice of paradise, you’ll want to know exactly what you want to get out of your vacation.

Tough doesn’t mean that it is impossible to answer, however. To figure it out, we’ll first need to learn more about the most popular islands in The Bahamas, a tropical archipelago made up of 700 islands and cays. Note that not all the islands are inhabitable, which does in a way make your decision a little easier.

The major islands where you can stay and play in The Bahamas include New Providence (where the capital Nassau is located), Paradise Island, The Exumas, Bimini, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera and The Abaco Islands.

Sandals Emerald Bay brings unprecedented luxury to the easy-going rhythms of the Bahamian Out Islands.

New Providence is the ‘most happening’ place in The Bahamas, where you can mix relaxing beach days with a walk around Nassau’s historic city center, enjoying its restaurants, bars and clubs later at night. Paradise Island is one of the most touristic areas featuring a water park, perfect for families with kids. For a more low-key beach vacation, venture out to The Exumas with its powdery soft white sand beaches and incredible blue waters. Surfers will love a laid-back vacation on Eleuthera in the months of October through April.

Those are only four of the islands you can explore while in The Bahamas, and for the sake of helping you picking the right destination, we’ve summed up the 14 best islands to go to in The Bahamas underneath.

New Providence (Nassau)

Picture: Luxury resort Sandals Royal Bahamian on Cable Beach.

Note: While the island is called New Providence, it is often referred to as Nassau - which is the main city located on this island. Generally, both names are used to refer to the same place.

New Providence in a nutshell: New Providence is the most popular island to travel to in The Bahamas, as it is central to all things Bahamian. From restaurants to bars, from shops to casinos, in Nassau everything you need will be at your fingertips, and you can easily access other islands (including the out-islands) if you want to explore.

The islands of The Bahamas have long been associated with being a territory where the rich and famous play, spend their summers, and transact banking business. Whether you want to spend your time relaxing on the beach, exploring the historic city center, shopping or taking in vibrant nightlife inclusive of casino stops, Nassau is one of the most popular islands to stay while in the Bahamas. Visitors to New Providence Island are often drawn in by the abundance of resorts available, including adults-only resort Sandals Royal Bahamian (which comes with a private offshore island, only accessible for guests).

The ‘Out-Islands’ - A majority of international flights arrive in Nassau/New Providence, which happens to be the business and political center of The Bahamas. This is the ‘most happening’ island, which is connected by bridge to Paradise Island. The term ‘Out-Islands’ is used to sum up all the other Bahamian islands. These islands are, generally speaking, less crowded and more low-key. Some of the most popular out-islands in The Bahamas include Exuma, Eleuthera, Abaco and Long Island.

How to get to New Providence

If you are staying in New Providence or just taking a day trip, getting there should be no issue. There is plenty of local transportation to and from the capital city of Nassau. However, if you are flying into the islands of The Bahamas, you can fly directly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) - located in the center of the island’s capital.

However, you can also get to Nassau by ferry. The ferry leaves from Miami, Florida. However, you can also take your car with you onto the ferry if you’d like. Additionally, navigating to Nassau from a different Bahamian island is easily accessible by plane or boat.

Recommended excursions on New Providence

Nassau and New Providence are full of a variety of activities ranging from relaxing beach days, nightlife, and delicious food. Some of our favorite activities in New Providence include:

• Visiting Cable Beach and some of the other great beaches in Nassau

• Taking in culture at Clifton Heritage Park

• Tasting delicious Caribbean rum at Rum Cake Factory

• Trying local beers at Pirate Republic brewery

• Visiting the historic city center of Nassau, Fort Charlotte, & Queen’s Staircase

There are plenty more things to do in Nassau on your vacation to The Bahamas as well. This is a great place for both families, couples, and other adults to stay on the island, as it is also near by plenty of other excursions.

