8 Things to Do in the Bahamas
I call the Bahamas the starter kit to the Caribbean. Why? Because it is one of the most easily accessible islands in the Caribbean. The issue starts when people assume that because they stopped there on their first cruise they know it all and saw it all. Oh, my dear friend you are so wrong!
The Bahamas is a collection of 700 islands. Yes, 700 not one. Out of that 700 only 30 are not inhabitable. That leaves 670 islands for you to explore. The Bahamas is a big place with a lot of activities. I will explore 8 places in the Bahamas you probably didn’t know about. Let’s get started!
By Kavonda L. Rogers
Eat Fish at Arawak Cay
While there are plenty of fine dining opportunities in all over the islands; one of the best authentic Bahamanian experiences is at Arawak Cay. The Fish Fry is a short walk from the Western Esplanade of Nassau. If you are on a cruise it’s a quick $4 can ride. Here you will find a cluster of shacks that whip up some of the best traditional Bahamian fish fry. If you go on a Sunday, you will also get the chance to be entertained by wonderful local bands and some gracious poetry readings on the pavements around the fish fry joints. It is very much worth the trip to be immersed in Bahamanian culture.
Ride the Leap of Faith Waterslide
Imagine riding an almost vertical water slide through a shark-infested tank!! I will pass but children and adventurous adults love it. Yes, at the 141-acre Atlantis Aquaventure waterpark, you will get to do just that and more. There are several waterslides on premise, but it is the sheer drop of the “Leap of Faith” that is the most thrilling. Atlantis offers day passes to their water park for guests who are not staying at the Atlantis resort.
Snorkel at Andros Great Barrier Reef
This is also an amazing place to scuba dive. Filled with submerged shipwrecks, underwater blue holes and the third largest barrier reef in the world make the waters around Andros Great Barrier Reef some of the best and most scenic for water activities. The underwater blue holes are home to some of the most colorful trumpetfish, parrotfish and speckled scorpionfish in these seas. Here you will undoubtedly find the most beautiful marine life.
Ride in a Personal Underwater Sub
Apart from the 700 islands, the Bahamas has about 2,400 cays (coral reefs). These reefs are home to some of the most colorful and spectacular marine life known to man. One of the most unique ways to explore some of these reefs is in a personal underwater Sub, which looks like a moped with a helmet.
After a quick lesson on how to pilot your submarine you will then be released to explore the reefs. You can even feed the fish, which is a great way to get them to slow down so you can get some amazing photos. If you want to ride in the personal submarine let me know. I can help plan it for you.
Stay at Breezes Bahamas
Many of my clients are all inclusive junkies so I had to throw something in for them.
If you are looking for wonderful white sand beaches and fabulous water activities not to mention great food; Breezes is an option for you. This all inclusive resort is along the beautiful Cable Beach. It is a family friendly resort with activities for kids and adults alike.
With 5 dining options on site there is no shortage of food options. There is also free flowing snacks and beverages. If you are cruising to Nassau you can also purchase a day pass to visit during your port day.
Walk the Pink Sands on Harbor Island
Everyone has seen pictures of beautiful white sand beaches across the Caribbean, but what about pink beaches? Pink beaches are a bit more rare and are found in Tahiti and Bermuda. Yet, you can also find a pink beach at Harbor Island in the Bahamas.
This is three miles of picture perfect pink sand fading off into aqua blue waters. This phenomenal pink color comes from a micro-organism called foraminifera and minuscule pieces of coral and shells that are washed ashore. You really must see it to believe it! Don’t miss it.
See the Swimming Pigs
Out in the Outer Exuma Islands is Big Major Cay is an island run by pigs. Yes, pigs. It is one of the most visited sites throughout the Bahamas. The pigs swim out to the boats when they approach and even will swim with you in a playful manner. If nothing else it is interesting to witness.
Swim in Dean's Blue Hole
Most often if you see a photo of the Bahamas it is of Dean’s Blue Hole. It is an amazing natural wonder that is a fave of scuba divers.
What is a Blue Hole? A “Blue Hole” is a sinkhole that is not only filled with water but has a submerged entrance found beneath the surface. While there many blue holes in the world, Dean’s Blue Hole stands out because it is the deepest known to man. At 663 feet (202 meters), Dean’s Blue Hole is just west of Clarence Town on Long Island and on good days, the water is so clear that you can see up to 115 feet. It is an amazing site to behold and if you are brave take a dive.