Scattered like dabs of possibility on an adventurer’s palette, the Bahamas are ready-made for exploration. Just ask Christopher Columbus, he bumped against these limestone landscapes in 1492 and changed the course of history. But adventure didn’t end with the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. From pirates to blockade dodgers to rum smugglers, wily go-getters have converged and caroused on the country’s 700 islands and 2400 cays for centuries.
So what’s in it for travelers? There’s sailing to Abaconian villages. Diving Androsian blue holes. Kayaking Exumian cays. Lounging on Eleutheran beaches. Pondering pirates in Nassau. Indeed, there’s a Bahamian island to match most every water-and-sand-based compulsion. Each of them framed by a backdrop of gorgeous, mesmerizing blue.
But every adventure has irritations, and here indifferent service, high prices and hungry no-see-ums take the lead. Nassau and Paradise Island are the prime troublemakers. But if casinos, Aquaventure and duty-free shopping don’t top your to-do list, consider dropping off the grid for a bit in the Out Islands. Prices remain high but there’s more bang for your Bahamian buck, with friendlier service, fewer crowds and, well, the pesky no-see-ums haven’t gotten the memo. But don’t wait long. Change is in the air and the Out Islands are blipping onto the radar screens of mega-developers and land grabbers the world over.
For now loaf, paddle, dive and après-snorkel. Paint your own adventure, the palette awaits.
Highlights
Fish Fry Debate the win-win choice between lobster or snapper at the Wednesday night fish fry at Smith’s Point on Grand Bahama
Eleuthera Navigate hidden turns and bumpy roads to find that perfect secluded beach
Exumas Kayak through a stunning array of blues while exploring scores of lonely cays
Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar Hear engaging tales of the infamous goombay smash and the overserved cay-hoppers who left photos on the walls at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar on Green Turtle Cay
Andros Hurtle off the platform above Captain Bill’s Blue Hole, praying that the people-eating Lusca doesn’t really exist
Last updated: Sep 25, 2008
