170 Best Sights in Bahamas

This short but impressive cave is one of South Eleuthera's most unique hidden gems, located behind the ocean hole just south of Rock Sound. A wooden staircase leads down to the relatively small cave formed by karst. Despite the nickname, "spider cave," you won't find many spiders here (even though there are plenty of spider webs). The cave also has high, open ceilings, so there isn't a need for a flashlight.

These large limestone caverns that the waves sculpted over the eons are said to have sheltered the early Arawak people. An oddity perched right beside the road, they're worth a glance—although in truth, there's not much to see as the dark interior doesn't lend itself to exploration. There's a funky chair outside for fun photo ops, and across the street is a concrete viewing platform overlooking the ocean. This has become a popular stop for the myriad jeep and ATV tours, so at any point a large crowd could descend.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas was established in 1973 to oversee monetary policy in a newly independent Bahamas. Art lovers will delight to see that it has also evolved to protect and promote local art, with an extensive collection of more than 500 pieces of original Bahamian art. The bank's foyer is an impressive and carefully curated gallery with ever-changing exhibits featuring emerging and established artists.

It's worth the short walk off the main thoroughfare to see the stained-glass windows of this cathedral. It was built in 1841 but only became a cathedral in 1861, when it was a key element in Nassau being designated a city. The white pillars of the church's spacious, airy interior support ceilings beamed with dark wood handcrafted by ship builders. The Crucifixion depicted in the east window's center panel is flanked by depictions of the Empty Tomb and the Ascension. Be sure to spend a few minutes in the small, flower-filled Garden of Remembrance, where stone plaques adorn the walls. Sunday Mass is held at 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am, and 6 pm. Drop by the cathedral on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve to see the glorious church at night and hear the music and choir. Call ahead to find out the time of the service.

It's quite a distance from just about any hotel you could stay at, but for history and nature buffs, this national park, rescued from the hands of developers, is worth the drive. Situated on the site of a Lucayan village dating back to AD 1000–1500, Clifton Heritage National Park allows you to walk through the ruins of slave quarters from an 18th-century plantation. The site can claim ties to pop culture as well because a number of hit movies have been filmed here on land and sea. Book one of the land or sea tours ahead of time—they offer snorkeling out to the Coral Reef Sculpture Garden and a heritage tour for history buffs. Be sure to walk the path from the main parking lot toward the west, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the Sacred Space and admire the African women carved out of casuarina wood by local artist Antonius Roberts. Naturalists will enjoy walking along the paths lined with native flora and fauna that lead to wooden decks overlooking mangrove swamps.

In addition to visiting this remove beach to chill in solitude, Collin's Beach is an ideal location to snorkel Inagua's offshore reefs. Casuarina trees provide shade in some areas, but that is about all you will find on this beach besides the sandy coastline and mesmerizing turquoise waters. It is about ten miles north of Matthew Town, so be sure to bring sunscreen, bug spray, umbrellas or portable shade, lots of fluids in a cooler, and some beach toys and snorkeling gear. Every year, a few luxury cruises make winter stops in Inagua and bring their guests to Collin's Beach. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling.

Two miles north of Cape Santa Maria is the Columbus Monument, commemorating Columbus's landing on Long Island. The road to the monument is off Queen's Highway, and while the sign is often not visible, any Long Islander will gladly give you directions. The 3-mile treacherous road is too rough for vehicles without four-wheel drive, and most rental car companies won't let you drive it without an SUV, yet it is an extremely long hike. At the end of the road is a steep hill, called Columbus Point, and a climb to the summit affords a spectacular vista. This is the highest point on Long Island and the second highest in The Bahamas. Farther north on Queen's Highway is Columbus Harbour, on Newton's Cay. Columbus made landfall in this cove, protected by limestone outcroppings. The more adventurous can follow the beach to the left, where a rough walking path leads to three other coves, each one a delight. Two coves up, you will find sea glass scattered on the beach like sparkling jewels, and by climbing through limestone formations, you will discover another cove perfect for snorkeling.

Christopher Columbus has more than one monument on San Salvador Island commemorating his first landfall in the New World on October 12, 1492. The simple white cross erected in 1956 at Landfall Park in Long Bay is the easiest to find, on Queen's Highway just outside Cockburn Town. (Also on the site is the Mexican Monument, which housed the Olympic flame in 1968 on its journey from Greece to Mexico City. The flame has not been lit since, but this location is popular for weekend family picnics and local gatherings.) The older and more difficult to find is the Chicago Herald Monument erected in 1891 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the explorer's landing. No roads lead to this monument—a sphere hewn from limestone—so you'll have to trek through East Beach on Crab Cay by foot, which is fun for the more adventurous.

