With nearly 700 islands in the Bahamas it is easy to wonder where to sail to. There are just so many choices from inhabited islands to remote and wild islands. After sailing around the Bahamas for three seasons we have explored many of them, although we still have so many to cruise to. All unique in their own way, Long Island, Conception Island and San Salvador Island did get a special space in our hearts. We want to share with you a few of their highlights.

Dean’s Blue Hole

 This is the world’s second deepest blue hole at 202 metres deep. Even if you have no interest in diving it still is a beautiful spot well worth the visit. It is North of Clarence Town in a stunning bay which also has a perfect beach to take a stroll on. Make sure to hike around the little path which leads above it. This will give you a great view of this nature’s wonder and so many different shades of blue. There is a platform in the middle of it with a line where you can challenge yourself and see how deep you can reach in a single breath. Every year the Vertical Freediving Competition is held here. We also had the opportunity to scuba dive in the blue hole which was a very humbling experience.

Diving San Salvador

 There are numerous coral reefs throughout the Bahamas but San Salvador offers the best in my opinion. A Sandy seabed for anchoring meets a dropoff into thousands of feet. With many different types of corals to man-made structures you won’t be bored if you enjoy time in the water. The visibility is out of this world. We could see nearly 150 feet deep after the weather settled down. Plus the diving/snorkelling can be enjoyed all around the island depending on the wind direction.

Columbus Monument / Lucayan Memorial

 Not only is it historical but the landscape is jaw dropping. Christopher Columbus came to shore on October 16th, 1492 right here. The monument is also dedicated to the Lucayans who lived on the island and traded with Columbus. Rising above tall white cliffs, the view from the Northern tip of Long Island is unbelievable. No wonder he called it the most beautiful island. There are so many shades of blue surrounding the monument. Keep in mind that there are quite a few stairs to climb up which are well worth it.

Dixon Hill Lighthouse 

 From 163 feet above sea level you can see the whole San Salvador Island, its many harbours and inland lakes. Built in 1887 it is one of the few manually operated lighthouses in the world. The best part is that you can actually climb all the way up and even in its massive light which can be seen from 19 miles away. You might even see the osprey which lives right next to it. 

Hamilton’s Cave

This is the largest cave system in the Bahamas and it did not disappoint. Since it lies on private land south of Salt Pond on Long Island we had to go in with one of the owners. Leonard shared his knowledge about its history and geological features. Many artefacts were found from the Lucayan Indians who might have lived here in 500 A.D. Most of the chambers are wide with some as dark as can be and others showcasing roots sweeping in from the ceiling with sunlight piercing through. Since we wanted a bit more of an adventure we even convinced Leonard to go in deeper and squeezed in through tighter sections. The cave is connected through the ocean as we could see water which fluctuates in height with the tides. Hamilton’s cave is also home to five species of bats which we manage to see.

Conception Island

 It has it all. Great snorkelling in shallow water, incredible diving with columns of corals and if you spend some time looking you may even find some of the 400 year old cannons. Its white and even pink sandy beaches offer the perfect place to take a stroll. From the Northwest anchorage you can cross from one side of the island to the other in seconds. If you’d rather go on a dinghy adventure through mangroves head to the south part of Conception at high tide. One could easily spend a long time on this idyllic Island.

Make sure to check these islands which have so much more to offer than what we mentioned. San Salvador Island sees very few cruisers as it lies far to the South East but it is well worth the detour. Long Island has some incredible sights which shouldn’t be missed. And Conception Island feels like the perfect relaxing getaway.

Anne Alexandra Fortin

Cory and Alex share their adventure with weekly videos on their YouTube channel “Wildly Intrepid Sailing” and share stories on their website www.wildlyintrepid.com . Their dream is to travel the world and to live without any regrets.