Explore & experience

With 16 inhabited cays, there are so many places to explore and unforgettable experiences to be had around The Bahamas – and many that are unique island to island. Bahamians should take pride in them, beyond the gorgeous powdery sand…

With 16 inhabited cays, there are so many places to explore and unforgettable experiences to be had around The Bahamas – and many that are unique island to island. Bahamians should take pride in them, beyond the gorgeous powdery sand beaches – whether white sand or pink sand, pristine turquoise waters in hues that sometimes are unimaginable, and beautiful weather which makes for perfect days to lay about in the sun and sip on delicious libations. Discovering all of the amazing things to see and do around The Bahamas could absolutely become a lifelong project. In honor of The Bahamas’ 52nd year of independence, The Nassau Guardian has compiled a bucket list of experiences for Bahamians that should be seen and experienced in their lifetime – from the northern most islands of Grand Bahama, the Berry Islands, and Bimini to the furthest south in the Inaguas, and every island in between including the New Providence – even though we know there are tons more experiences to be had. Elbow Cay Lighthouse in Hope Town on Elbow Cay, AbacoThis iconic red-and-white Elbow Reef Lighthouse, located in Hope Town on Elbow Cay, Abaco is the one of the last of its kind left in the world, and a must visit. Constructed in 1863, the historic hand-operated, kerosene-burning lighthouse has aided navigation for 158 years. While other similar lighthouses have all been automated, Elbow Reef still operates much as it has for over a century-and-a-half. A lighthouse keeper must climb 101 steps to the top of the tower and light the kerosene-fueled burner by hand. He then hand-cranks a weight system that slowly drops to keep the lantern turning, much like a grandfather clock. Kerosene feeds the flame in the old burner, and a massive Fresnel – pronounced ‘freh-NELL’ – lens system projects a powerful beam of light visible up to 23 nautical miles away, helping sea vessels avoid the shallow waters and the vibrant coral reef off Elbow Cay. Green Turtle Cay Renting a golf cart and leisurely meandering through the historic and idyllic Green Turtle Cay and New Plymouth is a must. The quaint, colorful clapboard buildings are home to residents and stores offer beautiful jewelry and artwork portraying breathtaking island scenes. At Green Turtle Cay is also the Albert Lowe Museum, a historic building, located in the heart of quaint and colorful New Plymouth, the museum is a must-see for any visitor to Green Turtle Cay. Within the walls of this restored heritage home – one of the oldest on the island – are housed hundreds of years of island history, told through photographs, paintings, sculptures, artifacts, model ships, written documents, quilts and more. Stroll the longest dock in The Bahamas in Cherokee Sound Cherokee Sound is a quaint community in Abaco with history dating back as far as 1783. It has neat, narrow concrete streets and beautiful pastel painted house with intricate woodwork that has stood the tests of time. Beautifully tranquil, it is surrounded by stunning beaches, an amazing creek teeming with marine life, and a blue-hole system with incredible deep-sea and bone fishing. The settlement is also home to the longest dock in Abaco, known simply by locals as “The Long Dock”, along with the only over-water bridge in the Abaco islands, known as Bridge Creek. ACKLINS Lucayan Indian historical landmarks This island also has a few historical landmarks. Visit a site thought to be one of the largest Lucayan Indian settlements in The Bahamas. It sits along Pompey Bay Beach. Ten ancient Lucayan sites have been unearthed by National Geographic Society archeologists in Samana Cay, which is southwest of Spring Point. The best-kept secret of Acklins is knee-deep water off the Bight of Acklins, where some of the best bonefish in The Bahamas is to be had. The pristine nature of this island makes Acklins a natural lure for fishing, snorkeling and diving. ANDROS North Visit Red Bays and learn about the art of weaving baskets and of the village’s black Seminoles of Florida heritage Visit the village of Red Bay where residents are renowned for their woodcarvings and beautiful, sturdy baskets, which are said won’t leak water, woven from palm thatch fronds. The art of creating these unique baskets has been passed down through the generations. They are unique to this island and are not made anywhere else in the country. The basket weaving is a part of the rich cultural legacy of the Black Seminoles of Red Bays which was founded in the early 1800s by a mixed group of Seminoles, a Native American tribe that migrated