The Islands of The Bahamas

IT’S NOT ONE ISLAND. IT’S A LIFETIME OF THEM.

With 700 islands and more than 2,000 cays, spread across 100,000 square miles of crystal-clear ocean, the diversity of vacation experiences across The Islands of The Bahamas are only limited by the hours in a day. Imagine, 16 major islands—each one a destination unto itself—offering its own unique charm, flavour, flora, fauna, and even variations in the color of sand on the beach. Whether you're looking to escape on a peaceful solo retreat, enjoy a romantic getaway for two, or reconnect with friends and family, The Bahamas is the ultimate destination for adventure and relaxation. The only question is, which island will you explore first?

THE ABACOS
Boating and sailing are at the heart of this 120-mile chain of islands, where you can still find boat builders continuing a craft perfected over two centuries. Considered “The Boating Capital of The Bahamas,” it’s easy to island-hop through The Abacos across impossibly blue waters, discovering secluded sugar-white beaches, and exploring historic landmarks, like the candy-striped lighthouses.

ACKLINS & CROOKED ISLAND

Known as the islands of unspoiled beauty, Acklins and Crooked Island have retained their natural charm for centuries. These two islands surround the crystal-clear Bight of Acklins; a 500-square-mile lagoon rich with bonefish and coral gardens.

ANDROS
As the largest island in The Bahamas, and affectionately called ‘The Big Yard,’ Andros is a haven for divers and anglers; with the third largest barrier reef in the world off the east coast. Whether navigating lush island vegetation while hiking and bird watching, casting off for fly fishing and scuba diving, or exploring over 1.5 million acres of kayak-friendly tidal flats, Andros offers visitors an endless array of eco-adventures.

THE BERRY ISLANDS

Spanning just twelve square miles of land, only two things are essential in this cluster of 30 mostly uninhabited cays: a boat and a love for the water. The Berry Islands are surrounded by the Tongue of the Ocean, a deep underwater trench teaming with an abundance of marine life.

BIMINI
Ernest Hemingway’s destination of choice in the 1930s, Bimini is ‘The Gateway to The Bahamas’ and known as a playground for wild dolphins and host to some of the most challenging deep sea fishing tournaments. Its history as a Prohibition-era speakeasy, has attracted sailors, divers, and fishermen for decades.

CAT ISLAND
Cat Island is the birthplace of Bahamian rake n’ scrape music. Named after a pirate who is said to have hidden treasure on the island, not for feline inhabitants, this little unassuming island has a medieval-style monastery atop Mount Alvernia; the highest point in The Bahamas at approximately 62.79m above sea level.

ELEUTHERA & HARBOUR ISLAND
Eleuthera and Harbour Island will steal your heart with their blend of 18th-century pineapple plantations, charming clapboard cottages, and stunning pink sand beaches. Don’t miss a visit to the Queen’s Bath or experience one of nature's wonders, The Glass Window Bridge; with a 360 panoramic view of the deep blue Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calm waters of the Bight of Eleuthera on the other.

THE EXUMAS                                                                                                              
A breathtaking chain of 365 islands and cays, The Exumas are renowned for their luxury resorts, private villas, and world-famous swimming pigs. The sapphire-blue waters are so vibrant, they’re often photographed by astronauts. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea National Park, established in 1958, was the first land and sea park created in the world.

FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND
Grand Bahama Island is a tropical playground that offers a vibrant mix of urban and rural charm. Freeport is a dream destination for foodies and eco-adventurers alike, with birdwatching, fishing, and boating opportunities around every corner. Explore three national parks, one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems, miles of pristine beaches, and thrilling wildlife encounters, like swimming with stingrays or diving with sharks.

INAGUA

Inagua, the southernmost island in The Bahamas, is a pristine, largely uninhabited paradise, making it a perfect haven for birdwatchers and ecotourists. Home to over 80,000 West Indian flamingos and more than 140 species of native and migratory birds, the island’s three National Parks offer a thriving sanctuary for wildlife.

LONG ISLAND
Known for its brilliant coral reefs, pristine flats, and serene beaches, Long Island is a fisherman’s paradise, offering world-class bonefishing and thrilling underwater encounters. This peaceful island also boasts of natural wonders, such as Dean’s Blue Hole–the third-deepest blue hole in the world.

MAYAGUANA

More remote and less developed than any other island in The Bahamas, Mayaguana blends untouched beauty with tranquil charm, and offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the crowds.

NASSAU & PARADISE ISLAND
As the capital of The Bahamas, Nassau offers dynamic big-city excitement with historic, small-island charm. Connected by two bridges, Paradise Island is the playground of the rich and famous, with beachfront resorts and secluded luxury homes. Discover rich cultural experiences, explore the historic Queen’s Staircase, dance to the rhythm of Junkanoo, and indulge in world-class shopping and dining, all while soaking in the vibrant energy of this bustling hub.

RAGGED ISLAND

Once rumored to have been a pirate hideout, this sparsely populated crescent-shaped chain of islands is a paradise for fishermen, boaters, and beach enthusiasts.

RUM CAY

Nicknamed “Sleeping Beauty,” Rum Cay was once home to the Arawak Indians. Today, it’s an oasis of historical ruins, vibrant coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and thrilling surf.

SAN SALVADOR

San Salvador is best known as the island where Christopher Columbus made his historic landfall in the New World in 1492. This island is the exposed peak of a submerged mountain that rises over 4,800m from the ocean’s floor and captivates divers with more than 50 easy-to-get-to dive sites.

The Bahamas is a treasure trove of history, from pirate tales and plantation ruins to rum runners and the rich and famous. Each island has its own unique story to tell. But it’s not just the history that will captivate you—The Bahamas is also a culinary paradise, renowned for its tropical fruits and fresh seafood, like conch salad, crispy conch fritters, and a variety of other mouthwatering Bahamian dishes that showcase the island's rich flavors.

Want to dive deeper into Bahamian culture? Join our People-to-People program! This free program – now in its 50^th year – affords visitors with an opportunity to tap into local experiences with their very own Bahamian host. Our passionate volunteer ambassadors, with their deep knowledge of their islands, are eager to show you the beauty and charm of our archipelago.

With 700 islands and over 2,000 cays, The Bahamas offers outdoor adventures, unique cultural activities, natural beauty, charming towns, secluded beaches, and wild animal encounters, which translates into unforgettable memories for every type of traveler.

IT’S NOT ONE ISLAND. IT’S A LIFETIME OF THEM.

2025-02-28 10:38:34