The Islands of the Bahamas

The Bahamas, Bahamas (cc)

The Islands of the Bahamas: A Snapshot

Acklins and Crooked Islands

Population: 412
Area: 92 square miles
These southern islands are divided by a narrow passage. They are little explored, with small villages, remote beaches and good bonefishing.

Andros Islands

Population: 8,180
Area: 2,300 square miles
These islands are known for their gamefishing. Andros is the largest Bahamian island and is often called the “Bonefishing Capital of the World.” The island is also located on the fringe of the third-largest barrier reef in the world, making it a popular destination for scuba divers.

The Berry Islands

Population: 700
Area: 12 square miles
The small Berries are popular with yachties, anglers, and divers.

Bimini Islands

Population: 1,600
Area: 9 square miles
Best known as just Bimini, these islands are tops with sportsfishermen and are known as the “Big Game Fishing Capital of the Globe.” Once the roost of writer Ernest Hemingway, they are still a favorite with sportsmen.

Cat Island

Population: 1,698
Area: 150 square miles
This 50-mile-long island is one of the prettiest in the Bahamas, thanks to its pink sand beaches and rolling hills (including the highest point in the Bahamas).

Eleuthera/Harbour Island

Population: 10,600
Area: 200 square miles
Skinny Eleuthera is under three miles wide but packs in a lot of activity. The island is especially known for its pineapples. Harbour Island, a short ferry ride away, is known for its New England architecture and pink sand beaches. Eleuthera is a favorite with yachties and snorkelers, who find good snorkeling just offshore.

The Exumas

Population: 4,000
Area: 112 square miles
This chain consists of 365 cays and islands, making it a popular boating destination.

Grand Bahama Island

Population: 50,000
Area: 530 square miles
The second most visited island in the Bahamas, this island is home to Freeport, the country’s second-largest city. Snorkelers, scuba divers, golfers, shoppers and more find plenty of diversions here.

Inagua

Population: 985
Area: 645 square miles
This island in the far south has a protected flamingo sanctuary and a desert-like climate.

Long Island

Population: 254
Area: 173 square miles
At 75 miles long, Long Island is known for its beautiful beaches.

New Providence Island

Population: 171,542
Area: 80 square miles
Home of Nassau and Paradise Island, this is bullseye for the Bahamian tourism industry. Around-the-clock action in the form of casinos and live shows fill evenings, while daytime fun can include everything from golf to scuba diving to duty-free shopping.

San Salvador and Rum Cay

Population: 465
Area: 63 square miles
The island where Christopher Columbus first landed in the Bahamas is still remote and quiet, with most residents engaged in farming or fishing.