The Idyllic Beaches of The Bahamas

Some of the best places to relax and unwind in The Bahamas are the shores overlooking the crystalline, turquoise waters of the country. And, with 700 islands belonging to The Bahamas, you will definitely be spoilt for choice, whether looking for exquisite water sports endeavours, horseback riding ventures, lounging with a drink, or more secluded adventures at private islands.

Among the most jaw-dropping shores in The Bahamas are:

• Pink Sand Beach – Nestled in Harbour Island, it offers an unconventional experience as travellers have the chance to dip their toes in pink-tinted sand, which gets its colour from tiny microorganisms with a pinkish hue that are washed off the ocean when they die and blend with the sand and the leftover pieces of corals! The 3-mile-long beach features incredibly relaxing scenery and is open to the public all day long. As for facilities like beach umbrellas, beach chairs, and restaurants, there aren’t any, except for guests of the Pink Sand Beach resort, who can use the resort’s amenities. So, ensure you bring your own stuff.
• Pig Beach – A quirky beach on an inhabited island (Big Major Cay) where you will have the unique opportunity to enjoy the sun and, at the same time, feed the wild pigs that live there! As for how they got there, nobody really knows for sure. Many Bahamians claim that they must have been left behind by a shipwreck or sailor. You can swim with and/or feed them with vegetables, fruits, and other foods with approved fare, although the locals have established a system to ensure they (the pigs) have fresh water and receive medical care at all times. Kindly act responsibly and maintain respect when interacting with them, though. They remain wild animals.
• Blue Lagoon Beach – It requires additional transportation to privately-owned Blue Lagoon Island, which lies opposite Paradise Island and greets visitors with azure waters, white sand, and heart-stopping tropical foliage, such as native coconut palm trees. While there, you can relax in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree, rent water sports equipment, take a dip in the lagoon, lounge on the idyllic Salt Cay shoreline, or take an eco-nature tour to meet the island’s animal inhabitants. Additionally, you may sign up to snorkel with stingrays and sharks, swim with dolphins or see sea lions from up close! To visit the island, you will need to book a tour or package that includes your transportation from and to the island and anything else you wish to experience there (advance booking for these extra activities is required).

The Private Islands in The Bahamas

Visiting one of the many private islands in the country should be a prerequisite if you long for exclusive holidays and beach ventures that stray from the norms while being injected with added luxury and pampering. Depending on the island you visit, you could enjoy different features. For example, some private islands are home to boutique resorts, such as Fowl Cay Resort and Kamalame Cay, while others, such as Blue Lagoon Island, offer unique activities like swimming with dolphins and Segway tours.

Another alternative is to pick a cruise ship that provides access to its cruise line’s private island, such as Royal Caribbean International (CocoCay Island in The Berry Islands), Disney Cruise Line (Castaway Cay in The Abacos), and Carnival Cruise Lines (Carnival Island). Needless to say, each island offers a plethora of options, ranging from eco-tours and water sports equipment rentals to cabanas and many more (not free of charge, though). If you travel with an affiliated cruise line, your visit to the respective island is free; the fees apply to any extras like drinks, food, and shore excursions.

John Watling's Distillery

Besides the sea-related activities that open up for you during your Bahamas vacation, you could consider touring John Watling’s Distillery on New Province Island and sampling its homemade rum, while also seeing how the famous local drink is produced.

Apart from rum, the distillery also produces other spirits, including gin and vodka, which are infused with plants from Andros and filtered with pink sand from Eleuthera, respectively. If you need a break from the sun and the sand, this is an excellent activity that will also enable you to get back home with a few souvenirs containing tasty drinks made here. The distillery is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 and you will find plenty of parking spaces on the site.

Note: Andros is the biggest Bahamian landmass that houses many social and rich points of interest. Also, much preferred among divers for its barrier reef, it even has a lighthouse full of cannons and guns that make a visit to Andros a must for sure.

Elbow Cay

In essence, Elbow Cay is a ship and one of the most beloved attractions in The Bahamas. The ship operates from Elbow Cay to Marsh Harbour and offers an exciting step back in time and eras when English-style fishing villages with charming shaded houses were thriving. Quintessentially Bahamian, this place across the roads of Hope Town impresses with its captivating palm-lined shores and red-striped beacon. No wonder it receives such a huge interest from both locals and tourists alike!

Other Places to Visit in The Bahamas

• Pirate Museum – Found in Nassau, it awaits to narrate endless stories starring pirates that have been passed down from generation to generation. The interactive, red-bricked museum also enchants with many elements that are relatable to the times when pirates would nestle at Nassau’s harbour planning their attacks on trading ships.
• Paradise Island– A magnificent island and a must-stop for its stunning beaches and the many resorts and hotels in the area, including the world-class Atlantis resort, which will steal your heart with its waterslides, aquariums, and water parks. You will also be pampered with many spas, casinos, bars, and inns spread across the island.
• Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Park – Expect to be amazed by the wide range of fauna and flora, native Bahamian animals, and exotic gardens, among many others.
• Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park – Adorning the Eastern Bahamas, you can enjoy water sports and discover exotic seascapes in a marine-secured area.
• National Art Gallery of the Bahamas – A dream place for art lovers and a leading arts institution in the Bahamas that is housed in a captivating, beautifully restored Neoclassical mansion called Villa Doyle.