from Florida during the Seminole wars, and people of African descent who escaped enslavement. Central Take a batik lesson at the Androsia Batik Factory Androsia batik fabric is world-famous. The brightly-colored authentic Bahamian hand-dyed cotton fabric, with designs inspired by elements found in the island’s environment and Bahamian culture represents the island of Andros and its people known as Androsians. Every yard of Androsia is stamped with their signature, a sign you’ve bought a unique piece of art. The garment manufacturing factory is located near the Andros Lighthouse and has been in business since 1973. Visitors can tour the factory and watch the artisans as they wax, cut and dye the beautifully colored fabrics and make a two-yard piece of batik to take home. Andros Barrier Reef Expedition Experience the thrill of scuba diving and snorkeling around the Andros Barrier Reef, the third-largest fringing barrier reef and lagoon system in the world at over 124 miles long. It drops to about eight feet on the island side and approximately 6,000 feet in the Tongue of the Ocean. A globally significant geological feature. You can see a variety of exciting tropical fish, healthy coral formations and abundant marine life. Gate Blue HoleHere’s a spectacular dive for you. Dive into the Great Crack through the Star Gate Blue Hole and savor a National Geographic experience. Located about 500 miles inland on the east coast of South Andros on the west side of The Bluff. It is a major north-south slump fracture zone paralleling the underwater escarpment that separates the Great Bahama Bank from the Tongue of the Ocean. This is a world-famous site, where Indian skulls were found during a National Geographic scuba diving expedition in the early 1990s. West Tour the uninhabited west side of Andros from Driggs Hill and see giant turtles, iguanas and the tarpon “roll” if you’re lucky. It’s remote, pristine and beautiful. Established in 2002, this 1.5-million-acre National Park protects a large area of pristine coastal wetlands that are the most productive marine nursery in The Bahamas. It is also prime habitat for bonefish and an important feeding area for the endangered West Indian flamingo. BIMINI Snorkel at the S.S. Sapona, a concrete-hulled cargo steamer commissioned in World War I. The ship was one of a fleet of concrete ships originally commissioned by former United States President Woodrow Wilson, to serve as troops transport during World War 1 because steel was in short supply. Said to have been designed by Henry Ford himself. Because the ship was completed after the end of the war, it was sold for scrap to Carl Fisher, one of the developers of Miami Beach. He used it briefly as a casino and then for oil storage before it was purchased in 1924 by Bruce Bethell, a former British war captain and a liquor merchant out of Nassau. Bethell moved the ship to Bimini and used it as a floating warehouse to store and distribute his liquor supply during the Prohibition Era, earning him notoriety as “Bimini’s Rum King.” During a hurricane in 1926, the ship ran aground and was damaged substantially. It was then used as a bombing target during World War II. After a group of five torpedo bombers mysteriously disappeared while returning from a run to the Sapona on December 5, 1945, all target practice on the Sapona stopped immediately. The wreck sits in 15 feet of water, just a few miles of Bennett’s Harbour in South Bimini, and most of the concrete on the hull has now been worn away by the bombing and weathering. However, you can still see some of the ship’s inner workings and might find an interesting souvenir from the past as you swim among the multitude of tropical fish. The wreck itself is both a navigational landmark for boaters and a popular scuba diving and snorkeling site. Teeming with sea life, it is definitely worth visiting. Visit Dolphin House Museum (North Bimini) Dolphin House was built by Ashley Saunders, a local author/historian in 1993, and is a popular attraction in Alice Town. The unique and artistic structure, an ocean-inspired museum, is made up of recycled, salvaged and donated materials — shells, beach glass, sea fans and other natural resources. It is inspired by Mr. Saunders swimming with a pod of wild Bimini dolphins. He previously told The Nassau Guardian, “I consider myself a dolphin inspired artist – the dolphins touched my heart and made me an artist.” Learn about sharks at the Shark Lab (South Bimini) Known for exhilarating shark dives. In the winter months, great hammerheads and bull sharks swim the nearby Gulf Stream. The Bimini Shark Lab offers an all-inclusive opportunity to individuals looking to gain insight into the abundant variety of shark species that inhabit the waters surrounding Bimini. They merge