Insider tip: Take a daytrip down to Rose Island by boat. You’ll get to see the villas of the rich and famous, visit amazing beaches and participate in some fantastic snorkeling! Love scuba diving? Guests of the all-inclusive resort in Nassau, Sandals Royal Bahamian, can dive the most amazing underwater spots - for free (max. two tanks a day). This includes top-of-the-line equipment!

Paradise Island

Paradise Island in a nutshell: Paradise Island is great for families with children. It is the ‘poster child’ of The Bahamas. Paradise Island is connected by 2 bridges to Nassau, though you’ll get pretty much everything you need on the island. Many hotels in The Bahamas are located on Paradise Island, so you won’t have a hard time finding a great place to stay.

Paradise Island is located on a 15-minute drive from Nassau’s historic city center on New Providence, and a 30-minute drive from the airport.

How to get to Paradise Island

The closest airport to Paradise Island will be Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau. From there, it is just a quick taxi trip from New Providence Island to Paradise Island. Additionally, if you are traveling from a separate island, the easiest way to get there would be to take a boat or plane into New Providence and taxi over. The two islands are so close together that travel between them is usually seamless.

Recommended excursions on Paradise Island

As the name suggests, Paradise Island is just that. The island is popular amongst families with kids and has served as the backdrop for several Hollywood blockbusters including The James Bond movie Casino Royale, featuring Daniel Craig. Some of our favorite on the island activities include:

• Visiting Cabbage Beach for a relaxing afternoon

• Spending the day at Aquaventure Water Park (especially if you have kids)

• Touring the Versailles Gardens of Paradise Islands

If you’re travelling with kids, the water park on this island are sure to keep them entertained, while adults can try their luck at local casinos, or check out the many local bars and restaurants. As this is one of the most touristic areas in The Bahamas, expect crowds, and higher prices.

The Exumas

The Exumas in a nutshell: Home of the swimming pigs of The Bahamas, the Exumas are made up of 350 islands and cays in all. Most of these are uninhabited, save for islands like Great Exuma where you’ll find a few upscale resort brands like Sandals Emerald Bay. Exuma is known for its sparsely-populated soft white-sand beaches and incredible turquoise waters. This is the place to be for a snorkeling adventure and low-key beach vacation!

How to get to the Exumas

The easiest way to fly into the Exuma Islands in The Bahamas is to use the Exuma International Airport (GGT). This will have flights from a few major cities around the world and from most of the other Bahamian islands, making it perfect for both local travel and international travel.

You can also travel to the Exumas by boat. Additionally, there is an inexpensive ferry that can take you from the capital city of Nassau to the Exumas very easily.

Recommended excursions in the Exumas

The Great Exumas are a paradise for lovers of powdery soft white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Travelers who enjoy sailing, snorkeling and water sports should have these islands at the top of their list. Some of our favorite excursions in the Exumas include:

• Swimming with Pigs at Big Major Cay

• Exploring underwater caves at Thunderball Grotto

• Relaxing at Coco Plum Beach or Moriah Harbor Cay Beach

• Golfing at Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course

• Spending the day at Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

The islands are most popular with the sailing crowd that annually turns up for the Family Island Regatta. The Regatta is one of the oldest in The Bahamas and is usually held around April. During the Regatta and other big events in Great Exuma, the islands take on a party atmosphere (especially in George Town), but aside from the occasional event, you’ll have lots of peace and quiet, and more white-sand beach to yourself.

Love golf? Find one of the most spectacular Championship golf course of the Caribbean on Exuma. With stunning views over Exuma’s blue waters, designed by golf legend Greg Norman, this is as good as golf gets! Green fees are included for guests of Sandals Emerald Bay, one of the adults-only resorts in Exuma

Eleuthera

Eleuthera in a nutshell: The fourth most populated island in The Bahamas, Eleuthera with its pink sand beaches and breathtaking beauty wins hearts with every trip. It is best suited for travelers who want to relax and escape from the world. If you’re looking for some surf in The Bahamas, Eleuthera is the place to be from October until April.

