Tired of Nassau’s hustle and bustle and the cruise ship crowds of Freeport? The Bahamas are so much more than those two islands! Imagine pristine beaches all to yourself, vibrant coral reefs teeming with life, and authentic Bahamian culture untouched by mass tourism. This article unveils some of the most underrated Bahamian islands, offering a glimpse into a slower, richer, and more personal experience of this Caribbean paradise.
Eleuthera: Pink Sands and Pineapple Fields
Eleuthera, meaning “freedom,” is a long, slender island known for its dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches, and pineapple farms. Forget the overly crowded Cable Beach; here, you’ll find miles of coastline with hardly another soul in sight. The most iconic spot? Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island, just off Eleuthera’s northern tip. The sand gets its blush from broken coral and shells, creating a truly magical experience. You can reach Harbour Island via a short water taxi ride from North Eleuthera. Eleuthera is a fantastic choice for those seeking peace and tranquility.
What to do in Eleuthera:
Explore the Glass Window Bridge: This narrow strip of land is where the dark Atlantic Ocean meets the turquoise Caribbean Sea, offering a breathtaking contrast. Be cautious during rough seas, as waves can crash over the bridge. The contrast is what make this spectacle worth the potential peril but definitely be cautious.
Swim in the Queen’s Baths: These natural rock pools, carved out by the ocean, offer a unique and refreshing swimming experience. They’re located near the Glass Window Bridge. Arrive at low tide for the best and safest experience.
Visit Preacher’s Cave: This historic cave served as a refuge for the Eleutheran Adventurers, religious pilgrims who were among the first European settlers in the Bahamas. It’s a significant historical site.
Relax on Lighthouse Beach: Located at the southern tip of Eleuthera, this beach offers stunning views and tranquility. The journey to the beach can be a little bumpy, so a 4×4 vehicle is recommended.
Eat fresh seafood in Governors Harbour: The main town of Eleuthera offers a variety of restaurants serving fresh, locally caught seafood. Try the conch salad or grilled fish. The atmosphere is relaxed and authentic.
Getting to Eleuthera: Fly directly into North Eleuthera (ELH), Governor’s Harbour (GHB), or Rock Sound (RSD) airports from major cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Consider connecting through Nassau (NAS) for more flight options. A flight from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to North Eleuthera (ELH) can cost around $150-300 USD, depending on the season and airline booked. Once on the island, rent a car to explore freely. Scooters are also a fun option, but be mindful of the road conditions.
Where to stay in Eleuthera:
The Cove Eleuthera: A luxury resort offering beautiful villas and stunning ocean views. Expect to pay around $400-$800 per night. Check their website for details.
French Leave Resort, Autograph Collection: A more affordable option with stylish rooms and a great location in Governors Harbour. Rooms typically cost between $250-$500 per night. More information can be found on their website.
Unique Village: A collection of charming cottages close to the beach, ideal for families or groups. Expect to pay around $150-$300 per night. Visit Unique Village’s website.
The Exumas: Swimming Pigs and Starfish Bay
The Exumas are an archipelago of over 365 cays and islands, offering some of the most spectacular waters in the world. Known for their brilliant turquoise color and incredible visibility, the Exumas are a paradise for boaters, snorkelers, and divers. While Great Exuma is gaining popularity, many of the smaller cays remain relatively untouched.
What to do in the Exumas:
Swim with the Pigs at Pig Beach (Big Major Cay): A truly unique and unforgettable experience. These adorable pigs love to swim and are very friendly (but remember to be respectful and do not overfeed them!). Many tour operators offer excursions from Great Exuma or Staniel Cay. A half-day tour with this experience can range from $150-$300 per person, depending on the tour operator and inclusions.
Visit the Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay: Another incredible wildlife encounter. You can swim with these gentle sharks in their natural habitat. They are used to human interaction and generally harmless, but always follow the guide’s instructions. Compass Cay is frequently included in tours going to Pig Beach too.
Explore Thunderball Grotto: This underwater cave system was featured in the James Bond film “Thunderball.” It’s a fantastic spot for snorkeling and diving, with an abundance of marine life. A guided snorkeling tour for Thunderball Grotto will likely cost you between $80 to $150. Diving tours will cost more, between $150 to $300.
Relax on Tropic of Cancer Beach: Located on Little Exuma, this pristine beach marks the point where the Tropic of Cancer crosses the island. It’s known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear water.
Discover Starfish Bay: Located on Great Exuma, this shallow bay is teeming with starfish. You can wade through the water and observe these fascinating creatures in their natural environment. Remember – do not remove the starfish from the water as this may kill them.
