Explore Andros, Exuma, Eleuthera, Long Island, and Cat Island: A Hidden Bahamas Travel Guide for Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures and Secluded Getaways
Dive deeper into the Bahamas, where the crowds thin and the vibes relax like a beach bum on vacation, by leaving the hustle of the big-name resorts behind and set sail for lesser-known Bahamian gems that are the travel world’s best-kept secrets.
Forget the ‘been there, done that’ routine and opt for the ‘OMG, I never knew this existed!’ adventure. From Andros Island’s mystical blue holes to Exuma Cays’ piggy paddle parties, we’ve curated a list of the Bahamas’ coolest hidden haunts.
Prepare for a vacation that’s as ‘Insta-worthy’ as it is unforgettable!
Andros Island:
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- Why it’s great: Andros Island is the largest of the Bahamas’ islands known for its pristine natural beauty. It offers opportunities for bonefishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and exploring blue holes and underwater caves. It’s less touristy than other islands, making it perfect for a quiet, nature-centric getaway.
- Where to stay: Small boutique resorts like Tiamo Resort or Kamalame Cay offer luxurious accommodations and access to Andros Island’s untouched landscapes.
- Fact: Andros Island is home to one of the world’s largest and most complex systems of freshwater blue holes. These underwater sinkholes, some reaching depths of over 600 feet (183 meters), attract divers and explorers.
Exuma Cays:
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- Why it’s great: The Exuma Cays are a string of beautiful islands and cays with crystal-clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life. They offer opportunities to swim with pigs at Big Major Cay, visit Thunderball Grotto, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of secluded beaches.
- Where to stay: Staniel Cay Yacht Club and Fowl Cay Resort are excellent options for a luxurious private stay in the Exuma Cays.
- Fact: Thunderball Grotto, located in the Exuma Cays, was a filming location for two James Bond movies, “Thunderball” and “Never Say Never Again.” It’s a popular snorkeling spot with vibrant marine life and intricate underwater caves.
Eleuthera:
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- Why it’s great: Eleuthera is known for its stunning pink sand beaches, charming fishing villages, and picturesque landscapes. It’s perfect for those seeking a more authentic and laid-back Bahamian experience.
- Where to stay: The Cove Eleuthera and Pineapple Fields Resort blend luxury and tranquility with easy access to the island’s beautiful beaches.
- Fact: The island of Eleuthera is known for its unique phenomenon, the “Glass Window.” This natural rock formation offers a stark contrast of deep ocean on one side and calm, turquoise waters on the other, separated by a narrow bridge.
Long Island:
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- Why it’s great: Long Island is a peaceful and less touristy island known for its dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches, and clear blue waters. It’s great for relaxing and unwinding in a serene setting.
- Where to stay: Stella Maris Resort Club and Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort & Villas are popular options for accommodations on Long Island, providing comfortable stays with beautiful ocean views.
- Fact: Dean’s Blue Hole on Long Island is the world’s second-deepest known saltwater blue hole, plunging to about 663 feet (202 meters). It’s a popular destination for freedivers and snorkelers.
Cat Island:
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- Why it’s great: Cat Island is a hidden gem known for its untouched beauty, historic sites, and friendly locals. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet escape.
- Where to stay: Fernandez Bay Village and Shannas Cove Resort offer cozy and welcoming accommodations with access to the
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- Fact: Cat Island is steeped in intriguing folklore and history. It’s believed to be the first landing site of Christopher Columbus in the New World during his initial voyage to the Americas in 1492.
Did you know?
Andros Island, often called the “Big Yard,” is the largest island in the Bahamas and harbors a unique and enigmatic ecosystem known as the “Andros Blue Holes.” These underwater sinkholes, over 200 in number, are part of the world’s most extensive network of blue holes, showcasing a mysterious underwater world.
What’s intriguing is that these blue holes are not only connected to the ocean but also to intricate aquatic cave systems.
Researchers have found ancient fossils and remnants of extinct species in some blue holes, providing a fascinating window into the island’s geological and biological history. It’s a diver’s paradise and an unparalleled destination for those fascinated by the secrets hidden beneath the ocean’s surface.
A little history:
These lesser-known Bahamian islands in the Caribbean possess rich histories that have shaped their identities. Andros Island, historically inhabited by Lucayan Indians, became a haven for pirates and privateers during the 17th century.
The Exuma Cays, once a base for infamous pirates like Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, later evolved into a hideaway for celebrities and a backdrop for James Bond films. Eleuthera, its name derived from the Greek word for “freedom,” played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, serving as a loyalist stronghold.
Long Island, initially settled by the Arawak and Lucayan Indians, witnessed British colonization and the development of cotton plantations. Cat Island, believed to be Columbus’s first landfall in the New World, holds a deep-rooted history in Bahamian culture, with tales of Arawak settlements and African slave rebellions.
These islands witness a tapestry of historical events, from indigenous communities to colonial conquests, shaping their unique narratives.
