Bahamas: Discover Island Nature and Culture
Accommodation in Bahamas
The Bahamas invite you to enjoy a range of island experiences: the island chain comprises 700 islands, and ecotourism opportunities are available on 16 different islands. When choosing a region and a vacation rental, you can first consider whether nature, water activities, or culture should shape your trip. Protected landscapes, excursions on the water, and lively traditions offer different ways to make that choice.
Nature in the Wider Travel Area
One example of protected nature in the wider region is Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park. Established in 1958 as the Bahamas’ first marine protected area and the first of its kind in the wider Caribbean, it covers 112,640 acres of land and sea. Visitors can explore coral reefs underwater, mangroves, and seagrass meadows. There are also several hiking trails, pristine beaches for walks, and opportunities to observe birds, fish, turtles, and iguanas. The park thus brings together several nature-related themes: marine habitats, trails on land, and wildlife watching.
Water Experiences for Different Lengths of Time
In the Bahamas, visitors can swim or dive in inland and ocean Blue Holes. Other diving opportunities include coral reefs, caves, and caverns; experienced divers also explore winding underwater cave systems. Kayaking offers a different perspective: coves, coral reefs, and mangrove channels can be explored independently or on guided tours. These tours range from a few hours to several days. This makes for a practical difference when planning a trip: a short excursion and a multi-day tour require very different amounts of time.
Cat Island: History and Music
On Cat Island, another focus is history and island culture. Mount Alvernia, also known locally as Como Hill, is the highest point in the Bahamas at 206 feet (63 meters). At its summit stands The Hermitage, a small medieval monastery built from local stone in 1939. The climb follows a stone staircase up a steep, rocky slope. Hand-carved stone reliefs of the Stations of the Cross can be seen along the way; from the summit, there is a 360-degree view across the lush island. The building, path, and view thus offer different aspects of the same place.
Rake & Scrape also connects Cat Island with its own musical tradition: the music originated there. The Annual Rake & Scrape Festival takes place every June, and quadrille dancing is part of it. Since festival dates are important for trip planning, it is advisable to check the dates in advance. Culinary experiences are also linked to specific places and people: the Fish Fry is in New Bight on Cat Island, and Dika teaches travelers to make flour cakes following an original Cat Island recipe.
Traditions Across the Bahamas and Getting There
Junkanoo is celebrated on 16 of the Bahamas’ islands. The street parade combines colorful costumes and dancing with music from 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.
The Bahamas can be reached by scheduled and charter flights, ferries, cruise ships, private aircraft, and private recreational boats; specific routes and schedules vary. When searching for a vacation rental, it therefore makes sense to first decide which island and type of experience you are looking for. Nature watching, water activities, and cultural discoveries may make different regions appealing. If you would like to narrow down your options in the Bahamas further, you can also explore Nassau.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Central Andros, Cat Island, Harbour Island, San Salvador, Crooked Island And Long Cay, Exuma, Marsh Harbour.
Return to the main travel overview: Bahamas.
