An Adventure Traveller's Guide to The Bahamas
The Bahamas is an archipelago, a group of over 700 Islands and Cays (smaller islands). Within this archipelago are a wide variety of natural wonders that are perfect for an adventure traveller visiting the country. These activities range from exploring underwater sea caves, Blue Hole Diving, Coral Reef expeditions and interacting with native marine wildlife.
Marsh Harbour, Abaco, in The Bahamas is one of the most diverse underwater caves in the world. It consists of a number of different caves, which over the years have become submerged and filled with a number of animals such as sponges, lobsters, crabs and shrimp. Abaco is also known for its large number of blues holes. For those unfamiliar with the term, a blue hole is a large marine sinkhole that can be up to hundreds of feet deep and contain a large amount of wildlife. Underwater sea caves and blue holes are one of the most popular options for adventure travellers seeking a thrill and wanting to learn more about the island and the creatures that inhabit its waters. Some common animals you will find in blue holes are crabs, shrimps, sea worms, nurse sharks and sea turtles. The Bahamas underground provides training and guided diving services.
The Andros Barrier reef, measuring at about 190 miles long, is the third largest coral reef and animal in the world. It stretches parallel to the eastern coast of Andros and can be as shallow as eight feet on the inland side and drops down to as far as 6,000 feet into an ocean trench, known as the Tongue of the Ocean. This great spot will give you a chance to see one of the greatest coral reefs on the planet, which is also home to a wide variety of ocean animals. The animals that can be found here are different from blue holes, in that they are larger, open ocean animals such as Blue Marlins, Manta Rays, Tunas, Sailfish, Sharks and more.
For those that want a very intimate experience with some of wildlife, Dolphin Encounters is a great place to visit. The experience begins with a 20-minute boat cruise that takes you past historic Bahamian landmarks and the luxurious homes of Paradise Island and finally to Blue Lagoon Island where you can swim with Dolphins.