Out islands: Attractions and Travel Guide

The Out Islands are home to some of the most secluded, most spectacular beaches in the world. Life here is slow and peaceful, with fishing, diving, sunbathing, and swimming the most important things on your itinerary. Little Inagua was designated a national park in 2002. This remote island is a nesting spot for certain critically endangered sea turtles, and home to the rare Bahamian heron. Mayaguana is perfect for those wanting to escape other tourists, and take time out on its empty beaches.

As well as the beautiful scenery, these islands offer opportunities to sample a little of the island life. Little Harbour on Abaco Island is the site where a shipwrecked family created a new home in 1951, at the same time setting up an artist’s studio that can be visited by guests. Acklins and Crooked Island have many ruins of Loyalist buildings, and a visit to Castle Island, to the southwest of Acklins, is also worthwhile – the lighthouse here, built in 1867, was once used as the retreat of pirates when attacking ships. In the Berry Islands, stop odd at Big Whale Cay, with its historical lighthouse, and Little Whale Cay, these days a private resort. A number of marinas are scattered throughout these cays. Clarence Town, on Long Island, is a beautiful little harbour town, with a dock, bar and restaurant, and numerous bays and beaches nearby. On San Salvador, the New World Museum at Cockburn Town contains an exhibition detailing the life of Christopher Columbus, along with numerous important historical artefacts. The Pigeon Creek Site is an archaeological excavation revealing villages of San Salvador’s original inhabitants, the Lucayan Indians.