With a population of 11,165, it’s safe to say Eleuthera gives small town vibes. At 100 miles long, it is an island packed with history and laid-back pink sand beaches, and where fun awaits if you go to the right places. With the name Eleuthera translating to freedom, that’s exactly what awaits most visitors who choose this island to spend their vacation, or even those who plan on spending just a few days on this island.

How to get to Eleuthera

There are three different airports on the Eleuthera islands. You can catch flights from Nassau, Florida, or a few other international destinations. However, the main airports you will be flying into are North Eleuthera Airport, Governors Harbour Airport, and Rock Sound International Airport.

You can also catch a quick ferry directly from Nassau if you are already on the islands. From Eleuthera, you can also get quick access to Spanish Wells, Three Island Dock, and Current.

Recommended excursions on Eleuthera

To the east of Nassau and New Providence, Eleuthera is said to have more natural ship wrecks than any other island. Sail, swim and stroll as you explore the island, and… expect lots of pineapple, or pineapple flavored goods, as pineapple is the island’s signature crop! Some of our favorite excursions on Eleuthera include:

• Relax on the pink sand beaches at French Leave Beach or Lighthouse Beach

• Take in breathtaking views at Glass Window Bridge

• Explore nightlife at Vic Hums Night Club

• Visit Tarpum Bay for the beach, shopping, and restaurants

• Plan a romantic evening in Bannerman Town with beautiful ocean views

• Explore unique scenery at Hatchet Bay

The unique experiences on Eleuthera island are worth taking the time to see, especially with how easy it is to travel in and out of the island.

Insider tip: Visit a local bakery while in Eleuthera to source some pineapple tarts that you can give to friends or family as a souvenir.

Harbour Island

Harbour Island in a nutshell: The home of Bahamas’ most famous pink sand beach, Harbour Island is a must for travelers who are looking for a (long) weekend getaway in The Bahamas. There’s a certain charm of the beaches found here that you likely would not have experienced anywhere else, and the quaint feel of this island is sure to reel you in. Visitors and inhabitants of Harbour Island alike, use golf carts to get around on this small island, instead of cars.

Harbour Island can be found within the chain of Eleuthera islands but is worth a separate mention. Promotions about Harbour Island tend to zero-in on the island’s pink sand beaches. The small and quaint Harbour Island with all its understated charm is perfect for romantic getaways, as part of a honeymoon or a casual visit. It’s just about three miles long, and is marked by Georgian architecture, a super laid-back atmosphere, and seemingly untouched natural elements.

How to get to Harbour Island

The best way to travel to Harbour Island is to fly into North Eleuthera Airport and take a water taxi to Harbour Island from there. There are no airports to fly into Harbour Island, but the water taxis and boat options are fast and convenient.

The travel options are inexpensive enough for a day trip, or you can stay at Harbour Island for a long weekend. Additionally, this island is so small that you’ll have no trouble getting around. Most people use golf carts to get from place to place.

Recommended excursions on Harbour Island

Although Harbour Island is worth a (long) weekend getaway, a majority of its visitors spending the day at Harbour Island, rather than spending their entire vacation. Some of our favorite excursions on this island include:

• Spend the day shopping, eating, and exploring Dumore Town

• Visit the beautiful Pink Sands Beach

• Take in the sites at historical Bay Street

While Harbour Island is fairly small, this is a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of other Bahamian Islands.

The Abaco Islands

Note: The Abaco Islands were impacted by Dorian and might still be recovering.

Abaco Islands in a nutshell: The living is simple in the Abaco Islands, and lovers of sailing will be at home on these shores. Whether attending or participating in festive regattas is of interest to you, or diving into the deep blue sea, the Abacos are definitely one of the top islands to visit in The Bahamas.

