The sun. The surf. The sand. Don’t forget the unique music, delicious food, and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. There’s so much the Bahamas has to offer that it’s easy to see why it’s one of the biggest vacation destinations in the world. There’s so much to see and do that it’s easy to get stuck in the tourist trap of seeing only the “focal points” and skipping on the rest. If you’re interested in stepping off the beaten path, you can’t skip these unique things to do during your vacation in the Bahamas.
Visit Pig Beach
Whether on a Bahamas cruise from Miami or flying in and planning to stay for a couple of weeks, you absolutely have to visit Pig Beach. One of the most unique and unforgettable attractions in the area, it’s aptly named for the pigs that freely roam the beach and spend time swimming in the ocean. Most of the time, people would be cautioned against spending time among wild pigs but these ones quite enjoy the company of tourists and locals alike. This is especially true if you bring them offerings of fruits and vegetables and then take a dip with them. Nobody knows how the pigs got to the Bahamas since they aren’t native to the area, but popular belief is that they swam in after a shipwreck.
Take a Peek at Ocean Atlas
Artist Jason deCaires Taylor created the world’s largest underwater sculpture and he left it off the coast of Nassau in 2014. Ocean Atlas isn’t quite as out there as it seems, though. It actually has a purpose. The art installation provides a space for coral colonization that allows tourists to see one up close without bothering the endangered ones nearby. Created with pH-neutral materials, the sculpture is about five meters under the surface and is only a bit creepy to look at up close.
Take a Leap of Faith
If you’re an adventurous person who loves the water, you won’t believe your luck in the Bahamas. Visit Atlantis Aquaventure. The 141-acre waterpark features a water slide that drops you nearly vertical before you make your way into the water. There’s no doubt your adrenaline will be pumping after this waterslide ride, which is aptly named the Leap of Faith.
Head To Great Isaac Cay
Great Isaac Cay is a popular destination for people who love the macabre. The Great Isaac Lighthouse, which stands 152 feet tall, is home to many legends that leave people scratching their heads. The lighthouse was originally build to keep ships from getting lost in the Bermuda Triangle. In 1969, though, the keepers of the lighthouse were reported missing and they’ve never been found. Book a private yacht charter to visit the spot yourself, learn about some of the theories surrounding the mystery and maybe come up with some ideas of your own.
Learn About the Local Plants
If your home is filled to the brim with plants that you call your babies, you won’t be able to skip the Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve in Eleuthera. The 25-acre national park and reserve is home to a wide variety of native plants that range from various cactuses and palm trees to orchids. The winding trails even take you through the Mangrove Boardwalk, which allows you to see what would otherwise be an inaccessible mangrove forest. The well-maintained preserve provide information signs throughout to help you learn as much as possible.
Spend Time at Dean’s Blue Hole
Located in a bay west of Clarence Town, Dean’s Blue Hole plunges to a depth of more than 660 feet and is known as one of the deepest blue holes in the world. The water in the hole is very clear and allows visitors to see a deapth of about 115 feet on good days. If you’re fascinated by underwater sinkholes or if you just want to see an awe-inspiring water feature, you can’t skip this one.
Whether you love the macabre or are interested in unique art, there are hundreds of things to do when you step off the beaten path in the Bahamas. The hardest part is deciding which places to visit each day.