Getting to the Exumas: Fly directly into Exuma International Airport (GGT) on Great Exuma from major cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta. Alternatively, you can fly to Nassau (NAS) and take a connecting flight or a fast ferry. From Great Exuma, you can explore the smaller cays by boat. Water taxis are readily available.
Where to stay in the Exumas:
Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma: An all-inclusive luxury resort offering a range of amenities and activities, including a golf course. Expect to pay upwards of $600 per night. See Sandals website for availability and rates.
Grand Isle Resort & Residences, Great Exuma: A luxury resort with spacious villas and stunning ocean views. Villas range from $400 to well over $1,000 per night. Visit their site to see what’s available.
Staniel Cay Yacht Club: A charming and popular spot on Staniel Cay, offering cozy accommodations and a great restaurant. A much more affordable option is what this yacht club offers, ranging from $200 to $400 per night.
Andros: The Bonefishing Capital and Land of Blue Holes
Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas, but also one of the least developed. It’s known as the “Bonefishing Capital of the World” and is a haven for anglers seeking trophy-sized bonefish. Andros is more than just fishing, though; it has the third-largest barrier reef in the world, extensive mangrove forests, and numerous blue holes, both inland and offshore.
What to do in Andros:
Go Bonefishing: Hire a local guide and experience the thrill of catching bonefish in the shallow flats. Andros is world-renowned for its bonefishing, attracting anglers from around the globe. A day of bonefishing with a reputable guide can cost between $400 and $800.
Explore the Blue Holes: Andros boasts hundreds of blue holes, both inland and offshore. These underwater caves are fascinating to explore and offer unique diving experiences. Some blue holes are accessible by land, while others require a boat trip.
Dive or Snorkel on the Andros Barrier Reef: The third-largest barrier reef in the world offers incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities. Expect to see vibrant coral, colorful fish, sea turtles, and more. Dive tours typically cost $100-$200 per person.
Visit the Androsia Batik Factory: Learn about the traditional art of batik and purchase unique, hand-printed fabrics. Androsia is a well-known Bahamian brand, and a visit to the factory is a cultural experience.
Go Birdwatching: Andros is home to a diverse array of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Guided birdwatching tours are available, with costs ranging from $50 to $100 per person.
Getting to Andros: Fly directly into Andros Town (ASD), San Andros (SAQ), or Congo Town (TZN) airports from Nassau (NAS). Flights are typically short and frequent. Once on the island, rent a car or hire a taxi to get around.
Where to stay in Andros:
Tiamo Resorts: this eco-luxury resort is on South Andros. It offers private villas and a focus on sustainability. Expect to pay upwards of $500 per night. See Tiamo Resorts website for availability and rates.
Small Hope Bay Lodge: A rustic and charming eco-resort known for its diving and bonefishing packages. It offers all-inclusive stays, typically from $300 to $600 per night.
Kamalamee Cay Private Island Resort & Marina: This island is located just off Andros’ coast. This exclusive and very secluded resort offers luxury villas and exceptional service. Prices generally exceed $1,000 per night.
Long Island: Cliffs, Caves, and Contrasting Shores
Long Island is a hidden gem in the Bahamas, known for its dramatic coastline, diverse landscapes, and friendly locals. The island is divided by the Tropic of Cancer, resulting in distinct environments on either side – calm, sandy beaches on the west coast and rugged cliffs on the east coast.
What to do in Long Island:
Visit Dean’s Blue Hole: The world’s second-deepest blue hole, Dean’s Blue Hole is a magnet for freedivers and divers. You can swim, snorkel, or simply admire this natural wonder from the shore. Free diving courses and excursions are available for serious divers.
Explore Hamilton’s Cave: The largest cave system in the Bahamas, Hamilton’s Cave is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient Arawak Indian carvings. Guided tours are available, costing approximately $20-$30 per person.
Relax on Cape Santa Maria Beach: Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Cape Santa Maria offers powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun.
Hike to the Columbus Monument: Located on the northern tip of Long Island, this monument marks the spot where Christopher Columbus supposedly first landed in the Bahamas. It offers panoramic views of the coastline.
Go Fishing: Long Island offers excellent fishing opportunities, both offshore and inshore. You can hire a local guide for deep-sea fishing or try your luck fishing from the shore. A half-day in-shore fishing trip will cost from $200 to $400.
Getting to Long Island: Fly directly into Deadman’s Cay Airport (LGI) or Stella Maris Airport (SML) from Nassau (NAS). Flights are typically short and convenient. Renting a car is essential for exploring the island due to its length (80 miles long).
Where to stay in Long Island:
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort & Villas: A luxury resort located on the stunning Cape Santa Maria Beach. Expect to pay between $300 and $600 per night. See official site.
