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Planning a trip to the Bahamas? The pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and Caribbean culture are more than enough to make your trip perfect, but why not add a fun water adventure with sea kayaks? Kayaking in the Bahamas is a popular way to explore the islands while having some fun in the sun, and water! With shallow waters, deep waters, caves, mangroves, sandy beaches, and all the sea life you can imagine, you won’t regret a kayaking trip through these islands. Check out the best places to kayak in the Bahamas for some inspiration.
1. Exuma Cays
Looking for the best the Bahamas has to offer? Take your raft and head out to the Exuma Cays. The islands are known for the exotic beauty and colorful coral reefs under the clear, turquoise water’s surface, and of course, luxurious beach resorts. The Exuma islands offer hidden coves and caves, coral reefs, private beaches, and more. When kayaking around this stunning part of the Bahamas, there are two main options. You can take a day trip, staying close to Great Exuma, or you can go on a full kayaking-camping trip for multiple days to explore all you can of the cays. Whichever one you choose, be sure to choose a good company to take you out into the high seas. With the right company, you can go on a guided tour or your own journey, and rent any equipment you need. Some companies will go further to supply you not only with kayak gear but with camping gear as well.
2. Shroud Cay
An isolated, magical island experience? Count us in! Shroud Cay, part of the Exuma Land and Sea Park, is a natural reserve that you can explore from the comfort of your kayak. Just a few miles south of Nassau, Shroud Cay is easily accessible, without the hustle and bustle of the capital city. If you paddle out to Shroud Cay, you’ll be in for a truly unique experience, with dozens of creeks and waterways to venture down, leading you to mangroves and hidden gems on the island. Go on a guided trip and learn about the area and the wildlife, or go and explore on your own – it’s up to you which type of trip you prefer. Shroud Cay’s mangroves and canals can be very shallow, so be sure to plan around high tide to be able to paddle on through.
3. Compass Cay
Compass Cay is technically a part of the Exuma Cays Chain, but it’s so popular and unique that it deserves its own spot on our list. The popular kayaking spot is located south of Nassau and features magical beaches, hands-on adventures with wildlife, and more. Paddle right up to the white sand beaches where even more adventure awaits. In the marina, you can swim with pet nurse sharks, then follow the paths to the various destinations on the island, including Bat Cave. The beach is fairly popular, so you won’t be hard pressed to find some fellow travelers, or a restaurant or two along the marina if you decide to stay a while.
4. Andros
The largest Island of the islands of the Bahamas is perfect for a fun kayaking trip and easy to get to from Nassau. The island is partially covered with the West Side National State Park and it’s home to dozens of cays, mangroves, canals, and isolated beaches making it a unique and peaceful experience. Kayaking companies can supply all you need and you can go off on your own, or book a trip with a qualified guide who can tell you all about the island and the local bird and marine life that you might not get to see anywhere else. Trips can be just a day or multiple days, whatever you wish.
5. Bonefish Pond National Park, Nassau
Easily accessible from anywhere in the Bahamas, plus a fun, outdoor adventure, kayaking in Bonefish Pond National Park just has to be on your Bahamas bucket list. Take a guided tour and you can spend an afternoon in the park where you can see sea stars, sea cucumbers, sharks, turtles, stingrays, and dozens of types of fish. The park is spread out across 1,000 acres, but the tour takes you through only a portion, combining aspects of Bahamian culture into it. Stick around after the kayaking for traditional cooking lessons.