Blue Holes National Park (North & Central Andros)
The Blue Holes are deep vertical wells formed by karst limestone subsidence. They fill with rain and seawater, forming unique ecosystems and are more abundant on Andros than anywhere else. This 40,000-acre national park contains vast tracts of Caribbean pine and coppice forest, pitted with these phenomena. Trails and info boards introduce you to the flora, fauna and geology, while picnic benches encourage lingering. The access road for the park heads west off the Queen's Highway from the settlement of Love Hill.
Pirates of Nassau
This museum provides a brilliant mix of entertainment and history for kids and parents alike, from its scale replica of the pirate ship Revenge and animatronic pirates, to accessible exhibits on everything from marooning to pirate Hall-of-Famers. There’s a great gift shop, Plunder, next door.
Green Turtle Cay
The northernmost of the Loyalist Cays, Green Turtle takes a little more effort to get to, but is well worth it. It’s rich with Loyalist history, harbours dense emerald mangroves and is surrounded by exceptional diving and sailing opportunities. It's also a delightfully friendly place where slipping into conversation with the locals is the most natural thing in the world. New Plymouth, the only town, is easily explored on foot, but golf carts can be hired from several operators near the docks. Note that many shops and businesses close for lunch.
Attractions on Green Turtle Cay
Albert Lowe Museum
Every small town needs a musty, knick-knack-filled repository, and this 1825 house has served this purpose admirably since 1976, when local Alton Lowe opened it as a museum in honour of his father. Once home to British prime minister Neville Chamberlain, and numbering Richard Nixon among its visitors, the museum now boasts a fine collection of locally crafted model ships (Mr Lowe was himself a model-ship builder), Lucayan artifacts and black-and-white photographs highlighting the cay’s history.
Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar
From the walls layered with business cards, photographs and personal messages to the devoted customers who've been coming since it opened in the ’60s, it’s clear that this bar is truly loved. A portrait of the original owner, Miss Emily, perches high above the front counter, watching over the happy hordes enjoying her signature drink. The goombay smash was created for a thirsty customer decades ago. The potent concoction is unceremoniously poured straight from a plastic gallon jug into your cup. However, Violet, Miss Emily's daughter and the current patron, keeps the exact ingredients secret.
McIntosh Restaurant & Bakery
Step inside this humble New Plymouth cafe and you’re transported back to 1955. Plastic-covered tables, carpeted floors and delectable Bahamian dishes such as coconut-crusted lobster and fried plantain give it that authentic 50’s air. Save a bit of room for the excellent Key lime pie and other homemade cakes and desserts.
Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden
Arranged in the form of the Union Jack, this collection of busts of prominent Loyalists provides a touching insight into their enduring culture and their dogged attachment to the 'mother country'.
No Name Cay
Just off Green Turtle's southern tip is this gorgeous, uninhabited cay, a dedicated nature reserve and home to swimming pigs and curious stingrays. It's a great spot for a day trip with a picnic and snorkel gear, but you'll need to charter a boat or join a tour from Treasure Cay to get there.
Title Image Credit: Susan Young (Image Cropped)