Explore the many paths on the island, which is 1½ miles long and one mile wide, or sit on the dock and watch the sharks swim below—don't worry, they're harmless nurse sharks. Several houses and Airbnbs are on the island for rent. There are also two small convenience stores stocked with snacks and beverages.

South of Nicholls Town's eastern shore, Conch Sound is a wide bay with strands of white sand and tranquil waters where you can also find Conch Sound Ocean Hole, a sea-filled blue hole where you can snorkel around and see the rich marine life. The flats are a convenient wading spot for bonefishers, who can wade for hours. Commercial fishermen bring their catches to a little beach park nearby. You can buy fresh catch and dine at a couple of shacks. Amenities: only at nearby restaurants. Best for: solitude; fishing; snorkeling.

A couple of miles south of Graham's Harbour stands Dixon Hill Lighthouse. Built around 1856, it's the last hand-operated lighthouse in The Bahamas. The lighthouse keeper must wind the apparatus that projects the light, which beams out to sea every 15 seconds to a maximum distance of 19 miles, depending on visibility. A climb to the top of the 160-foot landmark provides a fabulous view of the island, which includes a series of inland lakes. The keeper is present 24 hours a day. Knock on his door and he'll take you up to the top and explain the machinery. Drop a dollar in the box when you sign the guest book on the way out.

Bimini historian and poet laureate Ashley Saunders has spent decades constructing this eclectic home and guesthouse from materials salvaged from local construction sites and the sea, while writing a two-volume set on Bimini's history. He offers walking tours, which begin with a tour of his structure—named for the 27 mosaic, sculpted, and painted dolphins throughout—then continue through Alice Town to tell the island's history. His books on the history of Bimini make for a fascinating read and souvenir. You'll see intricate conch shell and coconut crafts for sale.

This 43-acre, deep-blue saltwater lake is the perfect place to see much of The Bahamas' beautiful marine life up close. The marine reserve was established in 1954 by the Burrows Family to protect the endangered green sea turtles and the other various kinds of fish, lobster, and other marine life that call the lake home. One-hour guided kayak tours are available. You can also rent kayaks and canoes for off-property use. Call to book reservations before visiting.

You have to get off the main road to get to what was once a real example of the heart and soul of Grand Bahama Island. This settlement is only 10 miles from Freeport Harbour but now offers little to the tourist except for a few churches and the occasional conch stand. Much of its former glory has been destroyed by hurricanes over the past decade. Driving north through Eight Mile Rock will lead you to West End, home to the Paradise Cove and Old Bahama Bay resorts.

The Erickson Public Library and Museum is a welcome part of the community, particularly the surprisingly well-stocked, well-equipped library. The Morton Company built the complex in the former home of the Erickson family, who came to Inagua in 1934 to run the salt giant. The museum displays the island's history, to which the company is inextricably tied. The posted hours are not always that regular. The Bahamas National Trust office and the office of Inagua National Park are also here, but hours are unpredictable.

Starfish, baby reef sharks, and stingrays are among the species at Exuma Point Beach. Located at the edge of the peninsula in Rolleville, this beach is uncrowded and serene, perfect for those who crave a relaxing beach day. It also has extremely low tide, with sandbars stretching for miles out into the ocean. The abundance of marine life also makes it a great place for bonefishing. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; walking.  

Imagine the perfect calm cove in the tropics—a 1-mile stretch of glistening, pristine white sand, inviting shade under coconut palms and sea grape trees, quaint resort cottages and verandas facing the spectacular sand, and calm azure water. Fernandez Bay Village has an elevated restaurant and bar overlooking the water. Kayaks and paddleboards are available to guests. The beach is uncrowded and known for its calm waters and offshore snorkeling. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; sunset; swimming; walking.

The Fish Fry is the name given to a jumble of beachside restaurants about two miles north of George Town. They're favored by locals for made-to-order fish and barbecue. Some shacks are open on weekends only, but most are open nightly until at least 11 pm. Music blares on a nightly basis, but on Sunday night, locals crowd the shacks for karaoke. Eat at picnic tables by the water and watch the fishing boats come into the harbor. This is a popular after-work meeting place on Friday night, and a sports bar attracts locals and expats for American basketball and football games.

This is one of The Exumas' most stunning beaches, favored among those looking for somewhere quiet to relax and soak up the sun, or a secluded beach to snorkel. The small beach is a cove with plenty of marine life — a variety of fish and conch are among what you'll find near the reef, making it a great place to fish as well. There's a small pavilion where you can eat and a tire swing. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; swimming; walking.

Shaped like the bow of a ship and perched near the top of the Queen's Staircase, Fort Fincastle—named for Royal Governor Lord Dunmore (Viscount Fincastle)—was completed in 1793 to be a lookout post for marauders trying to sneak into the harbor. It served as a lighthouse in the early 19th century. A 15- to 20-minute tour that brings this historic site to life costs just a few dollars and includes the nearby Queen's Staircase. The fort's 126-foot-tall water tower is more than 200 feet above sea level (and the island's highest point). Unfortunately the tower remains closed pending restoration.

