Theres a reason they say, Its better in the Bahamas. Take a dip in those gorgeous aqua waters and youll know why. When the Bahamas are ready for U.S. visitors, you can find all safety and protocol information in detail on Bahamas.com.

Maybe youve been to Nassau/Paradise Island, but theres so much more to the Bahamas. Venture further afield this time. Here are some other spectacular spots for a Bahamian escape.

The Exumas

The Exumas are an archipelago of 365 cays and islands. They say good things come in threes. In this case, its Great Exuma, Little Exuma and The Exuma Cays. Each is its own world. If youre looking for A-listers, youre likely to find them in the Cays, when theyre not cocooning in their lavish homes and condos. Great Exuma and Little Exuma are chill spots. One wow factor is the Mile-long Sandbar, a stretch of white sand that emerges from the blue-green water at low tide. Then there are the pigs. Pig Island at Big Major Cay, a little uninhabited island close to Staniel Cay, is home to the cutest swimming pigs. Theres more to the story, the Thunderball Grotto, underwater caves, and on Compass and Sampson cays, unspoiled beaches, cliffs and lagoons. Expect a color explosion in reefs and waters at the Exumas Cays Land and Sea Park and Warderick Wells Marine Sanctuary.

Andros

Andros is likely to be the next hot thing in the Bahamas. This is the largest island in the Bahamas but also the least inhabited. Its home to the worlds third largest barrier reef and numerous blue hole ocean caves. Andros may be a secret to many people, but not to bone fishers who call it the bone fishing capital of the world. Andros is ideal for snorkeling, diving, sailing and any kind of boating. Andros is where youll find the oldest dive shop on the planet. The recently opened ultra-fab Caerula Mar is an ideal option for your home away from home.

Long Island

Youve probably heard stories about Deans Blue Hole, the second deepest blue hole in the world, 80 x 120 feet wide on the surface and 330 feet wide and 60 feet down. Long Island is where youll find this natural wonder. The Tropic of Cancer runs directly through the island, giving it two distinct coastlines, one with cliffs and caves and vigorous Atlantic waves and the other, a sandy edged lee side which slopes calmly into the Bahamas Bank. Long Island is also home to the ruins of St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, the oldest church in The Bahamas.

San Salvador

If youre not a diver, you might not be gung-ho about going to San Salvador. But if you are, youre in heaven with more than 50 dive sites. Youll find reefs, ruins, shipwrecks, and walls. Devils Claw and Vickys Reef are home to stingrays and sharks; French Bay has unique Elkhorn and staghorn coral. The water wonderment doesnt stop there. The Great Lake Preserve in the middle of San Salvador is a protected area stretching the entire length of the island. Its 10 miles long and two miles wide. Its ideal for bird watching.

Acklins & Crooked Islands

Talk about remote. This is off the beaten path for sure. Acklins is one of the least known and most preserved islands in The Bahamas. If youre in the mood for privacy this is the spot. Think very secluded beaches. Where this area shines though is bone fishing. For a step back in the past, Crooked Islands French Wells and Gun Point settlements recall the days of plantations.

Cat Island

If youre looking for wild revelry this is not the island for you. Cat Island is the most secluded in the Bahamas. Only about 1,700 people live there. Dont expect an array of restaurants, bars and uber luxe resorts. This is a place to go to collect your thoughts and settle yourself. Maybe you start to write that novel. You might want to go next June for the Annual Rake & Scrape Festival when the Bahamas indigenous music is celebrated.

See the article here:

For future travel plans: it's really better in the Bahamas - Amsterdam News