Known as the jewel of The Bahamas, you’ll fall in love with the Abaco Islands, which is made up of 120 cays. The abundance of islands and cays means you can go island-hopping in The Bahamas to various ones including Man-O-War Cay, Great Guana Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Spanish Cay, or any deserted island for a picnic lunch, starting in Marsh Harbor, which is the main town in Great Abaco, the largest island. The magic of the undersea can truly be appreciated in The Abacos as the islands boast healthy and highly populated reefs, which make for amazing diving opportunities.

How to get to Abaco Islands

The best way to get to Abaco Islands is by plane. You can take a flight into one of three airports: Marsh Harbour International, Treasure Cay International, or Walker’s Cay. However, Walker’s Cay is used exclusively for private flights.

However, there is also a ferry directly from Nassau onto the Abaco Islands if you are splitting your stay or just taking a day trip. Either way, the travel is fast and fairly inexpensive.

Recommended excursions in the Abaco Islands

Beginner divers will appreciate the shallow diving possible in most of the islands, and the fact that you don’t have to go too far out for remarkable views, or to see fish and other marine life you’ve never encountered before. The Abaco Islands are to the north of New Providence and Paradise island. Some of our favorite excursions on the Abaco Islands include:

• Visiting the Elbow Cay Lighthouse for it’s history and beautiful views

• Relaxing on the beach at Treasure Cay

• Grabbing a bite to eat at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar

Though these islands are fairly small, they make for a unique experience outside of the busy nightlife and bustling tourism on the other Bahamian islands.

Long Island

Long Island in a nutshell: Not to be confused with Long Island in the USA, Long Island, Bahamas is a getaway best suited for lovers of adventure, nature and the outdoors. The island is 80 miles from top to bottom and only 4 miles wide. Long Island is located to the southeast of Nassau and home to one of the world’s deepest blue holes.

Visit a different beach for every day of the week if you like in Long Island, or spend your day fishing, sailing, or just exploring this pristine island, which is the biggest of the islands in the southern portion of The Bahamas. Long Island is ideal for travelers who want some peace and quiet, or those who want to enjoy some of the best diving The Bahamas has to offer. In fact, one of the world’s deepest blue holes, Dean’s Blue Hole is located just offshore from Long Island, and visitors are free to go snorkeling or scuba diving there.

How to get to Long Island

There are two ways to travel to Long Island: by boat and by air. You can either fly directly into Deadman’s Cay Airport or Stella Maris Airport. Additionally, you can find flights from Nassau as well. The flights are fairly frequent and the airports are in central locations making inter-island travel easy.

Additionally, the Nassau ferry runs to Long Island a few times per week. You may also be able to grab a ride on one of the local mailboats, but ferry is likely the easiest option.

Recommended excursions on Long Island

Elsewhere on the island there are opportunities to dive with sharks, which the most daring holiday makers will appreciate. Eco-tours are popular on this island, and you won’t have a hard time finding one. Sport fishing aficionados too can expect good things out of a visit to Long Island, as fishing of all types is popular here. Some of our favorite excursions on Long Island include:

• Explore Lucayan Indian Cave

• Visit Dean’s Blue Hole for great diving

• Grab a bite to eat and a drink at Max’s Conch Bar

Long Island makes a great day trip during your Caribbean getaway. You’ll be able to relax and see some beautiful views.

Bimini

Bimini in a nutshell: Bimini is perfect for people who just want to get away for the weekend to recharge, particularly over a long weekend. It’s just 50 miles away from Miami, and it was once beloved by novelist Ernest Hemingway, who found plenty of inspiration there.

Believe it or not, Bimini is only a 30-minute flight from Miami. It is somewhere in between when it comes to the more developed and unspoiled islands, which makes it suitable for travelers who want the best of both worlds. Bimini makes it easy to get through winter for travelers from colder places as there as lots of opportunities to lounge beachside on this island or explore local restaurants and bars. The population of Bimini is about 1,988 people, and by the time you’re ready to leave, you’ll probably have encountered a good percentage of them!