cutting-edge shark science with ecotourism in an effort to shed light on the urgent need for conservation of marine animals and ecosystems. Field expeditions are open to anyone and is perfect for individuals with an interest in marine or shark biology. Fountain of youth According to the legend, explorer Juan Ponce de León learned from the Indians in the 1500s that Bimini was the site of the Fountain of Youth. Legend says the spring supposedly restored youth to older persons who bathed in or drank its waters. Today, what is referred to as the Fountain of Youth by locals is a well near the road leading to the South Bimini Airport. The well was carved out of the limestone rock by ground water thousands of years ago. We don’t recommend bathing or drinking the waters, when you visit this landmark. But it is a nice spot to take pictures and a good talking point about your vacation activities. BERRY ISLANDS Explore the Sugar Beach Caves on Great Harbour Cay It’s called Sugar Beach for its white sugary sand. You will be amiss if you skip out on a trek to the Sugar Beach Caves, dubbed one of the prettiest places in The Bahamas. Sandy coves, rocky cliffs and sheltered caves are true Bahamian in their natural beauty. Sugar Beach cliffs offer hiking trails with exceptional ocean vistas. At high tide, the water stretches as far as the caves, so don’t be afraid to venture by way of water, but be careful of the tides. During low tide, you can explore the caves over sand. The caves are worth exploring for their unusual rock formations. There are numerous sandy coves among the cliffs, in addition to caves and the ruins of the Sugar Beach Resort & Golf Club, the island’s original resort. Take a hike on Hoffman’s Cay and jump into a hidden blue hole Hoffman’s Cay blue hole is located in the southern Berry Islands. It is about 600 feet wide and has a cliff that hangs 20 feet above the water. Those who jump into it from the cliff speak of an adrenaline rush. Its only living inhabitants are said to be oysters. Hoffman’s Cay has stunning beaches on both the windward and leeward sides of the island. CAT ISLAND The Hermitage on Mount AlverniaClimb Mount Alvernia also known as Como Hill – the highest point in The Bahamas at 206 feet (63 metres) above sea level, and visit The Hermitage, a small, stone, medieval-style monastery that sits on the peak of Como Hill. It was named Mount Alvernia by Monsignor John Hawes, a Roman Catholic priest, after La Verna, a mountain in Tuscany that was given to Saint Franis of Assisi as a place where he could peacefully contemplate; it was where Assisi received the Wounds of the Cross. Monsignor John Hawes, known to Cat Islanders as Father Jerome, was a skilled architect and sculptor, and a self-described contemplative. He built the retreat so that he could get away from the world. Using local stone, he built The Hermitage on the peak of Mt. Alvernia in 1939, a small medieval monastery where he could get away from the world. The way up the hill to the monastery is via a stone staircase on a steep rocky incline. You can see Father Jerome’s beautiful and detailed hand-carved stone reliefs of the Stations of the Cross along the way, and the 360-degree view around the island from the top is awe-inspiring. Visit Cat Island’s Deveaux Plantation and the Armbrister Plantation Ruins The Deveaux Plantation ruins are a historic site. The remaining structures are the ruins of a former 18th-century cotton plantation that had an antebellum-style mansion that was home to Colonel Andrew Deveaux, a Loyalist and veteran of the American Revolutionary War. He was given the land in 1783 for helping to protect and recapture Nassau, The Bahamas’ capital, from the Spanish invasion and occupation. Visitors can explore this spectacular site free of charge and experience the island’s history. You will see how local stone was used in putting together the structures, the heavy wooden beams that supported the roofs and framed doors and windows, slowly being shredded by the elements, and marvel that some of the original decorative trim is still there. The Armbrister Plantation ruins are another historic site. These ruins are located at the base of Mt. Alvernia and the Hermitage in New Bight. The Great House or mansion was built circa 1755 and 1760 during the pre-Loyalist period by Henry Hawkins Armbrister, a Scotsman. It is touted as the second oldest structure in The Bahamas. The mansion was burned by enslaved Africans during a revolt before the Emancipation of Slaves in 1834. Some of the walls are still standing and the doorways frame the great view of the bay that the Armbristers must have enjoyed. Griffin Bat Cave Griffin Bat Cave is known for being a hideout and providing shelter from hurricanes for enslaved people who lived in the