The Bahamas’ islands are home to numerous magnificent beaches, unspoiled landscapes, and distinctive biodiversity. Over 700 cays and islets make up this archipelago, which is strewn across the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas serve as a natural playground for those who love the sea and sand, even though the larger islands provide visitors with modern conveniences. Deep-sea fishing, surfing, snorkeling, and diving are just a few of the numerous activities available during your visit. For natural wonders like deep caverns, mangrove estuaries, and underground caverns, travel inland. In this guide, we will be showing you the 8 islands you must visit in the Bahamas.
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Harbour Island
Harbour Island is one of the smallest islands in the Bahamas. The Island has long pink sand beaches stretching along its shore. Dunmore Town remains the only town on the island with British colonial-style architecture. Choose a sailing or snorkeling trip on this island if you want to learn more about the Atlantic Ocean. This flourishing coral reef system is a great place to see turtles and stingrays.
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Cat Island
One of the few places in the Bahamas that isn’t well-known to tourists is Cat Island. The island is situated in the center of the Bahamas, where Mount Alvernia, the nation’s tallest mountain, is located, which makes it an ideal location for hiking. The Big Blue Hole, the second-deepest blue hole in the world, and the Mermaid Hole are two of the island’s most unique sites; they are all thought to be the homes of mythic sea creatures. The Santa Maria Teresa, a 360-foot Spanish battleship sunk in 1898, is one of many sites off the coast of Cat Island where you can participate in diving excursions.
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Exuma
There are as many as 365 cays in Exuma. The most well-known and populated islands in the Exuma chain are Great Exuma and Little Exuma. Both islands offer a variety of lodging and entertainment options. You can swim with cute Bahamian pigs at Pig Beach, but we don’t recommend feeding them. In the Exuma Islands, you can see a wide range of aquatic creatures, such as turtles at Bay Beach, nurse sharks at Compass Cay, and stingrays at Stocking Island.
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Eleuthera
A long, narrow island in the Bahamas archipelago is called Eleuthera. Its numerous pineapple plantations and pink sand beaches have earned the community the moniker “Pineapple City.” The Glass Window Bridge, a sliver of land spanning the Atlantic Ocean and the Bight of Eleuthera, is a distinctive aspect of the island. Bring your camera to capture this unusual sight as the contrast between the deep blue and the vibrant turquoise is stark.
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Grand Bahama Island
The Grand Bahama Island has mangroves, underwater caves, and immaculate beaches that attract adventurers and those seeking a secluded getaway in the Bahamas. The island’s two largest towns, Freeport and Lucaya, both provide excellent activities to do during the day and night. In the Grand Bahamas, mangrove forests are home to a variety of native and migratory birds. Underwater limestone caverns with pristine sand can also be found on this island, including Gold Rock Beach, where the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series was filmed.
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Andros
Three major islands, five national parks, extensive mangrove estuaries, and numerous islets make up the archipelago of Andros. As the largest untrodden island in the Bahamas, it attracts adventurers seeking a respite from the Caribbean’s busier islands. Its national park has dozens of underwater caves. The Andros Barrier, the third-largest reef system in the world, is a popular destination for divers.
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Paradise Island
The Atlantis Bahamas is located on Paradise Island and features opulent villas, and luxurious casinos, With an oceanfront resort, a 24-hour casino, an aquarium, marine habitats, and a private 18-hole golf course, it serves as the island’s focal point. Aquaventure, a waterpark with a variety of lagoons, swimming pools, river rides, and waterslides, draws visitors. Paradise Island is one of the Bahamas’ most upscale islands. At Marina Village, there are many different handicrafts and dining options.
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New Providence
The main commercial hub of the Bahamas is New Providence, which is why most travelers in the archipelago start their journey there. It is where you will find Nassau, the Bahamas’ capital. This thriving city is renowned for its impressive selection of resort casinos, fine dining establishments, and distinctive museums. There are many glass-bottom boats in Nassau’s harbor that will take you to the archipelago’s natural reefs. Naturally, the island of New Providence is home to many golden sand beaches.