Ocean Pools - Long Island, Bahamas Out Islands

In one area ocean pools are formed by the rocky breakwaters. This helps to create a warm pool like effect for island visitors, and it gives one a feeling of being in a tropical hot tub. Like many areas in the Out Islands the sand is rather soft, to a point that it feels like you are walking on soft foam mattress. I just loved it and having the whole beach to oneself.

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John`s Comments
What a place to wade in the Ocean. This location is really for individuals that appreciate walking on a beach. There are at times places where one must traverse rocky knolls but for the person that makes a little effort the rewards are great. It is quite different to be able to wade in the Ocean, yet have a break-water within yards of the pools. While there you can view the breakers and spray within steps of yourself. Talk to your hosts at Stella Maris for maps and directions if you stay there.

John`s Recollections
These ocean pools were in concept quite similar to a pool in the backyard, but with breakers hitting a fence and spraying over you. Quite an awesome sight for many. One great feature was the warmth of the ocean`s waters and another would be the number of pools, with many of them separated by rocky peninsula`s into their own little beach area.

Long Island Drive - Bahamas Out Islands

Of the many scenic stops while driving the length of Long Island, some of the most memorable are those of the unique churches along the way. Most are painted in light island colors but the unique architecture stands out above all. Several small business locations along the way but for the most part the population is sparse.

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John`s Comments
Great scenes and churches that are very colorful and distinct. Take your time if you are driving and don't be afraid to stop at the highlights along the way. People are very friendly and co-operative. This was a day trip from the Stella Maris Lodge but worthwhile if one wants to see some of the islands other attractions. The main tourist attraction here however is the excellent fishing and diving sites that you can participate in.

John`s Recollections
Pleasurable drive, stopped several times ( lunch & beer ) and even picked up a hitch-hiker. Churches were built with architecture that is quite different and the grounds and buildings were immaculate.

Island Scenery - Eleuthra, Bahamas Out Islands

Just some great scenery on the main island of Eleuthra, where you can visit exquisite beaches, ocean hot pools or island towns. All locations were easily visited by bicycle from the Cove at Eleuthra. Hammocks await those that would like to rest up before dinner.
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John`s Comments
From Bridges that almost join the Atlantic & Carribean, to the `hot pools` the island is very picturesque. From the Cove at Eleuthra there are many scenic locations within easy biking distance. My hosts were very helpful in providing directions as is quite common in the Bahamas. There are many beaches in the area, many with no one else to disturb the peace and quiet of the occasion.

John`s Recollections
The area around the Cove at Eleuthra has quite a few locations to visit, but it does take a bit of energy on your part, such as biking or walking. You can however, sit back in a hammock at the Cove, and just think about it.

Beach`s of Abaco - Abaco, Bahamas Out Islands

Walking thru the sandy beaches in Abaco will not remind you of our harder packed sand. Here on the beach you actually leave imprints 2-3 inches deep in most areas and it becomes the standard for your island visits. For the most part, there are not the crowds one would expect back home and it feels quite peaceful and serene.
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John`s Comments
It was quite different to walk on beaches where at times you were the only one there. The sand is soft and you sink in a couple of inches quite often. For me, this was really one of the highlights of coming to the Bahamas Out Islands. For most, it will be something that you can re-live forever.

John`s Recollections
Main memories of beaches in Abaco & area were how soft they were. Walking the beaches at most times was quite different than normal as you at times sank into the soft sand. There was also quite a variety of beaches as Elbow Cay (short ferry ride) where Hopetown & White Sound had many beaches also.

Hopetown & Lighthouse - Abaco, Bahamas Out Islands

The candy striped lighthouse in Hopetown, Elbow Cay within the Abaco Islands of Bahamas is quite old, but the town is very quaint and quite easy to walk around. Beaches are close by and a drive south will bring you to Abaco Inn where more excellent beaches are available. Life here is at a much slower pace, and fast food restaurants may be coming but have as yet to appear.

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John`s Comments
Quaint and very picturesque. One of the most charming and picturesque settlements in the Bahamas. Its candy-striped lighthouse still utilizes the original brass mechamism dated in 1863 and its beam can be seen for up to 20 miles.

John`s Recollections
A great spot to walk and you are able to see or visit most of the area within a couple of hours. There are several beaches south of Town where you are able to sun and bathe with hardly a soul around.
Hopetown is quite an unique town. I stayed at the Abaco Inn south of town, biked in easily and had a wonderful time exploring the town, it`s quaint buildings and streets that were made for walking. There are also several lodging sites in town that are smaller in size.

