Many families who have traveled to The Islands Of The Bahamas – whether it be via cruise or island resort getaway - are familiar with the beauty of more populated destinations like Nassau Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. For a change of pace and a more off-the-beaten-path family adventure, you may want to consider The Out Islands. Visitors to destinations such as The Exumas, The Abacos, Andros, Eleuthera and Harbour Island will still find that stunning scenery of Nassau and Grand Bahama, as well as family fun on land or in the water and authentic experiences that are sure to make the vacation one to remember.
Whether you have a crew of animal fanatics, snorkel lovers, fishermen or beach bums, the less-trafficked Out Islands provide a convenient, more intimate escape. The Bahamas even have a dedicated Chief Family Officer, Ava Thompson, who is available to help you plan a fantastic group adventure that pleases the whole family.
Animal Adventures
Big Major Cay in The Exumas is home to large, swimming pigs that have been charming children for ages. Sandy Cay, on Long Island, features photogenic iguanas, while Andros is known for its wild birds and interesting forest creatures. What kid doesn’t want to see happy swimming pigs and exotic, gentle lizards?
Snorkeling and Diving
Of course, you can snorkel off of any of the Out Islands, but in The Abacos, local Lincoln Jones leads daylong snorkel trips to the reefs, complete with a beachy picnic of conch and Bahamian lobster. Eleuthera and Harbour Island also have extensive opportunities for snorkeling, surfing, and diving, including Pink Sands Beach, the Devil’s Backbone, and Valentine’s Dive Center. Lovely Andros is also known for its snorkeling and diving, particularly in the Blue Holes of Andros, which, as the name implies, give the impression of being two large blue holes of the ocean floor.
Famous Film Sights
Movie buffs will want to check out Long Island’s Sandy Cay, where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed, to try out their best Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley impressions. Parents might enjoy the boat tour of Thunderball Grotto on The Exumas, where James Bond set sail in 1965. Wherever you are, you’ll want to have your own cameras ready for that perfect family snapshot.
Beach Bums
Eleuthera and Harbour Island are the main spots for families who want the traditional beach bum experience, albeit less hectic than your average Floridian spring break town. Residents truck around in golf carts, and there are more cute little shops and restaurants here than on some of the smaller islands. Long Island also features the six family-friendly “Love Beaches,” and Nipper’s Bar on Great Guana Cay in The Abacos throws a Sunday night party where visitors can make new friends and try local specialties.
Where and When to Go
There’s not really a bad time of year to visit The Out Islands of The Bahamas. In these destinations, you won’t find the collegiate craziness of Spring Break, so it will be easier to relax with your toddler or tween during school vacation periods. The laid-back island vibe lasts all year around and so does the good weather – even in January and February temperatures average in the high 70’s – but, if you still can’t decide which of these smaller treasured islands is the right spot for your family trip, The Bahamas offers numerous resources to assist you in making the choice. You can reach the Chief Family Officer on Facebook and will also find tips and news updates by following @VisitTheBahamas on Twitter and YouTube. For more information, or to book a trip, visit www.bahamas.com or call 1-800-Bahamas.
This is a "sponsored post," meaning the company who sponsored the article compensated me for writing the article. The opinions I have expressed, however, are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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