The term “getaway” is embodied in the Bahamas. The islands are synonymous with stunning beach scenery, and possess an atmosphere unparalleled to most exotic isles. According to the Bahamas tourism board, celebrities have flocked to the Caribbean chain of islands for years, including Johnny Depp, David Copperfield, and Nicholas Cage.
But jet setters from around the world head to places within the Bahamas like the Exumas Cays year round. Why? For more reasons than the obvious choice of white sand and water with a hue of electric blue. Travellers want to see crazy cool things, like swimming pigs, fantastical coral reefs, and lobsters the size of an average humans’ head. Obviously.
They want to taste seafood caught hours prior and savour the secluded atmosphere the Cays continues to provide. The Caribbean has something special for everyone, so now’s the time to decide whether or not the Bahamas has exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to getting away.
1. When pigs can fly, or swim
These local hogs are buoyant as ever in water, and they’re one of the many reasons island dwellers head to Exuma. Don’t be fooled by the bizarre cuteness of these swimming pigs: if they’re hungry, they can get aggressive and will spare no time paddling out to boats of tourists in Exumas Land and Sea Park, trying to grab few free snacks.
2. Some stars in the afternoon
Sea star sightings off of Starfish Beach, Great Exuma are not difficult to come by in the Bahamas. What appears to be a typical screen saver shot is reality in the Exuma Cays, and the eco-system is an integral part to the natural beauty on the island.
3. Lobster buffet
Foodies are in luck when it comes to the Bahamas, due to shellfish, seafood, and spices overflowing, all part of the vibrant cuisine that is available. Inspired by the American South and the locally available fare, it’s obvious why anyone who loves the taste of fresh and authentic dishes will fall deeply in love with catching their own food right before indulging in it.
4. Coral reef
They call it Scuba Paradise, and if you’re into exotic sea creatures, than that’s an understatement. A mirage of fantastical colours and life forms exist below the surface, and a quick swim through the coral reefs will provide visions of indigo worlds you’ll never forget. Pictured: A Queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) in the reef system, just being beautiful.
5. Deep dives
Looking to go deeper for a true adrenaline rush? Diving is something spectacular in the Bahamas, where schools of fish like the horse-eye jack (Caranx latus) pictured above are found across the 760 mile arc of islands. Friendly sharks, turtles, stingrays, octopuses, and turtles don’t even begin to put into perspective the amount of dreamy sea life species that may be around when you delve into the otherworldly waters of the Bahamas, so get ready to get wet.