Exciting Locations to Visit in the Bahamas
When you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas should be on your list. The Bahamas are located on the Lucayan Archipelago and are made of hundreds of islands, islets and cays. Watersports, fishing, gambling, and fine dining are only a few of the activities you’ll find in the Bahamas. Although tourism accounts for over half of the country’s GDP, the country’s islands include both lively tourist attractions and secluded natural spots for relaxing. Some of the incredible locations that you’ll find in the Bahamas are discussed in the following sections.
Grand Bahama Island
Grand Bahama Island is east of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and accessible with many cruise deals. It’s world-famous for its white-sand beaches and clear waters. Kayaking, fishing, parasailing and diving are everyday activities on the shores of Grand Bahama, but you can also visit Lucayan National Park or Garden of the Groves. With six miles of charted underwater caves and gorgeous white sand beaches, Lucayan is a unique park favored by divers, hikers and bird enthusiasts. The Bahama swallow and olive-capped warbler are two species of birds that use the island as a permanent habitat.
The Garden of the Groves is a fantastic wildlife habitat that has colorful vegetation, cascading waterfalls and a secluded chapel for weddings.
Green Turtle Cay
In comparison to Grand Bahama, Green Turtle Cay is a much smaller island located near Great Abaco. The cay’s name is derived from a species of green turtles that once used the cay as a habitat. One of island’s main attractions is its picturesque town, New Plymouth. The houses with white picket fences, quaint shops and weathered boatyard will make you feel like you’re in New England rather than the Bahamas. The island is home to several local anglers, and if you’re lucky, you may see one of the fishing boats unloading a crate of lobsters on the docks. The first Methodist church in the Bahamas was built in Green Turtle Cay, and when you visit the island on Sunday, you’ll discover that the churches are the only buildings open for business.
Paradise Island
Unlike the bucolic Green Turtle Cay, Paradise Island is one of the most popular locations in the Bahamas. If you enjoy endless beaches, lively nightlife and numerous tourist-friendly activities, you’ll love Paradise Island. One of the island’s main attractions is the Atlantis Resort. The massive, towering pink building is home to one of the highest-rated waterparks in the world. The Aquaventure Waterpark has 141 acres of slides and pools. If you’d rather swim with the dolphins, you can visit Dolphin Cay. The cay has trained dolphin handlers who help you and your family swim safely with dolphins.
New Providence
After visiting Paradise Island, you can travel across a Nassau Harbor bridge to reach New Providence. The island is home to the capital city Nassau and is a favorite destination of anglers and scuba divers. Filled with scenic coastlines and vibrant locals, Nassau is also notable for the National Gallery of Art and the Pirate Museum. Also, you can do snorkeling in Nassau.
Bimini
Bimini is made up of North Bimini, South Bimini, and East Bimini. The three islands are famous for big game fishing. The nearby Gulfstream creates an ideal environment for marlin, tuna, wahoo and dolphin, and it is considered the anglers paradise of the Bahamas. For scuba divers and snorkelers, Bimini offers several shipwrecks like the SS Sapona, and if you’re interested in American literature, you can visit the area that Ernest Hemingway once called home.
Andros Island
Andros Island is the most massive island in the Bahamas, but it’s not as populated as Grand Bahama or Paradise Island. Andros has one of the greatest barrier reefs in the Caribbean that stretches for over 190 miles. It’s an excellent spot for bonefishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Because it’s not as developed than the other islands, Andros offers more secluded beaches. In 2002, Andros established West Side National Park, and it’s an excellent place to view mangrove forests and tidal creeks.
With so many locations to choose from, you may have trouble deciding where to spend most of your time in the Bahamas. Whether you enjoy wild entertainment or relaxing seclusion, you’ll find what you love in the islands.