How to travel to Bimini

There are two major airports on the Island of Bimini: North Bimini Airport and South Bimini Airport. You can get flights from the other islands in the Bahamas or from key places like Fort Lauderdale, Florida or New York.

Additionally, you can take a ferry from Miami Florida, lasting about 2 hours. Additionally, you may be able to find private boats to take you across the Atlantic Ocean.

Recommended excursions in Bimini

While you’re in Bimini, you may want to find out if there’s any truth to the olden fable of Bimini being home to the Fountain of Youth (enter Juan Ponce De Leon!) because really and truly, who wouldn’t want a splash of that? Some of our other favorite excursions on this island include:

• Visit the Great Isaac Cay Lighthouse

• Relax on Honeymoon Harbor Beach, Radio Beach, Alive Town Beach or Bimini Sands Beach

• Take in the historic sites at Bimini War Memorial & Heroes Park

• Learn more about Bahamian culture at Bimini Museum

• Visit the Bimini Craft Center

Bimini is well-worth a visit for either a day-trip or extended stay. The easy access from both Florida and other Bahamian Islands make this a no-brainer on your Caribbean getaway.

Grand Bahama

Note: Grand Bahama was impacted by Dorian and might still be recovering.

Grand Bahama in a nutshell: Grand Bahama appeals to the nature lover with its captivating natural beauty and simple lifestyle. It is located only 53 miles from the US coast and the perfect place to tan, swim with dolphins and do some shopping.

Go snorkeling, scuba dive, swim with dolphins, feed the sharks and even party at the Fish Friday event in Grand Bahama; the sky is the limit when it comes to finding things to do on this island. Grand Bahama is home to towns like Freeport and Lucaya, which are both interesting and convenient spaces where you can relax, shop, explore, and find good entertainment.

How to get to Grand Bahama

The best way to travel to Grand Bahama Island is by flying. You can fly directly into Grand Bahama International Airport or take a small charter flight from one of the other islands. Additionally, there is a cruise ship running from West Palm Beach that you can take as well as a fast ferry from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Recommended excursions on Grand Bahama

On this island, you’ll be able to go golfing, try watersports, and jam at beach parties, with plenty of time leftover to enjoy secluded beaches and relatively untouched parts of the island. Be sure to set up a tour once you get to Grand Bahama, which will allow you to take in more of the island, in less time. Some of our favorite excursions on Grand Bahama Island include:

• Visiting Lucayan National Park

• Shopping at Port Lucaya Marketplace

• Relax on Tanino Beach, William’s Town Beach, Xanadu Beach or Lucaya Beach

As one of the most popular destinations in the Bahamas, there is no shortage of fun activities. You can either take a day trip from one of the other islands or spend your full vacation here.

Fun fact: Grand Bahama has the highest number of native bird species in all 700 islands of this region.

Andros

Andros in a nutshell: Andros is worlds away from it all, and it is a place where you can disconnect from the seemingly pressing things of life, and tune into what really matters. This is the perfect place to go scuba diving and bone-fishing. The island is rumored to be the location of the Lost City of Atlantis!

Your mind might drift to Greece when you hear the word Andros, but Andros in The Bahamas is hundreds of thousands of miles away from that part of the world. There are similarities in the two places though, that extend beyond their name. For example, Andros (Greece) is fertile, green and peaceful, much like it’s Caribbean far distant relative. They are both places people go when they want to get away from it all, and what visitors appreciate most about both is their calm and relaxed atmosphere.

How to get to Andros

There are a few ways to travel to Andros. The main way visitors travel to this island is to book a flight from Fort Lauderdale or Nassau into the Andros Town International Airport. You can also book private flights directly into Fresh Creek, Andros.

Additionally, you can take a quick ferry ride directly from the capital city of Nassau. Either way, these options are fairly fast and inexpensive.