area. It is a simple cave, more like a room, with only one entrance and one central cavern. It is home to thousands of bats, hence its name, which you can hear, feel, and see when they arise at sunset. You climb down a ladder into this dark, damp cavern. CROOKED ISLAND Explore the beach caves Crooked Island has several interesting caves with magnificent limestone formations that locals say hide many secrets from the past. The stalactites and stalagmites take on unusual forms and shapes, some resembling the ruins of churches and castles. The caves at Turtle Sound spill out onto the inland waterway. Macki Bluff, located near the airport in the Colonel Hill settlement, has a seaside cave that is more easily accessible by boat from the sea; water enters it at high tide. A cave on the land side can be reached by a hardy trek on foot. Bat Cave, in the Pittstown Point area, is interesting because of the creatures for which it is named. Gun Bluff Cave is located east of Pittstown Point; the area was a former British fort. At Richmond Hill, there is a cave with a well inside that was built by slaves, along with the carved steps leading to it. Hope Great House National Park Hope Great House National Park located in Landrail Point, comprises two former Loyalist compounds. By the beginning of the 19th century, Crooked Island was home to more than 40 plantations and 1,200 slaves. Located on the west coast of the remote island, the estate covers 3.6 acres, with an artillery battery, plus a house with a kitchen. The great house was the centerpiece of a 19th century plantation around the time of King George V of England; there are five solid iron cannons which carry the crest of the then king. Today, the ruins are embraced by aloe and numerous other plants that were part of the estate’s orchards and gardens. A variety of local flora and fauna are to be found here. It became a national park in 2002. ELEUTHERA and HARBOUR ISLAND (BRILAND) Glass Window Bridge The Glass Window Bridge is definitely one of nature’s true wonders. Drinking in the magnificent panoramic view, which is one of the few places on earth where you can compare the rich, dark, blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean on one side of the road and the calm, turquoise Exuma Sound (often incorrectly called the Caribbean Sea) on the other side, separated by a strip of rock just 30 feet wide, will leave you breathless. The Glass Window Bridge is often referred to as the “narrowest place on Earth.” It is located just north of Gregory Town on the northern end of Eleuthera. The man-made bridge took the place of a naturally formed bridge of rock that was destroyed in a hurricane. Take great care when visiting the Glass Window Bridge and the surrounding cliff areas as rogue waves have been known to arrive unexpectedly and wash over the bridge and nearby cliffs, with great force. Preacher’s Cave Preacher’s Cave is perhaps most noted as a place of refuge for the first English settlers in The Bahamas. Known as The Eleutheran Adventurers, the group sailed here from Bermuda in 1648 in search of religious freedom. After shipwrecking on Devil’s Backbone Reef, they found shelter in the cave. They named the island after the Greek word “eleutheria” meaning freedom. This destination is a must-see for historical perspective. Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve is an environmental educational center as well as a facility for the propagation on native plants and trees. The 30-acre Preserve located in Governor’s Harbour has been designed as a research center for traditional bush medicine; a facility for the propagation of indigenous plants and trees, and an educational center focusing on the importance of native vegetation to the biodiversity of The Bahamas. Lighthouse Beach Lighthouse Beach is endless miles of unspoiled, soft, powdery, blush-rose sand beach. It is considered one of the most stunning and most magnificent beaches in The Bahamas. This hidden gem at the southernmost point of Eleuthera, on the Atlantis side of the island, is nestled in the bosom of a massive rock structure behind sand dunes. It is unique because you can play in two bodies of water almost simultaneously – the Exuma Sound (Caribbean Sea) and the Atlantic Ocean. It is also a great place to sunbathe or picnic and spend an entire romantic afternoon or sunset stroll. You will have the seclusion of an enclosed cove, as well as the adventure of climbing up to the old lighthouse located on a dramatic limestone promontory overlooking the ocean. The windows of the lighthouse serve as the perfect frame for a photo. Harbour Island (Briland) Harbour Island is located approximately 1.75 miles off the eastern coast of Eleuthera island. It’s a small island, approximately a half-mile running east and west and three-and-a-quarter miles north and south. The island is famous for its two-and-a-half miles of hard-packed picture-perfect pink sand beach. Rent a golf cart, as they are the transportation of choice, and tour this picturesque island and take in the colourful architecture. Browse boutique stores and art galleries in Dunmore Town, the original capital of The Bahamas. THE EXUMAS Home to the world-famous swimming pigs Pig Beach is the famous beach where the swimming pigs live, which is on Pig Island (also known as Big Major Cay). These amazing pigs which swim in the sea at Pig Beach are one of The Bahamas’ top attractions. Pig Island is one of the busier islands due to the star power of its celebrity residents. No one knows entirely sure how the pigs got there, but there are many interesting stories and legends of how these pigs ended up on a beach in The Bahamas. The most widely accepted reasoning is the pigs were brought to Big Major Cay by the nearby farmers of Staniel Cay. Legend says the villagers on Staniel Cay complained of the pigs’ odor and forced the farmers to find a solution, which was to relocate the pigs just 10 minutes away on Big Major Cay. The pigs’ stench could not drift to the village and the pigs were still close enough to tend to. Soon, the pigs picked up on the fact that the farmer’s boat was full of their daily feed and every day when they saw the boat, they began swimming to the farmer to be the first fed. Thus, The Bahamas swimming pigs. The Exuma pigs make a perfect photo op. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, established in 1958, is the first marine reserve in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. Covering 112,640 acres of land and sea, it is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, species, biodiversity, secluded beaches, amazing views and safe anchorages. Throughout the park you can explore the underwater magnificence of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrasses; stroll along pristine beaches, traverse several hiking trails, and observe tons of wildlife including birds, fish, turtles and iguanas. Stocking Island Stocking Island is a playground of natural wonder waiting to be explored including the Jacques Cousteau Mystery Cave. World-renowned explorer Jacques Cousteau was fascinated by a natural underwater cave and wanted to know how far it extended. To find out, he deposited red food dye in the cave during the outgoing tide and went up in his helicopter to see where the dye came out. He was shocked to discover that the red dye emerged two miles out to sea. The mouth of the cave is an excellent spot for snorkeling as it is teeming with various species of fish. Stocking Island also boats some of the world’s oldest fossils – stromatolites – fossilized bacteria dating from more than one million years ago. Stromatolites are found in only two places on Earth – at Stocking Island and Australia. Visiting Stocking Island allows you to get up close and personal with these rare pieces of history in their natural habitat. Tropic of Cancer Beach on Little Exuma Tropic of Cancer Beach, also known as Pelican Beach, is a crescent of white powder sand bordering the translucent blue-green pristine water along the coast of Little Exuma. The longest beach on the island, it is also the prettiest in the Exuma chain. Located at 23 26N 75 35W, the beach is named after the meridian line that defines the northern extent of the tropics, and crosses right through it. The beach does not have any amenities which keeps it from becoming overcrowded and makes it a nice, quiet spot to while away a day of snorkeling in a small reef at the end of the beach, kayaking through the waves, or just lounging on the sand. Rolle Town tombs and the statue of Pompey in Steventon The quiet little village of Rolle Town is one of the five Lord John Rolle Commonage Estates on Exuma. The Commonage Estates are lands that have been passed down to the slaves and cannot be sold. The town’s residents are all descendants of Rolle’s former slaves, and grow fruits and vegetables just as their ancestors have done since the 1800s. Relatives of American actress, the late Esther Rolle, live here. There are three tombs in the middle of a secluded clearing, dating back to Loyalist times. The site of the tombs date back to the Loyalist era and belong to Ann McKay who died at aged 26, and her newborn son. Her husband, Alexander McKay died just two years later in 1794. The settlement is full of history and has beautiful views of the bonefishing flats. At low tide you can walk almost all the way to Man-of-War Cay (there is still about a 30-foot channel that’s quite deep). The cay has beautiful beaches and ancient fortifications on the blubb. It is also a great kayaking destination. A