Stella Maris Resort Club: A charming resort with a variety of accommodations and activities, including diving, fishing, and snorkeling. Rooms typically cost between $150 and $350 per night.
Gems at Paradise: A collection of cozy cottages and apartments perfect for budget-conscious travelers. Expect to pay around $100-$200 per night.
Cat Island: Untouched Beauty and the Hermitage
Cat Island is one of the least visited islands in the Bahamas, offering a truly authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s known for its rolling hills, lush vegetation, pristine beaches, and laid-back atmosphere.
What to do in Cat Island:
Climb Mount Alvernia: The highest point in the Bahamas, Mount Alvernia is home to The Hermitage, a small monastery built by Father Jerome, a Roman Catholic priest. The climb to the top is steep but rewarding, offering panoramic views of the island.
Relax on Greenwood Beach: A long, secluded beach on the northern coast of Cat Island. Greenwood Beach offers powdery white sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Explore the Boiling Hole: A large, saltwater lake that is connected to the ocean by underground tunnels. The Boiling Hole is known for its strong currents and turbulent waters, but it’s also a popular spot for fishing.
Visit the Deveaux Mansion Ruins: These are the ruins of a 19th-century plantation house which belonged to a former British officer. The ruins offer a glimpse into the island’s history.
Go Diving or Snorkeling: Cat Island offers excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Expect the cost of SCUBA to be between $80 to $150.
Getting to Cat Island: Fly directly into Arthur’s Town Airport (ATC) or New Bight Airport (TBI) from Nassau (NAS). Flights are typically short and infrequent, so book in advance. Renting a car is recommended for exploring the island.
Where to stay in Cat Island:
Hawks Nest Resort & Marina: A small, upscale resort on the southern end of Cat Island. Hawks Nest offers comfortable accommodations, a marina, and a restaurant. Prices range from $250 to $500 per night. See Hawks Nest official website and availability.
Greenwood Beach Resort: A family-friendly resort located on Greenwood Beach. Greenwood Beach Resort offers a range of accommodations, a restaurant, and a bar. Expect to pay around $150-$300 per night.
Fernandez Bay Village: A collection of charming cottages and villas located on a secluded bay. Fernandez Bay Village offers a relaxed and authentic Bahamian experience. Prices typically range from $200 to $400 per night.
FAQ Section
What is the best time to visit the Bahamas?
The best time to visit the Bahamas is generally from mid-December to April. The weather is typically dry and sunny during these months, with average temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. This is also the peak season, so expect higher prices and more crowds (though still less than Nassau or Freeport on the islands we covered). Consider the shoulder seasons like late April-May or October-November for better deals and fewer people.
How expensive is it to travel to the Bahamas?
Travel to the Bahamas can be expensive, especially during peak season. Flight costs, accommodation, and activities can all add up. However, by visiting the lesser-known islands and opting for guesthouses or vacation rentals instead of luxury resorts, you can significantly reduce your expenses. Also, try cooking some of your own meals to save on restaurant costs that can easily go from $30-$50 per person for modest meals.
Do I need a visa to visit the Bahamas?
Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, do not need a visa to visit the Bahamas for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days. However, it’s always best to check the specific requirements based on your nationality before traveling on the official Bahamas Immigration website.
What is the local currency in the Bahamas?
The local currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). The Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio, and US dollars are widely accepted throughout the Bahamas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and tourist establishments, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially when visiting smaller islands or local markets.
Is it safe to travel to the Bahamas?
The Bahamas is generally a safe destination for tourists, but like any travel destination, it’s important to take precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. Secure your valuables, and don’t leave them unattended on the beach. While violent crime is relatively rare in tourist areas, petty theft can occur. Exercise common sense and be vigilant.
Do I need travel insurance for the Bahamas?
While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to purchase travel insurance before traveling to the Bahamas. Travel insurance can protect you against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances. Make sure your travel insurance policy covers medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation.
What should I pack for a trip to the Bahamas?
Pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent. If you plan on doing any hiking or exploring, bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. A waterproof bag is also useful for protecting your belongings from water damage. Don’t forget to bring any necessary medications and a first-aid kit.
References
- Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Official Website
- United States Department of State – Bahamas Travel Information
- World Travel & Tourism Council – Bahamas Data & Research
Ready to ditch the crowds and discover the real Bahamas? These underrated islands offer an authentic, unforgettable experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Start planning your adventure today, book your flights and accommodations, and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and charm of these hidden gems. It’s time to escape the ordinary and discover a different side of paradise. Go explore the Bahamas beyond the brochures, and create memories that will last a lifetime!