The Bahamas form a chain of 700 islands. Ecotourism opportunities are available on 16 different islands. Protected nature, blue holes, birdwatching, and Bahamian musical traditions offer different perspectives on a trip.
Protected Areas Between Land and Sea
The national parks of the Bahamas extend across land and sea, preserving important ecosystems and the species that live there. A notable example is Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park: established in 1958 as the first marine protected area in the Bahamas and the wider Caribbean, it covers 112,640 acres of land and sea. In the park, visitors can explore coral reefs underwater, mangroves, and seagrass beds. Several hiking trails, walks along unspoiled beaches, and opportunities to observe birds, fish, turtles, and iguanas round out the nature experiences on land and in the water.
On Andros, a 40,000-acre national park area protects 22 blue holes and the surrounding pine forests. This landscape differs from the marine and coastal areas of Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park. On Inagua, three national parks provide habitat for more than 80,000 flamingos and 140 other bird species.
Blue Holes, Kayaking, and Birdwatching
In the Bahamas, visitors can swim or dive in inland and marine blue holes. Dives also lead to coral reefs, caves, and caverns; experienced divers explore winding underwater cave systems. On land, visitors can see Lucayan-Arawak petroglyphs. These examples represent different interests, from a cultural record on land to underwater landscapes.
Kayaking in the Bahamas offers a way to explore hidden coves, coral reefs, and mangrove channels, either independently or on guided tours that can last from a few hours to several days. Guided tours to suitable birdwatching areas are offered on Andros and Inagua for keen birders. They last half a day or a full day; these two time frames can help with day planning.
Cat Island: Heights, Blue Holes, and Island History
On Cat Island, Mount Alvernia, also known locally as Como Hill, is the highest point in the Bahamas at 206 feet (63 meters). From the summit, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view across the lush island. The path to the top follows a stone staircase along a steep, rocky slope; hand-carved stone reliefs of the Stations of the Cross can be seen along the route. At the top stands The Hermitage, a small medieval monastery built from local stone in 1939. Physical access conditions may vary; check them before your visit.
Great Lake, also called Mermaid Hole on Cat Island, is another striking natural formation: four blue holes lead to underground caves and passages. Old Bight Beach has white sand; there is also a stretch of pink beach near Port Howe. Those interested in island history can find stone structures from the Great House and outbuildings of an 18th-century cotton plantation at the Deveaux Plantation Ruins. Visible details include heavy wooden roof beams and sections of the original moldings.
Music and Encounters
The indigenous Bahamian music Rake & Scrape has its roots on Cat Island. The annual Rake & Scrape Festival takes place there in June and includes quadrille dancing. Check the dates before you travel, as the program may change from year to year.
Junkanoo is celebrated on 16 islands in the Bahamas. The street parade features colorful costumes, dancing, and music played on whistles, cowbells, horns, and goatskin drums; it begins after midnight. The annual highlights take place on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, and on New Year’s morning. Exact parade times vary by island and year. Traditional sloop sailing is also part of Bahamian culture.
Another way to meet local people is the People-to-People program, which connects travelers with volunteer hosts from ten different islands and is free of charge. Program details and participation requirements may change; check the latest information before planning.
Planning Your Arrival and Accommodation
The Bahamas can be reached by scheduled and charter flights, ferries, cruise ships, private aircraft, and private recreational boats. Individual connections and schedules vary. For Cat Island, Western Air offers flights between Nassau and Cat Island; check the route and flight schedule before traveling.
Discover more destinations: Nassau, North Eleuthera, City of Freeport, Crooked Island and Long Cay, Central Eleuthera, North Abaco, Hope Town, Acklins.
For the main travel overview: The Bahamas.