Exuma Drive - Exuma, Bahamas Out Islands

This drive thru Exuma has many picture moments, with each area just a little different from the others. This drive which is likely less than a hundred miles took a whole day to complete with a multitude of stops along the way. In the northern portion the small islands and wharfs were followed up with a new resort and casino, all with excellent beaches. From Georgetown south it is more inland, but again beaches will always appear. A small motel along the way, with just an excellent snorkeling beach is my secret place to return to.

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John`s Comments
Like most of the Bahamas Out Islands the population is sparse so you are able to drive within a day from top to bottom and then back to where your lodging is. It is important to stop and inquire on your trip as there are many worthwhile visits. Remember this is the Bahamas "Take your time" and you will enjoy yourself.

John`s Recollections
This drive was great, from the top to the bottom and always close to the ocean. The small resort at the end of the video clip is somewhere that I really want to return to once more, however it may require two trips as I have as yet to locate an internet link.
Ah, just found, over a decade later.
Ah, again, no longer available!

Christopher Columbus Landing Site - Long Island, Bahamas Out Islands

Over half a century earlier Christopher Columbus stood on these grounds, and looked back at the Atlantic viewing the Ocean trip that he had just completed. Standing alone, with time to reflect history really brought this site out in my mind. What a wonderful location to see the new world, the white cliffs together with white sands and the awesome blue or green colors of waters could not have been more appropriate to be introduced to a visitor from across the sea.

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John`s Comments
On October 17th, 1492 Christopher Columbus walked on this site. Quite a long walk to reach the location, but worth it if you have the time. A related map below shows a road going in from Seymour's village but you really need a 4-wheeler or a bicycle as it is a 2-3 mile trip one way. I especially enjoyed viewing the white cliffs and being able to look back at the shallow inlet with its` pool of water that led to the Ocean.

John`s Recollections
This was my attempt to get as close to history as possible. Surprisingly, even though the statues and words are important, the scenery at this site was more outstanding to me.

Pink Sand Beach - Eleuthra, Bahamas Out Islands (Superb)

The pink sand beach on Harbour Island is one of the best and is consistently rated in the Worlds Top 10. Fabulous beach, with pink sands & gentle waves where one can wade into the Atlantic Ocean for hundreds of feet. This had to be the greatest beach that I have set foot on (at least from my perspective). The most beautiful color of sand, the gentleness of the slope, and the colors of waters that seemed go out for ever. Seeing others on horseback only added to the mystique.

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Here is a place where you could imagine that your dreams had been realized. Leaving footprints in the sand and having individuals infrequently riding by on horseback just  made you think you were in another world. Gentle waves brought in the Atlantic waters as if it was a giant bubble bath, and the pink sand beach with blue skies made this a postcard event. It was not until much later that I noticed the breakers some thousand yards from the shoreline, where they had approached the reefs and smoothed the waters closer to the beach to create this appearance.


John`s Comments
One of the most beautiful beaches on this planet. The pink sand and the gentle waves make this a spot that you could visit everyday. To me, this had to be the trip highlight of visiting the Bahama Out Islands, at Harbour Island, Eleuthra. It is hard to imagine a more perfect beach as it seemed to have everything: uncrowded, perfect sand, shallow waters, and miles of it. The overlooking bluffs had several lodging with beach frontage that provided guests that perfect vacation.

John`s Recollections
A beach that will not be forgotten. The pink sand is mesmorizing and you can wade so far out into the water. At times the water appeared to create a foam that is unlike what most would have seen. Walk for miles and you may see an occasional horseback rider or another couple walking by. You truly appear to be alone in paradise.

Sunrise & Sunset - Abaco, Bahamas Out Islands

Quite interesting to view the sunrise on the Atlantic, step 200 yards across a road and watch the sunset going down over Florida. Mind you there were a few hours between two memorable moments and it did require a stay at the Abaco Inn. Many hours were spent walking the fabulous beaches in the area, relaxing by the pool and wishing that life could continue like this for much longer.

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John`s Comments
Pictures were taken at the Abaco Inn where 300 yards separate the Atlantic from the Carribean. To be able to sit by the Atlantic to watch the sun rise and listen to the waves hit the rocky shores is a memorable experience, but to be able to walk across the road (maybe a while later) and view the sparkling Carribean waters with a picture perfect sunset. This is what one dreams about.

John`s Recollections
Still remember that one day, where you could get up early and watch the sunrise, have a full day at the inn & beaches, and then follow that up with a terrific sunset. All within yards of each other. Many of the beaches in the area where non-visited by others as your footprints were the only ones to be seen. This was a place for total relaxation, yet walking activities provided many pleasurable discoveries.