Grand Bahama, Nassau and Paradise Island are the main, commercial tourist destinations of the Bahamas. Beyond these are a collection of islands known as the ‘Out Islands.’ If you want to experience the real Bahamas, at your own pace, with top class sailing, diving, snorkeling or golf – the Out Islands are for you.

Andros

At 104 miles long, Andros is the largest Island in the Bahamas. It is home to a spectacular coral reef – the third largest barrier reef in the world. During the summer months it plays host to the June Crab Festival and the Goombay Festival. Popular activities here include reef fishing, bone fishing, and cave diving.

Bimini

Bimini is a chain of islands, situated closest to the American coast. Ernest Hemingway lived here during the 1930s. It is claimed that this area is one of the best spots for fishing in the world - a 500lb Blue Marlin caught off the coast of Bimini inspired some of Hemingway’s writing. Some people believe that a half mile long line of limestone rocks found under the sea off Paradise Point in Bimini are the remains of the lost city of Atlantis.

Exuma / The Exumas

Exuma is comprised of many small uninhabited islands (known as cays or quays). The city of Georgetown is the largest in the area, located on the island of Great Exuma. The Exumas are an excellent location for sailing with several regattas throughout the year.

Eleuthera

Eleuthera was the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Bahamas and they named the island, choosing the Greek word for freedom. The island is home to several pineapple farms and holds it’s annual pineapple festival each June in Gregory Town. The crystal clear waves of Eleuthera mean that it is often frequented by surfers.

Cat Island

A small island, once home to cotton plantations, Cat Island’s most famous export nowadays is cascarilla bark (used in medicines and Campari), this island boasts a population of less than 2000 people. The beaches here have pink sand and are favoured by divers and snorkelers. The Cat Island Music Festival takes place here each June.

Abaco / The Abacos

During the American revolution Loyalists fled to these islands and survived by pillaging the ships that were wrecked on the island’s treacherous shores. It is believed that the wrecks of more than 500 Spanish galleons can be found in the shallow waters surrounding these shores, making it a hotspot for snorkelling and diving. Hope Town features the red and white striped Elbow Cay lighthouse - one of the last operational kerosene-fueled lighthouses in the world which can be seen from 23 miles away. The Abacos are also renowned for their wildlife, including green turtles and the rare rose-throated parrot.