From their pristine, white beaches to their world-class golf courses, the Bahamas have something for everyone. Loved by travelers of all ages, there is no end to the experiences this laid-back Caribbean destination has to offer. Here are ten of the top things to see and do.
1. Explore a Shipwreck
The crystal seas around the islands of the Bahamas contain the watery graves of many shipwrecks. Some of the shallower wrecks are accessible to snorkelers. Tour guides offer scuba tours of wrecks in deeper waters.
2. Visit Cat Island
Named after Arthur Catt, the infamous Caribbean pirate, Cat Island is 150 square miles of Bahamian beauty. In addition to its breathtaking beaches, it is also home to the islands’ indigenous music known as “rake-and-scrape.”
3. Kayak the Exuma Cays
The Exumas are comprised of over 365 small islands or cays. Ocean kayakers can take in the beauty of the cays’ natural coral reefs, unpopulated beaches, and famous swimming pigs.
4. Try Conch
Conch (pronounced “konk”) is an island favorite. It is a large, pink mollusk with a beautiful shell that is highly sought after by beachcombers and vendors. The chewy meat of the conch is sliced and chopped into salads and main dishes. The meat is also breaded and fried into fritters. It is hard to find a restaurant that does not serve this Bahamian staple.
5. Drink the Local Libations
Kalik is the official “beer of the Bahamas,” known for its lemony, slightly salty taste. Available all over the islands, it is brewed by the Commonwealth Brewery of Nassau. The “Goombay Smash” and “Bahama Mama” are other local favorites, comprised of fruit juice and rum.
6. Explore Inagua National Park
Inagua National Park is home to the world’s largest colony of West Indian flamingos, with just over 60,000 birds calling the 184,000-acre park home. Nearly extinct 40 years ago, the flamingos are thriving in Inagua, offering a dazzling display to thousands of visitors each year.
7. Visit Harbour Island
Harbour Island is a small Bahamian island of just 2,000 residents, but what it lacks in population, it makes up for with beautiful beaches, quaint cottages, and some of the best dining and nightlife the Bahamas has to offer.
8. Dive at Small Hope Bay
Small Hope Bay is home to dozens of dive sites, including shark and reef dives in some of the Bahamas most beautiful blue lagoons.
9. Hop on a Mail Boat
For over a century, residents of the Bahamas have traveled from island to island on mail boats. Tickets are inexpensive, and passengers get a bed and a meal. Most importantly, they are immersed in Bahamian culture outside of the typical tourist experience.
10. Relax on Long Island
Long Island is home to Dean’s Blue Hole, the deepest blue hole in the world. Originally named “Fernandina” by Christopher Columbus, Long Island got its current name from its long, narrow shape that takes a great deal of time to sail around. With its high cliffs and mysterious caves, it boasts a rich history of exploration dating back to the 1600s.