The oldest of the island's three forts, Fort Montagu was built of local limestone in 1741 to repel Spanish invaders. The only action it saw was when it was occupied for two weeks by rebel American troops—among them a lieutenant named John Paul Jones—seeking arms and ammunition during the Revolutionary War. The small fortification is quite simple but displays a lovely elevated view of Nassau Harbour. The second level has a number of weathered cannons. A public beach looks out upon Montagu Bay, where many international yacht regattas and Bahamian sloop races are held.

Famous explorer Juan Ponce de León heard about a Fountain of Youth possibly located in Bimini, so in 1513, on his way to discovering Florida and the Gulf Stream, he landed on Bimini but never found the fountain. The historical result? Somehow Biminites adopted a freshwater natural well that was carved out of limestone by groundwater thousands of years ago and used it to commemorate Ponce de León’s search. Now there’s a plaque to celebrate the myth. So, nonetheless, go there and make a wish (without casting a penny—this is an eco-island). You'll find the Fountain of Youth on the road to the airport.

This stretch of pink sand is home to French Leave Resort. The gorgeous Atlantic-side beach is anchored by fantastic bistros like The Buccaneer Club and Tippy's. The wide expanse, ringed by casuarina trees, is often deserted and makes a great outpost for romantics. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.

Fresh Creek is an estuary, a hamlet, and a harbor, forming the north side of Andros Town and the south side of the Fresh Creek settlement, both joined by a small bridge. The north Fresh Creek side is more built up, with a few docks, stores, churches, motels, and restaurants, including Hank’s Place, a local hot spot. On the south Andros Town side, the ferry and mail boats off-load at the dock next to the closed Andros Lighthouse Beach Club & Marina. You can still walk around the resort's point to get close to the lighthouse, with its small beach and shipwreck. The Andros Tourist Office and some shops are a short walk away. The creek itself cuts over 16 miles into the island, creating tranquil bonefishing flats and welcoming mangrove-lined bays that boaters and sea kayakers can explore. Upstream, there's even a remote Sunset Point houseboat, where you can stay surrounded by the flowing water and scintillating views.

This remarkable beach on the southeast coast of the island, south of Clarence Town, is relatively unknown and visited mostly by the locals. Swim and sun at the first beach, or walk a short distance south to an even more wonderful and secluded stretch of sand. Here, canals carved into the limestone hills by the now-defunct Diamond Salt Mine are filled with the palest blue ocean water and are home to small marine life. It's a wonderful area to kayak, snorkel and swim, and collect sea glass. A bit farther south, a narrow bridge leads to beyond-stunning lagoons and ocean flats. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; swimming; walking.

Snorkelers and divers will want to spend time at this beach, three miles north of Gregory Town. You'll most likely have the long stretch of white sand and shallow aqua water all to yourself, and it's great for shelling. At low tide, you can walk or swim to Gaulding's Cay, a tiny rock island with a few casuarina trees. There's great snorkeling around the island; you'll see a concentration of sea anemones so spectacular it dazzled even Jacques Cousteau's biologists. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; sunset.

One of the tiniest museums in the world is located under the communications tower in Cherokee Sound in a small building that used to house the community telegraph office. Most locals know it as the "Shell Museum" because inside you'll find a collection of more than 200 shells identified by both their Latin and common names. Many of these shells are ones you may find yourself (if you're lucky) as you walk the island's beaches.

The official residence of The Bahamas governor-general, the personal representative of England's monarch since 1801, this imposing pink-and-white building on Duke Street is an excellent example of the mingling of Bahamian-British and American colonial architecture. Its graceful columns and broad circular drive recall the styles of Virginia or the Carolinas. But its conch-shell-pink color, distinctive white quoins (cross-laid cornerstones), and louvered wooden shutters (to keep out the tropical sun) are typically Bahamian. The mansion was once home to the former King Edward, who became the Duke of Windsor and Governor of The Bahamas from 1940 to 1945 after he abdicated the throne to marry twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson. Government House recently underwent a restoration project said to cost in excess of $17 million. The storied Christopher Columbus statue that once graced the steps leading to the entrance has been removed, though the base bearing his name remains.

Columbus describes Graham's Harbour in his diaries as large enough "to hold all the ships of Christendom." A former U.S. Navy base near the harbor houses the Gerace Research Centre, previously known as the Bahamian Field Station. The GRC is a center for academic research in archaeology, biology, geology, and marine sciences, backed by the University of The Bahamas and affiliated with many U.S. universities. It provides accommodations, meals, and air transportation arrangements for students and researchers from all over the world who come to study in this unique environment. Tourists should call ahead to make arrangements to learn about the research taking place.