statue of the slave Pompey Pompey was an enslaved Black of Lord John Rolle, who was a major British landowner and one of the most powerful Loyalists in The Bahamas at the time. At the age of 32, Pompey led a group of 43 slaves from Lord Rolle’s Steventon, Exuma, plantation in rebellion against their master in 1830. That helped to stop the transfer of some 77 people, which would have separated men, women, and children from their families. His act was a precursor to emancipation in The Bahamas, which occurred in August 1838. To commemorate that moment in the fight against slavery, a memorial statue of Pompey was erected in Steventon, Great Exuma, which you can visit. GRAND BAHAMA (FREEPORT)Owl’s Hole Owl’s Hole – a stunningly beautiful inland freshwater blue hole hidden in a pine forest. The hole received its name from the barn owls, one of the two kinds of owls found on Grand Bahama, and that nestle along its rocky ledges. The owls mate and nest on the ledges of the cave, sleep during the day and being nocturnal, hunt at night. The hole was formed when the roof of the cavern collapsed and opened the underground water to the sky. It’s a long jump – the drop into the water is 24 feet long — and many people jump in from the top. There is also a 40-foot ladder that you can use to climb down into the pool and go for a swim. Underwater adventures – shallow reefs and wrecks or dives with tiger sharks The seafloor near Freeport and Grand Bahama Island is littered with shells of man-made vessels, offering great wreck dives for divers of all experience levels. Of course, the crafts steadily becoming recovered by nature means they house an assortment of marine species. There’s Theo’s Wreck, Jose’s Wreck, La Rose Wreck, Sea Star II Wreck, Etheridge Wreck, Papa Doc Wreck, and Pretender Wreck. Theo’s Wreck is two-hundred-and-thirty-foot freighter, intentionally stripped, cleaned and scuttled by UNEXSO in 1982, sits one hundred feet below the Caribbean surface. This wreck, resting on its side, allows entry at both the engine room and the expansive cargo space. You may see green moray eels, spotted eels or a huge Jewfish. La Rose Wreck is one of the more recently scuttled wrecks in the region. Resting in approximately one hundred feet of water, this tugboat offers penetration for advanced divers. Sea Star II Wreck is a massive two-hundred-foot barge in a great spot for novice wreck divers, since it offers easy access and a manageable depth of sixty-five feet. Etheridge Wreck, a ferryboat that once transported tourists in the Carolinas, was cleaned, stripped and intentionally sunk in the early nineties. It rests at a manageable depth for novice divers and swarms of fish – silversides, snappers, schoolmasters and groupers, use this structure as shelter. Papa Doc Wreck, a seventy-foot vessel, sank during a violent storm and rough seas. Once a shrimp boat, this doomed craft was transporting mercenaries and firearms to Haiti during the revolution in that country. The wreck’s namesake was the dictator, François “Papa Doc “Duvalier. The wreck rests at a novice-accessible dive site. Pretender Wreck is an upside down forty-five-foot tug that sits at an approachable depth for divers of all experiences. Remnants of a yacht are also strewn about this site. Stingrays are often seen gliding along the sandy bottom. Garden of the Groves – a nature lover’s paradise Garden of the Groves is Grand Bahama’s premier nature experience with winding trials through lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls and sparkling fountains. The picturesque chapel is a favorite place for weddings, prayer and meditation. Indigenous and migratory birds and butterflies sip nectar or take insects from the many flowers and shrubs. INAGUA Bird watcher’s and ecotourist’s paradise Inagua, featuring Great Inagua and Little Inagua, are the southernmost islands in the Bahamian archipelagic chain, remain largely raw and untouched, due to protected national parks — is a birdwatcher’s and ecotourists paradise. It’s home to over 80,000 flamingos, which paint the sky pink when they take flight. This well-coordinated display is best seen in the Inagua National Land & Sea Park which covers 45 percent of Great Inagua island. Matthew Town is the only inhabited settlement. Salt mining is the mainstay of generations. The white salt fields contrast the forest green habitats which shelter over 140 species of native and migratory birds. Little Inagua also features a host of protected species. LONG ISLAND Take the plunge at Dean’s Blue Hole Dean’s Blue Hole is the world’s second deepest salt water blue hole, with clear visibility between 50 feet and 100 feet. The brave, bold, and adventurous can climb the rocky pathway and plunge into its 663-feet depths. It can be found near