Bountiful Bahamas

The combination of urban centers and cultural treasures make Palm Beach the perfect getaway. Enter the heart of Africa by visiting the Panther Ridge Conservation Center or get up close and personal with manatees at the Manatee Lagoon. If you’re more into urban sightseeing, visit CityPlace for the top-rated dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences.

The untouched island of Andros is nestled in the Bahamas, defined by its archipelago of tiny cays and inlets connected by mangrove estuaries and underwater caves, making it accessible only to boats and small sailing vessels. A favorite of scuba divers and snorkelers, Barrier Reef and Tongue of the Sea is the third largest barrier reef in the world, stretching more than 140 miles long. Just off the shores of Andros, this reef teems with exotic fish species. Home to five national parks, more than 180 blue holes, biodiverse ecosystems, and a network of trails that cross the Central Andros National Park, Andros Island is perfect for nature lovers and hikers alike.

Great Exuma Island is known for its brilliant, sparkling waters—waters so clear and aquamarine-blue they are visible from space. The island is home to powdery white-sand beaches, deserted cays, luxury villas, and exclusive resorts. Paddleboard, snorkel, or swim, and see more of the island from the sandy shores of Emerald Bay.

Colorful coral reefs and serene beaches make Long Island a haven for snorkeling, diving, and bone fishing. Relax under the shade of pine trees at Gordon’s Beach, the southernmost white-sand beach on the island. Explore Long Island from the perspective two of its most impressive natural wonders, the Hamilton Caves, dripping with stalactites, and Dean’s Blue Hole, the world’s second-deepest saltwater blue hole, surrounded by limestone bluffs. The island is also home to St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, a now-abandoned stone church constructed by the Spanish in the 1600s and reputed to be the oldest in the Bahamas.

One of the smallest inhabited islands in the Bahamas, San Salvador boasts sparkling inland lakes, reef-filled sea waters, miles of secluded white-sand beaches, and dive sites teeming with sea life. A stone cross on the shores of Long Bay mark Columbus’s landfall on the island; offshore, an underwater monument designates where La Pinta dropped anchor. Pace yourself to the rhythm of the island with a leisurely swim or bike ride around the bay.

As part of the Exuma Cays, Staniel Cay is a magical corner of the Bahamas. Located south of Nassau, this island is an unsung paradise. Visit the infamous swimming pigs at Pig Beach, where numerous pigs race over to get your attention right above crystal-clear waters. Dive or snorkel in the sun-kissed beaches of Exumas and enjoy local dining options for an exclusive look at the Bahamas’ culture and cuisine.

West End, also called “Settlement Point,” is the oldest town and westernmost settlement on the island of Grand Bahama. Although West End is only 56 nautical miles east of Palm Beach, it feels like an entirely different world. Endless pristine beaches, emerald-green seas, and nature preserves define this secluded space. The island is home to the Lucayan National Park and Lucayan Caverns, boasting unique underground water system of caves, caverns, and charted tunnels. Within the park, trails lead to Sheltered Gold Rock Beach, often called Grand Bahama Island’s “welcome mat” for its long stretches of strollable white sand at low tide.

The combination of urban centers and cultural treasures make Palm Beach the perfect getaway. Enter the heart of Africa by visiting the Panther Ridge Conservation Center or get up close and personal with manatees at the Manatee Lagoon. If you’re more into urban sightseeing, visit CityPlace for the top-rated dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences.