Bahamas Beyond the Beaches: Discovering Secret Islands & Hidden Gems

The Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands and cays, but for decades, the vast majority of visitors only ever saw two: New Providence, home to Nassau, and Grand Bahama. That pattern is shifting fast. By 2021, visits to the less-populated “Out Islands” had already surpassed those to the capital, with nearly 5.5 million visitors heading to these more remote spots last year. This guide focuses on the islands where you can actually find that shift in action — places like Andros, Eleuthera, the Exumas, and Cat Island — and what it really takes to get there, move around, and make the most of them.

These aren’t places you just show up at and figure out. Flights are fewer, roads are rougher, and services are spread thin. But that’s exactly the point. The tradeoff for a bit more planning is access to beaches, reefs, and quiet stretches that still feel genuinely remote. Here’s what you need to know before you book.

Getting Your Bearings in the Out Islands

The Out Islands aren’t a single destination — they’re a collection of distinct islands, each with its own character and access challenges.

Andros Island is the largest in the country by far, yet it has a tiny fraction of the population of other islands, preserving it as a mostly pristine expanse of seaside beauty. Eleuthera offers a mix of settlements and long, empty beaches, while the Exumas are famous for their cays and swimming pigs. Cat Island and Long Island are even quieter, with fewer flights and fewer tourists. The common thread: getting between them usually means a connecting flight from Nassau, and once you’re there, a rental car is almost essential.

One thing I noticed right away — the distances feel bigger than they look on a map. Nassau to Cat Island is 221 km, but that’s a flight, not a drive. There are no bridges connecting these islands. You have to commit to one or two per trip unless you’re on a private charter.

Where to Go and What to Do

Each island offers something different. Here’s where the research points for a first visit.

Andros Island: Barrier Reefs and Blue Holes

Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas, but it’s also the least developed relative to its size. Its main draw is the third-largest barrier reef in the world, which runs along its eastern coast. Divers and snorkelers come for the wall dives and the blue holes — natural underwater sinkholes that attract divers from around the world. The island is also known for having the best bonefishing in the world, which has long been its primary draw for serious sports fishermen.

On South Andros, the Caerula Mar Club debuted in 2020 as the first boutique property of its kind on that island. It has just a handful of rooms and villas, and it makes the most of the island’s miles of untouched shores without infringing on the raw, removed feel. Prior to its debut, there was little on South Andros to welcome visitors. The tradeoff is that dining and activity options are limited to what the resort offers, so you’re committing to a self-contained experience.

Eleuthera: Pink Sands and Airport Upgrades

Eleuthera is known for its large expanses of totally untouched beaches and tranquil shores, including the famous pink sand at Pink Sands Beach. Recent airport upgrades look to enhance access to the island from neighboring islands and abroad, which should make it easier to reach. New accommodations like the recently opened Potlatch Club give visitors more options beyond the older resorts.

For golfers, Jack’s Bay is a private club and residential community set on 1,200 acres with miles of beaches. It’s already home to Tiger Woods’ TGR-designed golf course, and another course designed by Nicklaus Design is set to debut next year. If you’re not a golfer, the island’s main appeal is its quiet beaches and the ability to drive between settlements on the single main road.

The Exumas: Swimming Pigs and Hidden Coves

The Exumas are a chain of cays stretching over 100 miles. The famous swimming pigs at Pig Beach draw the crowds, but the real value is in the quieter cays. You can kayak to a hidden cove where you can swim alongside the pigs, or stop in for a beer at Compass Cay and step off the dock to let the friendly nurse sharks swim in circles around you. The water clarity is exceptional, and the coral reefs are vibrant with colorful marine life.

The downside is that the Exumas are increasingly popular. A highly-anticipated Rosewood Hotels & Resorts property is set to open its doors in 2028, which will only increase visitor numbers. If you want to see the quieter side, go sooner rather than later, and avoid the peak winter months when charter boats fill the anchorages.

Practical Planning for the Out Islands

Getting to and around the Out Islands requires more thought than a Nassau trip. Here’s what the logistics actually look like.

Getting There: Flights and Ferries

Most visitors fly into Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport first, then connect to the Out Islands via small regional carriers. Flights are short but can be expensive, especially during peak season. Ferry services exist between some islands, but they’re infrequent and weather-dependent. For the Exumas, many visitors charter a boat from Nassau, which gives you flexibility but adds cost.