Clarence Town and is widely considered one of the most beautiful as well. Dean’s Blue Hole is also one of the world’s best diving and snorkeling sites. This blue hole is surrounded by a beach which makes it that much more spectacular. It’s enclosed on three sides by a natural rock formation, and on the fourth side by a turquoise lagoon and powder white beach. Dean’s Blue Hole is where the vertical blue free diving competition is held annually. There is a variety of sea animals to be found inside Dean’s Blue Hole – snapper, fish, tarpons, turtles, seahorses, rays as well as colorful tropical fish. Columbus Monument Take in the breathtaking views of northern Long Island at Columbus Monument which is located at Long Bay. Long island is said to be the third island discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. A monument placed on the floor of the ocean in Long Bay marks the exact spot where Columbus dropped anchor on October 12, 1492. On the beach, a simple white cross erected in 1956, known as Columbus Monument was erected by Long Islanders on top of the white cliffs, sinking down into the various shades of blue water. The cross is the most photographed spot on the island. Visit Hamilton’s Cave System Hamilton’s Cave is the largest cave system in The Bahamas. The cave is named after the small settlement called Hamilton’s located south of Salt Pond. The Lucayan Indians were thought to have lived here about 500 A.D. and many Lucayan artifacts were discovered in 1936. The cave lies just a hundred feet off Queen’s Highway. You can only visit with an experienced tour guide, otherwise you will get lost. The caves are on private property. Guided tours are available. Cape Santa Maria Beach – one of the best beaches Cape Santa Maria Beach is a four-mile vista of bright white sand that has been recognized as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. MAYAGUANA Secluded escape Mayaguana is the ideal getaway for travelers seeking a secluded escape. This sleepy island, the most easterly in the chain, is more isolated and less developed than any other island in the archipelago, making it the perfect blend of solitude and charm. Picturesque beaches are perfect for picnicking. RAGGED ISLAND Fisherman’s haven With fishing the main attraction, Ragged Island is a haven for the avid fishermen, with unparalleled flats ideal for bonefishing and big game fishing plentiful. A salt pond stretches the length of the only settlement, Duncan Town, which is so small that it doesn’t take much time to walk its entire circumference. Pigeon Cay is visible off the coast of Ragged Island near Gun Point. Look for the memorial cross honoring Henry Norris Churton, bishop of Nassau who died at sea when his boat capsized in 1904. You can also hop from cay to cay. RUM CAY Hartford Caves Hartford Cave holds the secrets of its past in with ancient petroglyphs that decorate the cave walls, bowls, plates and utensils that have been found – evidence that Lucayan-Arawak Indians lived here. Divers, fishermen and snorkelers are drawn to the island’s sparkling clear blue water and colorful reefs. Explore the wreck of the 101-gun Man-of-War HMS Conqueror wreck on Sumner Point Reef. The vessel was built in Devon in 1855 and served in the Crimean War lies under 30 feet of water and is designated an underwater museum. It is the property of The Bahamas Government and none of the contents of the ship may be removed. Conception Island National Park Conception Island National Park, a protected, pristine area where you can sail, swim or hike through the island is regarded as one of the most beautiful in The Bahamas. This national park protects miles of pristine pink sand beaches, gorgeous sandstone cliffs, healthy mangroves, and an extraordinary abundance of wildlife on land and in the sea. It’s incredible beauty and healthy ecosystems are attributed to the fact that humans haven’t lives on this island in 100 years. SAN SALVADOR Landfall Park Landfall Park, is a ten-acre site rich in archaeological artifacts. It is believed to be the first landfall of Christopher Columbus in the New World. It is also known as Long Bay, a reference to the longboats the sailors used to come ashore there. and Long Bay Beach at Landfall Park are must stops. Dixon Hill Lighthouse View the entire island at 163-feet from Dixon Hill Lighthouse, built in 1887 on a former plantation owned by John Dixon. This lighthouse is still occupied and operated by lighthouse keepers who refuel the 400,000 candle-powered lighthouse by hand every two hours and 15 minutes. The lighthouse maintains four-hour watches nightly, giving a double flash every ten seconds. It stands 163 feet above sea level with a visibility of 19 miles. It has 80 steps to the top. It is one of the most visited landmarks