Recommended excursions on Andros

In the Bahamas, Andros is a land known for its excellent bone-fishing and diving. Here you can find the world’s oldest dive shop, and the second largest coral reef in the Western hemisphere. There are also expansive wetland zones, which are ideal for bone-fishing, so it’s a great place to try this pastime. Some of our favorite excursions here include:

• Visiting Blue Hole National Park for a swim

• Take in the incredible views at Morgan’s Bluff

• Go diving at Small Hope Bay or the Andros Barrier Reef

This spot is amazing for both experienced and new divers. You’ll be able to see the second largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere and plenty of beautiful and unique underwater life.

Cat Island

Cat Island in a nutshell: With a population of 1,500, Cat Island is one of the quieter islands of The Bahamas, which means getting away from it all is truly possible on this island. Cat Island is ideal for honeymooners looking for secluded getaway, or groups who want to sink into the endless adventures this island has to offer.

Remember that recurring dream you had about lounging on Caribbean shores, sipping on cocktails, and getting evenly bronzed while being cooled off by refreshing tropical breeze? Well, that dream can very well come to life on Cat Island, which is the answer to most questions about the perfect island getaway. Cat Island is anything but bustling and is considered the most picturesque of all the out-islands of The Bahamas. Diving off the south shore of Cat Island is an experience not to be missed while you explore this almost untouched island filled with things to marvel at. Cat Island is made even more special because of its pink sand beach, which is an 8 mile stretch of perfection.

How to get to Cat Island

Cat Island is only accessible by plane. You can take a flight from one of the local islands or from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. However, flights from Florida tend to be limited. The two airports you will be flying into are Arthur’s Town Airport or New Bight Airport.

Recommended excursions on Cat Island

When staying on Cat Island, don’t expect lavish hotels, resorts or villas. You’ll have to settle for bed and breakfast type accommodation. There also aren’t scores of restaurants and bars to choose from, but you’ll find a couple, and lots to do. All in all, be prepared for an unplugged holiday on Cat Island, so pack a few books. Some of our favorite excursions include:

• Relaxing in the Boiling Hole

• Visiting pink sand beaches like Rollezz Beach, Old Bight Beach and New Bight Beach

• See the highest point of the Bahamian Islands at the Hermitage on Mt. Alvernia

• Take in the history at Deveaux Plantation Ruins

Whether you want to take a simple day trip or spend your entire vacation on Cat Island, you're sure to have a relaxing experience.

San Salvador

San Salvador in a nutshell: San Salvador Island is another great island destination for diving while in The Bahamas. It is one of the smaller islands, and not very populated, which is great for travelers who want to experience life on a private island, if only for the day!

Just about 930 people live on San Salvador Island, and that number doesn’t increase significantly with the few tourists who visit here and there. Additionally, San Salvador Island is said to have been the first place that Christopher Columbus set foot on when he arrived at the Bahamas in 1492.

Best ways to travel to San Salvador

San Salvador has its own airport located in the middle of the island. This is going to be the best way to travel in and out of this particular island. However, there are also marinas docked around the island, making it easy to get there if you have access to a boat.

Getting around on this island is incredibly easy. Since San Salvador is so small, you can get from place to place with a rental bike or by walking. You may also rent a car to travel around, but it is definitely not necessary.

Recommended excursions on San Salvador

This remote island is most appreciated for its beautiful beaches and great scuba diving. In fact, divers have as many as 50 dive sites to experience while on San Salvador Island, some of which promise sightings of stingrays and sharks, or opportunities to get up close to tropical fish, various types of coral, and more. Some of our favorite excursions here include:

• Taking day trips to French Bay

• Going diving at Devil’s Claw or Vicky’s Reef

• Seeing the views at The Great Lake Preserve

• Experience the historical sites at Cockburn Town

These day trips are best for a relaxing vacation day. While you can still see beautiful views and find unique diving spots, this small island is a more slow-paced environment.

