The Bahamas
Adventure and Tasty Treats Await In The Islands 

Published in the Summer 2013 Issue of Canadian World Traveller

The Islands Of The Bahamas is one of the most versatile destinations in the Caribbean with 700 islands, rocks and cays to explore. Located just over 80 kilometres off the coast of Florida, the archipelago sprawls across 259 square kilometres of pristine, turquoise water. Each of the islands boasts a new experience, the adventurous traveler’s dream, but exploring them all is an impossible feat for vacationers who only have a week or two. Here are a few of our favourite not-to-be-missed spots to help you narrow down your list.

Exuma Cay Adventures 

Sail in gin-clear shallow waters as you maneuver through the Exuma Cays’ bleached white sand-lined shores; observe an occasional hammock swaying in the breeze. Swim with the nurse sharks at Compass Cay, have a cold Kalik at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, visit Thunderball Grotto or feed the swimming pigs. No matter your pace, an Exuma adventure offers something for everyone!

A Goombay Smash at Miss Emily’s, Abacos

A concoction of bright yellow pineapple juice and coconut rum juxtaposes vividly against the gumdrop blue of Miss Emily’s Blue Bee bar, a longtime favourite with locals and travelers alike. It’s rumoured the drink was created here, right on the shores of Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos. So sail in or take the ferry over and get a true taste of island life. 

Test the Tongue of the Ocean

For adrenaline seekers and dive aficionados the Tongue of the Ocean, a deep oceanic trench with a 160-kilometre long drop, located off the shores of Andros, is not to be missed. We recommend going with a pro and the folks at Small Hope Bay Lodge are on hand to take you for a day on the water. You’ll feel like a longtime friend in this family-run retreat that was founded more than 50 years ago by Canadian Dick Birch.

Touch Down in Rum Cay

If you’re a fan of stunning, virtually unexplored beaches; hidden caves and secluded coves; exceptional dive sites and the NFL, then Rum Cay is the place for you. This tiny Bahamian jewel, located 45 kilometres southwest of San Salvador, is just 15 kilometres long and 8 kilometres wide. Not only is the island famous for Marlin fishing, bonefishing and scuba diving it’s also famous for its inhabitants. So if you’ve ever wanted to toss a football around with Joe Montana or Ray Lewis chances are you just may…in Rum Cay. 

Fish Fry and all the Fixins’

A tradition across The Bahamas, a weekly fish fry is a time of gathering, celebration, music — and plenty of food. With no shortage of Bahamian goodies to go around be sure to try the fried fish, conch fritters, baked macaroni, fried plantain and some homestyle coleslaw washed down with a Sands beer. Now your stay in The Bahamas is complete. Check out Smith’s Point in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island or Arawak Cay in Nassau.