While most visitors to the Bahamas tend to stick to Nassau (New Providence) or Paradise Island, and perhaps Freeport on Grand Bahama—which of course means these destinations can and do get pretty crowded at times—the real magic of this 700-island archipelago lies beyond, in its “Out Islands.” Scattered across crystalline waters, easily accessible from Nassau yet worlds away in atmosphere, these are the Bahamas at its most authentic: serene, natural, and stunningly beautiful. Each has its own rhythm and character, and here´s a quick rundown to get you started on deciding which might be the destination for you:
The Abacos – A Sailing Paradise with Barefoot Charm
This chain of two main islands and nearly 120 islets stretches for 120 miles and is a boating hub, known for its charming colonial towns, protected harbours, calm seas, and relaxed, friendly vibe. Great Abaco and the smaller cays just offshore—Elbow Cay, Green Turtle Cay, and Man-O-War Cay—form the heart of the region. Hope Town (top) on Elbow Cay is a postcard-perfect village with candy-colored cottages and the striking red-and-white striped Elbow Reef Lighthouse, built in 1862 one of the world´s last hand-operated lighthouses; nearby Tahiti Beach and Treasure Cay Beach are among the most beautiful stretches of sand anywhere in the Bahamas. Marsh Habour is home to myriad restaurants, resorts, and marinas, and Treasure Cay is a resort community featuring the aforementioned stunning 3½ mile white-powder beach. The Abacos also offer world-class sailing, fishing, and diving/snorkeling. Charter a yacht, rent a skiff, or island-hop between cays for beach bars, snorkelling reefs, and superb sunsets. Daily 45-minute flights from Nassau go to Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay, then ferries and small water taxis connect the nearby cays.
Eleuthera – Long, Wild, and Wonderfully Laid-Back
Stretching for 110 miles but barely a mile wide in many places, Eleuthera is an island of contrasts—pink beaches on one side, wild Atlantic waves on the other—a place of unspoiled nature and friendly small-town life, perfect for road-tripping along its scenic Queen’s Highway; it´s large enough for variety but laid-back enough to feel remote. Top attractions include the stunning Glass Window Bridge, where the deep-blue Atlantic dramatically meets the calm turquoise Caribbean; the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, a lush botanical reserve; and the Ocean Hole in Rock Sound, a mysterious saltwater blue hole popular for swimming. The beaches are superb—especially Ten Bay Beach, French Leave Beach, and Lighthouse Beach, this last one of the most breathtaking in the entire Caribbean. Governor’s Harbour, the island’s central town, is full of colonial-era architecture and a friendly local scene; Queen´s Bath is a series of rocky natural pools best explored at low tide; and Gregory Town and Surfer’s Beach draw a small but dedicated surf crowd. Several daily flights from Nassau serve North Eleuthera, Governor’s Harbour, and Rock Sound airports (15–25 minutes). You can also get out here via Bahamas Ferries, but the crossing takes three to four hours.
The Exumas – Where Turquoise Rules
Perhaps the most jaw-dropping of all the Out Islands, the Exumas are a 120-mile chain of 365 islands and cays where the waters are impossibly clear and luminous, often appearing in shades of aquamarine and sapphire that seem unreal. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a protected marine reserve, is a highlight for snorkelling and diving, with vibrant coral reefs and exotic sea life. Then there’s the world-famous Pig Beach at Big Major Cay, where friendly swimming pigs paddle out to greet visitors. Nearby, you can also swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, explore hidden Thunderball Grotto (featured in the eponymous James Bond film), and relax on Chat ‘n’ Chill Beach on Stocking Island. Great Exuma, the largest island, is home to the capital George Town, where visitors can enjoy markets, restaurants, and the gateway to the Exuma Cays. Several daily flights from Nassau (around 40 minutes) serve Exuma International Airport (GGT) near George Town. You can also charter a boat or join a day tour from Nassau to the northern cays.
Harbour Island – Pink Sands and Refined Simplicity
Tiny and just off the coast of North Eleuthera, Harbour Island a barefoot-elegance blend of sophisticated and simplicity is famous for its three-mile Pink Sands Beach, peaceful and photogenic, where the sand takes on a rosy glow thanks to crushed coral and tiny shells; it´s regularly ranked among the world´s most beautiful beaches in the world. The island itself—dubbed “Briland” by locals—offers a mix of old-world Bahamian charm and understated luxury. Dunmore Town, the island’s main settlement, is lined with pastel clapboard cottages, blooming bougainvillaea, and boutique hotels like The Dunmore and Pink Sands Resort. Visitors tool around by golf cart rather than car, hopping between stylish beach clubs and local eateries like Sip Sip or Rock House Restaurant. You get here from Nassau with a 20-minute flight to North Eleuthera Airport, then a 5-minute water taxi across to Harbour Island. There are also ferries from Nassau which take about 2½ hours.
Plus honorable mention goes to the tiny pair of islands that make up Bimini; for more from Tripatini on them, click here. And get more info on the above and yet other Out Islands at MyOutIslands.com.
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