While many countries around the world boast of gorgeous beaches with all the trimmings, islands tend to have that special je ne sais quoi. The islands of the Bahamas call to romantics, sun worshippers and water sport enthusiasts alike.
Paradise Island is where the action is, out on a pristine beach stretching for three miles—Cabbage Beach. The areas near the huge, uber popular resorts are often teaming with life or covered with party animals catching up on their rest after a wild night of partying. On the northwestern side, Paradise Beach, which can only be accessed by boat or on foot, is far more isolated. The beach is lined with swaying palm trees, casuarinas and sea grapes, as well as charming thatched huts. This is also a good place for celebrity spotting; however, this sometimes impedes access for the general public unless you, too, are a guest of the Atlantis Resort.
Cable Beach, out on New Providence Island, is also a vibrant, lively beach in close proximity to shops, casinos, restaurants and bars. Beachcombers can opt to participate in water sports off the shore of this four mile stretch. Grand Bahama Island offers up to 60 miles of sand and surf for the intrepid beach explorer. Here, Xanadu Beach is very popular for its proximity to resort hotels that often provide a shuttle service to the beach.
For those who would prefer to get away from the crowds and enjoy a quiet ocean view sunset with their sweethearts or picnic in privacy with their families, Tahiti Beach provides the perfect backdrop. Located at the end of Elbow Cay Island, the isolated beach can only be reached on foot, by chartered boat, or by riding a rented bike through sand and gravel pathways.
Saddle Cay in the Exumas can only be reached by boat. It is completely untouched by modern amenities and features many interesting cays and islets.
For a break away from the endless stretches of white sand, take a trek down the Pink Sands Beach on the east side of Harbour Island. The three mile long beach is dotted by small hotels and private villas and has a lovely coral reef, making the waters very safe for swimming.
Snorkellers and divers should head out to Stocking Island in the Exumas. Located near George Town, it offers a fair amount of privacy and has a number of 'blue holes', coral gardens and undersea caves that can be explored.
Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Bahamas vacation accommodation and vacation rentals.
