Our Islands
While The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, many of the islands are uninhabited. Currently, there are thirty islands that are inhabited. The principal islands of The Bahamas include Abaco, Acklins, Andros, Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Harbour Island, Inagua, Long Island, Mayaguana, New Providence (where the capital, Nassau, is located), Ragged Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador. Each of these islands are collectively known for their crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, snorkeling, fishing, and diving activities; yet, they all have their own unique culture, history, and attractions, making The Bahamas a diverse and fascinating destination for tourists.
Abaco Island
Abaco is known for its sailing culture, with many regattas and boat races taking place throughout the year. Visitors can explore the island's many cays, such as Elbow Cay, which offers world- class snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Acklins Island
Acklins is one of the least-developed islands in The Bahamas and is enclosed by a shallow lagoon called the Bight of Acklins. While other islands offer bone fishing and big game fishing, Acklins is a convenient place to enjoy these activities in a secluded area with only a few hundred residents!
Andros Island
Andros is the largest island in The Bahamas is home to the Andros Barrier Reef, the third-largest barrier reef in the world, which is a haven for divers and snorkelers. Andros is also known for its folklore about a mystical gremlin or leprechaun creature known locally as the ‘chickcharney’. Legend says that the chickcharnies will bless you if they like you upon an encounter, however, they will curse you with bad luck if you upset them. According to the locals, chickcharnies are attracted to bright colors, so it’s best to wear them when walking through the woods to charm them!
Berry Islands
The Berry Islands are known for their pristine natural beauty, secluded beaches, and abundant marine life. Visitors can explore the island's many coral reefs, for a spectacular snorkeling and diving experience. The Berry Islands includes Chub Cay, which is also referred to as the “fish bowl of The Bahamas”, as it borders a deep underwater trench called the Tongue of the Ocean, attracting many different species of marine life. Annually, the Berry Island’s Great Harbour Cay welcomes visitors and fishing captains from around the world for an annual fishing tournament.
Bimini Island
Bimini is located to the east of Miami and is home to several historic sites, including the ruins of an old pirate's lair and the"Bimini Road", which is believed to be part of the road system of the Lost Civilization of Atlantis. Visitors also enjoy this island for scuba diving and sailing.
Cat Island
Cat Island is known for its quiet, laid-back atmosphere. This island is home to the highest point in The Bahamas, Mount Alvernia, which provides stunning views of the surrounding area. Cat Island is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Bahamian actor, Sidney Poitier, who grew up the settlement called Arthur’s Town.
Crooked Island
Crooked Island is home to several historic sites, including ancient British fortifications and an ancient plantation ruin called "Hope House". It is often cited that Crooked Island had the first Post Office in The Bahamas, which is located in one its areas called Pitts Town. It is also believed that Christopher Colombus visited this island when he landed on The Bahamas’ soil in 1492. There is also the ruins of an old cotton plantation and a pre-Columbian village.
Eleuthera Island
Eleuthera is known for its breathtaking pink-sand beaches and its tasty pineapples. The name “Eleuthera” is Greek for “freedom”, likely linked to its historical background whereover 300 years ago English Puritan Adventurers(Eleutherian Adventurers), travelled in search of religious freedom to the islands. They founded what was probably the first "democracy" in the western world. Eleuthera is also known for its vibrant culture, with many festivals and events taking place throughout the year, including the annual Pineapple Festival.
Exuma Island
The Exumas is a chain of islands located to the south of Nassau and is one of the most beautiful destinations in The Bahamas. The Exumas are known for their crystal-clear waters, deserted beaches, and abundant marine life. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the swimming pigs, nurse sharks, and iguanas that call the islands home. The Exumas are also home to Thunderball Grotto, a popular snorkeling spot that was featured in the James Bond film Thunderball.
Grand Bahama Island
Grand Bahama is the second-most-populated island in The Bahamas and is located to the north of New Providence. One of the most popular attractions on the island is the Lucayan National Park, which offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and cave exploration. This island is a world-class maritime and shipping hub, with a state-of-the-art port and transshipment facilities to accommodate New Panamax cargo vessels in Freeport, its capital city.
Harbour Island
Harbour Island, located off the northeast coast of Eleuthera Island, is known for its stunning pink-sand beaches and luxurious resorts. This island attracting the rich and famous and beach vacationers because of the colorful and vibrant New- England style architecture and fun water activities. Harbour Island is also home to several excellent restaurants and bars, making it a popular destination for foodies.
Inagua Island
Inagua is home to several protected wildlife areas, including the Inagua National Park, which has the largest colony of West Indianflamingos in the Caribbean. Due to its low rainfall and trade winds, this island has natural salt ponds, and as a result, salt is themain industry of Inagua.
Long Island
On Long Island is the Columbus Monument, a historic site that commemorates Christopher Columbus's first landfall in the "NewWorld". This island is also known for Dean’s Blue Hole, the second deepest blue hole in the world (more than 600 feet), and St.Mary's Roman Catholic Church, the oldest church in The Bahamas.
Mayaguana Island
Mayaguana has several protected wildlife areas, which safeguard the biodiversity of a variety of marine life. One of these protectedareas is Booby Cay, a habit for small rock iguanas that are unique to the island and for descendants of wild goats left behind byearly settlers.
New Providence Island
New Providence, the most populous island in The Bahamas is where the capital city Nassau is located. The seven by twenty- onemile island is known for its luxurious resorts, world-class casinos, and bustling nightlife. Visitors can stroll down Bay Street, toexplore the high-end shops and restaurants. For history buffs, a visit to Fort Charlotte is a must. This 18th-century British fortoffers a glimpse into the island's colonial past and provides a spectacular view of Nassau Harbor.
Ragged Island
Ragged Island has a very small population of under 300 people, many are seafarers and ship builders. Visitors can walk the island'smany hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the island's rugged terrain and natural beauty.
Rum Cay
Rum Cay is a small, sparsely populated island. The modern name "Rum Cay" in memory of a shipwreck with a cargo of rum whichwas found off the coral reefs around the islands shore. The wreck of the 101-gun Man-of-War HMS Conqueror, built in Devon in1855 and which served in the Crimean War, lies in 30 feet of water off Rum Cay where it sank in 1861; it is known as theunderwater museum of The Bahamas, it is the property of The Bahamas Government and none of the contents and the wreckagemay be removed.
San Salvador
San Salvador is called the "land of lakes" and "Columbus" Isle, as it is widely believed that it is the first island of The Bahamas thatChristopher Colombus landed encountering the Arawak Indians in 1492. San Salvador has a notable history which includes thegenocide of the indigenous population by the Spaniards; the use of its inlets by pirates and buccaneers; the coming of the Loyalistsand their slaves; and the coming of the Americans during the Second World War. The San Salvador Museum located in the capitalof Cockburn Town, in the ancient 19th century jailhouse and Commissioner’s Office, it showcases artefacts and replicashighlighting Columbus, the Lucayans, the plantation period and 19th century life on San Salvador.
