Bahamas Weekend Getaways

On every island in the Bahamian chain there’s something for adventure-seekers, but why not go where no one else is—and have the waters, mountainsides and swimming holes all to yourself? Cat Island calls.

Dry Heads Reef: Go snorkeling in some of the shallowest waters in the Bahamas, reached through Fernandez Bay.

Mount Alvernia: Climb the highest point in the Bahamas and check out Hermitage, a former religious retreat.

Mermaid Hole: The blue holes of Cat Island—natural limestone pools and tunnels where the ocean flows in and out—are great to explore. Mermaid hole is rumored to be home to a fantastical longhaired she-fish.

Fernandez Bay Village: Featuring cozy cottages or private villas, Fernandez Bay also offers kayaks to guests for exploring the shallow waters around the island, as well as paddle-boarding tours, and hiking itineraries. 7744 Peters Rd. (242) 342-3043; fernandezbayvillage.com; doubles from $250.

Eleuthera Island is practically synonymous with honeymoons, with its white sand beach and 80-degree water. It’s the ideal place to de-camp for a romantic getaway.

Glass Window Bridge: From this natural “bridge” north of Gregory Town—the narrowest point on this narrow island—you can see the Atlantic on one side, and Exuma Bay on the other.

Lighthouse Beach: This stretch of sand in South Eleuthera, near Cape Eleuthera, is known for pink sands and its eponymous lighthouse.

Beachhouse Tapas: At Governor’s Harbor, this open-air Spanish tapas restaurant flaunts its views of pink sand and blue blue sea. Banks Road; (242) 332-3387.

Oceanview Farm: Horseback riding tours of the island depart twice daily; $100 per person. oceanview242.com.

The Cove, Eleuthera: Take your pick of private villas or sumptuous rooms at this island resort 50 miles east of Nassau, which features bicycles, free wi-fi, iPod checkouts, and kayaks. Gregory Town; 93-23-335-5143; thecoveeleuthera.com; doubles from $319.

A plethora of all-inclusive resorts make the Bahamas typical family fare, but there’s plenty for parents and kids to do off campus here.

Dolphin Experience: On Blue Lagoon Island, across the bay from Nassau, even the most timid of swimmers can play with the dolphins. dolphinencounters.com.

Yoga Babies: Across the bay from Nassau, Sivanada Ashram offers yoga retreats with programs oriented specifically to young yogis. sivanandabahamas.org.

UNEXO: Underwater Explorers Society, in the Port Lucaya Marina, offers dolphin swimming and scuba exploration for all ages. unexo.com.

One & Only Ocean Club: Not just for honeymooners, this family-friendly all-inclusive has a kids-only pool and a Jean-Georges restaurant with children’s menu. Casino Drive, Paradise Island, Nassau; (242) 363-2501; oneandonlyresorts.com; doubles from $600.

Islands are never cheap, importing, as they do, much of their produce and dry goods. But Long Island, Bahamas, especially off the beaten path, offers some wallet-friendly options.

Max’s Conch Bar & Grill: This thatched roof haunt has some of the best (and cheapest) conch fritters in the islands. Queens Highway, Deadman’s Cay.

Dean’s Blue Hole: You’ll find the deepest “blue hole” (a 663-foot-deep sinkhole), which also doubles as an amazing natural swimming pool, just west of Clarence Town. It’s a major draw for snorkelers and scuba divers alike.

Long Island Museum: Mapping Long Island from pre-Columbian era to the present, this institution shines the spotlight on local music, indigenous peoples, and shipwrecks. ammcbahamas.com.

Conception Island: Weather permitting, charter a boat from the water sports office Stella Maris Water Sports at Stella Maris Marina (Ocean Drive; (242) 338-2055; stellamarisresort.com) to sail 1.5 hours north of Long Island out to this beautiful deserted isle known for its birds, exceptional snorkeling, and isolation.

Gems at Paradise Bay: All of the rooms at this beachfront property have balconies overlooking the bay. Clarencetown; (242) 337-3016; gemsatparadise.com; doubles from $50 (two night minimum).

This paradise city—the capital of the Bahamas—has a rich culture scene, and lots of great places to eat and drink.

John Watlings Rum Distillery: Try a tasting or tour at this two-acre garden-filled estate named for a pirate. 17 Delancey St.; johnwatlings.com.

Graycliff: Known as both a posh hotel and restaurant, but this grand dame also has an on-site chocolatier with tours (and samples!) of the chocolate making. 8-12 W. Hill St.; graycliff.com.

Arawak Cay Fish Fry: Have a beer and do as the locals do here, have a conch fritter or a fried snapper sandwich. W. Bay Street.

Café Matisse: Italian dining for when you’ve had your fill of fried conch. (242) 356-7012; cafe-matisse.com.

MELIA Nassau Beach Resort: With its excellent beach front, three pools, and a sunny gym, this Bahamas resort is a smart choice in Nassau. 4914 W. Bay St.; (242) 327-600; melia.com; doubles from $200.