Acklins is the largest island in the group and remains largely unspoiled. It is home to numerous Lucayan sites; Pompey Bay Beach is the location of one of the largest Lucayan settlements discovered in the Bahamas to date. For those interested in the island’s history, this offers a clear thematic focus alongside its landscapes and waters.
Bight of Acklins: Waterscape and orientation
The Bight of Acklins separates Acklins and Crooked Island. In the Bight, the water is often no deeper than knee-high even five miles from shore. At the same time, the Acklins Bight is designated as a 61,436-acre marine area for Acklins and Crooked Island. The Southeastern Bahamas Marine Managed Area also includes Acklins and is designated as a 6,053,010-acre marine area.
This waterscape is also associated with bonefishing: the Bight of Acklins and the mangrove-lined waterways of Crooked Island draw visitors to fish in this remote corner of the Bahamas. The two areas mentioned help put the geographic scope of these activities into context without limiting them to Acklins alone.
Lucayan heritage, lighthouse, and cascarilla
Off the southern tip of Acklins lies remote Castle Island, with its distinctive lighthouse dating from 1867. The island is accessible only by boat. Historically, the lighthouse once served as a hideout for pirates who attacked ships in the nearby passage. The combination of the structure, the island, and its reported use gives Castle Island a distinct historical dimension.
In Spring Point stands Outside Kitchen, the ruin of a stone house overgrown with flowering bushes. Cascarilla is also part of local history: Acklins Island is one of only two islands in the Bahamas where the bark grows. It has long been used in traditional bush medicine on Acklins.
Snorkeling, caves, and island tours
Snorkeling trips are available in different durations. Bay Boy Tours offers half-day or full-day trips to the reefs off Lovely Bay. There, visitors can see lobsters, rays, nurse sharks, and numerous tropical fish. A snorkeling experience with Terrence Collie offers close-up views of sea sponges, corals, and sea urchins; participants may also encounter a sea turtle.
Other tours go to the bat and limestone caves near Atwood Harbour and to Jumbey Hole. Bay Boy Tours also offers eco-friendly tours by vehicle, hikes on walking trails, and trips through mangroves, harbours, or creeks that include Acklins. Terrence Collie offers full-day sightseeing and boat tours for exploring Acklins.
Wildlife is also part of the boat tours offered: they go to a private island off the coast of Lovey Bay. The endangered Acklins ground iguanas are found on the offshore cays. Those interested in bonefishing can also find a certified guide in Terrence Collie, who can help them catch yellowtail or snapper in Bahamian waters.
Plan your trip
Acklins Island Airport (AXP) is connected to Nassau by scheduled domestic flights. Check the flight schedule before your trip. This will help you combine your journey with the excursions and discoveries that interest you most on Acklins.
Discover more destinations: Salina Point, Harbour Island, Central Eleuthera, West Grand Bahama, Central Andros, Hope Town, Cat Island, North Andros.
For the main travel overview: Bahamas.
