The Outer Islands
The Out Islands of The Bahamas are also known as the “Family Islands”. Unbelievably, 84% of The Bahamas landmass makes up the Out Islands where you will find the untouched tranquil beauty of The Bahamas. The Out Islands is where you will find vacant islands and cays boasting secluded beaches, natural historic attractions and simple wildlife. It’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of a big city!
The islands that are considered The Out Islands are:-
- Acklins & Crooked Island
- The Berry Islands
- Cat Island
- Inagua
- Mayaguana
- Ragged Island
- Rum Cay
- San Salvador
Acklins & Crooked Island – with only about 600 people, here you will find a simple and peaceful lifestyle with miles of white sandy beaches, caves and friendly people. Great fishing, snorkeling and diving on Acklins & Crooked Island!
The Berry Islands – made up of 30 cays but majority of them are uninhabited. Great Stirrup Cay, Little Stirrup Cay, Chub Cay and Great Harbour Cay are the most popular cays of the Berry Islands. On Great Stirrup Cay you will find an abandoned lighthouse built in 1863 during the reign of Prince William IV. Great Stirrup Cay is now the private island of Norwegian Cruise Lines. Little Stirrup Cay, known today as Coco Cay, is a private island owned by Royal Caribbean and used by their cruise ships as a one day stopover. Chub Cay is known as the Bill-fish capital of The Bahamas due to its proximity to the Tongue of the Ocean, it offers great fishing experiences. Great Harbour Cay showcases seven continuous miles of outstanding beaches and has one of the best protected harbours in The Bahamas. The Berry Islands attract the wealthy class, there are more millionaires per square inch in the The Berry Islands than most places on Earth.
Cat Island – untouched beauty and pink sand beach are the common features of Cat Island. Cat Island has a bountiful history and rich culture. Cat Island is the hometown of the Academy Award winning actor, Sir Sidney Poitier, it’s the birthplace of the The Bahamian music, rake n’ scrape and has the highest elevation throughout the Bahamas at 206 ft.
Inagua – made up of two islands, Great Inagua & Little Inagua but well-known for its Eco-tourism and birding. Great Inagua is the third largest island in the Bahamas measuring 20 miles long and 55.19 miles wide and home to the Inagua National Park covering 45% of the island. The park is home to over 80,000 flamingos, the national bird of the Bahamas and over 140 species of native and migratory birds making Inagua the Bird-watching capital of The Bahamas. Little Inagua is a protected habitat for endangered sea turtles. Also on Inagua, you will find one of the three remaining kerosene-burning hand-cranked lighthouses in The Bahamas.
Mayaguana – the most undeveloped island compared to the other developed islands in The Bahamas. It is the only Bahamian island that still uses its original Arawak Name. Mayaguana is a very close knit community, with a population of just 300 residents spread out in three main settlements – Abraham’s Bay, Pirate’s Well and Betsy Bay.
Ragged Island – unlike its name states, it’s a tranquil island that is a haven for fishermen. It only has a population of 72 people. Ragged Island is part of the Jumento Cays, stretched over 110 miles, it is made up of Great and Little Ragged Island, Raccoon Cay, Hog Cay, Nurse Cay, Flamingo Cay, Double Breasted Cay and a few others.
Rum Cay – known as “Sleeping Beauty” because its not that well known. Located in the Southern region, its known for its ruins, vivid marine life and white sandy beaches. Rum Cay has five settlements but only one, Port Nelson, is inhabited. Rum Cay was Christopher Columbus’ 2nd stop and home to Sir Milo Butler, the Bahamas’ first Governor General.
San Salvador – An island rich in history, home to many monuments, ruins and shipwrecks. This is the island where Christopher Columbus reportedly made his first landfall at Long Bay in 1942. There are 5 monuments celebrating his arrival including one underwater where it is believed to be the spot where the Pinta dropped anchor. San Salvador is well known for its diving, boasting over 50 dive sites showing ruins and shipwrecks. Ideal place for diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating.