on the island. It is one of the few remaining manually-operated lighthouses in the world and one of only three types in The Bahamas. NEW PROVIDENCE (NASSAU) Clifton Heritage Park and the underwater sculpture gardenClifton Heritage National Park on the western tip of New Providence is a must-visit for those wanting to immerse themselves in the history, culture, and natural beauty of The Bahamas. You can find the remnants of the historical and cultural legacy of three important groups that had an impact on the country – the Lucayans, the Loyalists and Africans. Stroll winding trails throughout the park that reveal a variety of ecosystems such as native coppice, cliffs, coastal wetlands, dunes, rocky shorelines, sandy beaches and offshore coral reefs. Local fauna includes songbirds, wading birds, seabirds and other wildlife. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, snorkeling, birdwatching and picnicking in the park. The Sacred Space is perfect for wedding ceremonies and spiritual retreats and the panoramic views from the cliffs provide perfect photo opportunities. Some of Clifton Heritage Park’s biggest surprises are located under the sea – including a striking underwater sculpture garden and statues. Climb the Queen’s Staircase The Queen’s Staircase, commonly known as the 66 steps is Nassau’s most visited attraction. It is located in the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex. It was hewn out of solid limestone rock by slaves between 1793 and 1794 to provide a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City. Due to Fort Fincastle’s strategic position at the top of Bennet’s Hill, the highest point in Nassau, a direct access route was needed to reach the fort in case of an attack – which resulted in the start of building a staircase in the late 1700s. The steps were later named in honour of Queen Victoria who reigned in Britain for 64 years from 1837 to 1901. Pompey Musuem of Slavery & Emancipation at Vendue House Pompey Museum, located in downtown Nassau, is named in honour of a courageous slave, Pompey who lived on the Rolle Plantation on Steventon, Exuma. Historic Vendue House, or the Bourse, as it was known was built some time before 1769 and continued to function as a marketplace until the late 1800s. Enslaved Africans and other commodities were sold at Vendue House during the 18th and 19th centuries. Pompey became a museum in 1992 and has a collection of artifacts, photos and other objects that help document this era of Bahamian history. Visit the fortsFort Charlotte, Fort Fincastle, Fort Montagu await exploration Fort Charlotte, the largest of the three forts found in Nassau was built in 1789 by Lord Dunmore and named in honor of the wife of King George III. It includes a waterless moat, drawbridge, ramparts and dungeons, as well as fantastic views of Nassau Harbour. Fort Fincastle, erected in 1793, was named after British captain Lord Dunmore – and his second title, Viscount Fincastle — who had it built to protect Nassau Harbour and watch for pirates. Located atop Bennet’s Hill, the highest point on New Providence, the fort provides fantastic views of Nassau and Paradise Island as well as the eastern approaches to New Providence. Fort Fincastle was constructed with the limestone that was cut out of the stones from the Queen’s Staircase also known as the 66 steps which you climb to get to the fort. For Montagu located on the eastern seaside of Nassau overlooks Nassau Harbour. Fort Montagu dates back to 1725, although the present fort was built between 1741-42 to defend the British territory from Spanish invaders. It is more famously known for being. The site of the United States Marine Corps’ first military action, when in 1779, eight ships were sent to Fort Montague to capture a large supply of gunpowder the British had stored there. Potter’s Cay Dock and Da Fish Fry Hang out with the locals and pull up a seat at a streetside shack at these quintessential dining places on Potter’s Cay Dock or Arawak Cay fish fry (Da Fish Fry) – you won’t be disappointed if you decide to partake in the native fare offered. It’s some of the best, most authentic to be had. Da Fish Fry is to be found on Arawak Cay, and is just one long strip on West Bay Street. The western side of the strip features two-story sit down style restaurants. The strips’ east side is where you find the beach shacks and food trucks in a less formal dining style. Potter’s Cay is located under the bridge that connects Nassau with Paradise Island. The vibe at Potter’s Cay is different from the fish fry, but the food is just as good. It’s here you will also find a variety of vendors – some selling local fruit and vegetables, and fishermen hawking their catch fresh from the ocean. Potter’s Cay is located on East Bay Street.