Grand Bahama Island is located just 54 miles from the coast of Florida, making it a popular boating destination for those coming from the US. If you’re arriving by private vessel, that’s your easiest entry point. For everyone else, expect at least one connecting flight.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season runs from November to April, with the most comfortable temperatures and the least rain. This is also peak tourist season, so flights and accommodations cost more and book out early. The shoulder months of May and October offer a good balance of decent weather and lower prices. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk in August and September. If you’re traveling during that window, travel insurance is a good idea.

Costs and Local Friction

The Out Islands are generally more expensive than Nassau for basic goods, because everything has to be shipped in. Groceries, fuel, and even bottled water cost more. Restaurants are fewer and often pricier. If you’re staying in a rental with a kitchen, bringing some non-perishable staples from home can save money. ATMs are scarce outside of the main settlements, so carry enough cash for a few days.

On the Ground: What to Know Before You Go

The practical realities of island life can catch visitors off guard. Here’s what to expect.

Packing for the Out Islands

You won’t find a dive shop on every corner. Packing your own snorkel set means you can jump in whenever you find a clear cove without relying on rental gear. A reef-safe sunscreen is essential — many of the marine protected areas require it, and it’s better for the coral. A waterproof phone pouch is handy for kayaking trips where you want to keep your phone dry but accessible.

For families, a kids snorkel set that fits properly makes a huge difference. Lily used hers constantly on Andros, and it meant we didn’t have to hunt down rental gear that might not fit. A lightweight travel towel is also useful — some of the best beaches don’t have facilities, and a quick-dry towel takes up almost no space.

Local Etiquette and Customs

Bahamians are generally warm and welcoming, but the pace of life is slower. Service in restaurants and shops can be relaxed compared to what you might be used to. Patience goes a long way. Greeting people with a simple “good morning” or “good afternoon” is standard practice before asking for anything. Tipping is expected — 15-20% at restaurants, and a few dollars for guides and drivers.

On the Out Islands, you’re a guest in a small community. Respect private property, don’t take shells or sand from the beaches (it’s illegal), and always ask permission before photographing locals. The marine environment is fragile — don’t touch the coral, and don’t feed the wildlife, including the famous pigs.

Your Bahamas Out Islands Questions, Answered

Are the Out Islands safe for solo travellers?

Generally, yes. Crime rates are low compared to Nassau, and the small communities mean people notice strangers. The bigger risk is practical — medical facilities are limited, and a minor injury can become a major problem if you’re far from a clinic. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is worth the cost.

How do I get between the Out Islands without flying?

Ferries exist but they’re not frequent. The Bahamas Ferries service connects some islands, but schedules change seasonally and trips can be cancelled in bad weather. For the Exumas, many visitors charter a boat from Nassau. If you’re island-hopping, budget for at least one flight between destinations.

Which Out Island is best for first-time visitors?

Eleuthera is a solid choice. It has enough infrastructure — rental cars, grocery stores, a range of accommodations — to feel manageable, but the beaches are still quiet and the island isn’t overrun. The airport upgrades make access easier than it used to be. The tradeoff is that it’s not as remote as Andros or Cat Island, so you won’t get the same sense of total isolation.

Is the water safe to drink in the Out Islands?

Not always. Many islands rely on desalination plants or cisterns, and the water can taste brackish or be unsafe for visitors with sensitive stomachs. Stick to bottled or filtered water. Most resorts and rentals provide drinking water, but it’s smart to bring a reusable water bottle with a filter for day trips.

What’s the biggest downside of visiting the Out Islands?

The lack of options. If your flight is delayed, your rental car breaks down, or the only restaurant on the island is closed for a private event, you’re stuck. There’s no backup plan. That’s part of the appeal for some people, but it can be genuinely stressful if you’re used to having choices. Go with a flexible itinerary and a patient attitude.

One Last Thing

The Out Islands aren’t a secret anymore — visitor numbers are climbing, and new resorts are opening. But they’re still a long way from feeling crowded. The real shift happening here isn’t about finding a hidden gem before everyone else does. It’s about choosing a different pace: slower, less convenient, and far more dependent on the weather and your own resourcefulness. If that sounds like your kind of trip, these underrated Bahamian islands are waiting.

Sources and further reading

These Lesser-Known Islands In The Bahamas Are Becoming The Caribbean’s Next Big Thing. Forbes, 2025.

Bahamas Island Insider: Discovering the Best Secret Spots in the Bahamas. Wicked Good Travel Tips, 2024.

Beyond the Beach: Hidden Gem Properties in the Bahamas’ Less Explored Islands. Sarles Realty.