The Bahamas

With turquoise seas, a tropical climate and beaches ranging in colour from baby pink to gold, there’s a lot to like about The Islands Of The Bahamas.  

Beach at Blue Lagoon Island But as well as natural beauty there is a wealth of adventures, cultural attractions and gastronomic delicacies to discover.  

I recently revisited The Bahamas to find that, while retaining their quaint unique charm, there is a whole world of new openings and experiences that make this location more attractive than ever.

Starting in the lovely capital Nassau, I enjoy afternoon tea at historic Government House. I feel like royalty sipping tea on the terrace where The Duke and Duchess of Windsor spent time after the abdication of Edward VIII , but the experience is actually free! On the last Friday of the month the Bahamian People-to-People programme offers complimentary afternoon tea with fashion show, live music and shuttle transfer to your hotel.

People-to-People Tea Party Over on Paradise Island, we find a multigenerational heaven which mums and dads, youngsters and even grandparents can enjoy. Atlantis is guaranteed to make the adrenalin to flow with Aquaventure, a 141-acre, 200-million gallon Water Park that combines a series of slides a lazy river, and the Current, a mile-long water ride with waves and tidal changes.

On Blue Lagoon Island we swing in a hammock while the more energetic hit the water with water bikes and kayaks. There are dolphins and sealions to get acquainted with too, in the knowledge that the animals are very well cared for – Blue Lagoon has just been awarded Certification from American Humane, the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare and well-being.

Blue Lagoon dolphins Grand Bahama Island is different again, with its pine forests and succession of fishing villages. There are tours around the island stopping the Lucayan National Park with mangrove creeks, an ancient burial ground and diverse bird habitats. Don’t miss Wednesdays Fish Fry at Smiths Point where you can enjoy beach front sunset views and a hearty Bahamian meal accompanied by lively music and dancing – washed down of course with a delicious rum punch!

But for a more laid-back vibe, we head to the quiet but surprising Out Islands, just a short hop by ferry or small plane.

Bimini

Bimini Great Hammerhead shark My husband has a thing about sharks – having dived with them around the world. But the iconic Hammerhead variety has evaded him. His dream comes true on little Bimini however, where every year these magnificent creatures can be spotted and encountered between November and April.

Keeping my head firmly above water I take a stroll around the island which is famous for its connections with Ernest Hemingway and Martin Luther King, who both enjoyed fishing here. I chat to local Ashley Saunders, owner of the fascinating Dolphin House, and his brother Ansel who, although in his 80s, still makes boats by hand. 

The Abacos

All the Bahamian islands are best explored with the help of a local. On Bimini it was Ashly and Ansel, and in Green Turtle Cay, in The Abacos, it is definitely Brendal who has run the dive centre here for over 30 years. Green Turtle Cay is the ideal spot for sailing, diving and spotting parrots, rays and even swimming pigs – Brendal knows these waters well and will even include a lobster and snapper barbeque lunch on a deserted beach.

Brendal’s Dive Centre Abaco The 120 mile chain of Abaco islands is a magnet for sailors. But on land there is colourful history experienced by walking around colonial Hope Town, with its red and white candy cane lighthouse, or New Plymouth. The islands were settled in the 1700s by Loyalists escaping the American Revolution

It is easy to hop by ferry or small plane to other islands too. Lovely Eleuthera is famous for its sweet pineapple farms, and glamorous Harbour Island for its sumptuous pink sand beaches.

More information

British Airways flies to Nassau from London Heathrow four times a week.

FRS ferry from Miami to Bimini – www.frs-caribbean.com 

Ferries between the islands – www.bahamasferries.com

For packages to the islands of The Bahamas visit www.bon-voyage.co.uk/destinations/bahamas 

For general information visit www.bahamas.com

Also visit Tropical Sky for more information.

Silver Travel Advisor recommends Tropical Sky Beach Holidays for holidays to The Bahamas.

Eleuthera, Bahamas

351 people found this helpful
18940

Share Article:

Judith Baker

Travel writer

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.