The Berry Islands

Berry Islands in a nutshell: The Berry islands are as delicious as they sound, but you may need to charter a boat if you want to experience the full allure of these islands.The Berry Islands are a great choice for travelers who’re into sportfishing, or spearfishing, or who just want to enjoy the sea in every way possible.
The Berry Islands are made up of 30 islands in all, and they’re a haven for yachties and fishermen. Made up of islets and cays, there isn’t much in terms of tourist facilities in the islands, and only about 700 people live on Great Harbor Cay, the main island.

Best way to travel to the Berry Islands

The main airport in the Berry Islands is called Great Harbour Cay Airport. As Great Harbour Cay is one of the center points on the islands, this will make it easy to travel around throughout the duration of your stay. However, there are not any ferries that run in and out of this cluster of islands, so plane may be your best bet.

Recommended Excursions in the Berry Islands

Great Harbor Cay is the largest island, and here you can find a marina, a golf course, waterfront townhomes, and more. Some say The Berry Islands are the backyard of the rich and famous, but even regular folk can enjoy a holiday here, with lots of beaches to explore, and adventures to be had. Some of our favorite excursions here include:

• Playing golf at Joe Lee Championship Course

• Taking a day trip to Chub Cay, Great Harbour Cay, Coco Cay, or Stingray City

• Seeing the views from Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse

• Relaxing by Coffman Cay Blue Hole or Sugar Beach

This island is really great if you have access to a boat as well, which you can rent by the day. As it is made up of multiple smaller cays, you may want to travel by boat from destination to destination.

Crooked Island and Acklins

Crooked Island and Acklins in a nutshell: You never know what something is going to be like until you do it yourself, and a visit to Crooked Island and Acklins will prove just that… they’re both great for adventure, and for travelers who want privacy, and to get a real feel of the out-islands.

Get off the beaten path with a visit to Crooked Island and Acklins. Stunningly beautiful and just what you’d expect from an untouched island in the middle of the ocean, these islands will simply astound you. Don’t expect luxury living here, just natural beauty at its finest, as you explore these two southern islands, which are part of an atoll consisting of four islands in all. There are lots of iguanas, flamingoes, and other animals roaming around this island that you’re bound to encounter while there. History buffs will appreciate the ruins of slave and cotton plantations, old churches and other structures still standing strong on the island, while animal lovers will not want to leave.

How to get to Crooked Island & Acklins

The best way to travel to these off the beaten path islands from other international cities and local Bahamian islands is to fly. You can easily fly in from Nassau’s airport daily for a quick day trip or for the duration of your stay. Additionally, there is a ferry that runs between Crooked Island & Acklins so you have easy access to both during your vacation.

Recommended excursions on Crooked Island & Acklins

Even though Crooked Island and Acklins are off the beaten path, there are plenty of beautiful sites to see. You also likely won’t run into too many other tourists while you’re here, so these beautiful islands can give you a truly local experience. Some of our favorite activities include:

• Visiting North Side Beach

• Taking a day trip to Relief Bay Eco Park

• Seeing the view from Castle Island Lighthouse & Bird’s Rock Lighthouse

• Exploring the Caves of Crooked Island

• Visiting national parks like Hope Great House & Marine Farm

On your trip to Crooked Island & Acklins, be respectful of the wildlife you may encounter as well as the locals. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions from the locals either, as these excursions are a little off the beaten path for most tourists.

Low-key ‘out-island’ or vibrant Nassau: what’s the best place to stay?

You decide! If you’re looking for a party, Nassau is your best bet. If you’re looking for adventures on the water and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Exuma is the place to be! Families with kids love Paradise Island. Looking for peace and quiet? The Bahamas offers plenty of places that are completely off the radar. Wherever you go, tune into ‘island time’ and relax on the most beautiful beaches this slice of paradise has on offer. The Bahamas is the perfect destination to wind down and recharge the batteries.

Happy travels!

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