Swimming in the Bahamas is so irresistible, even the pigs have a go!
The Bahamian islands rest in clear Atlantic seas, strung in an easy-going archipelago between southeast Florida and northeast Cuba. Once a haven for sailing buccaneers, there are many treasures - both natural and manmade - to uncover in this white-sanded paradise.
Our trips will take us to the Abacos island chain, namely Green Turtle Cay, where we arrive in time for lobster season (August 1 - March 31). You will have a chance to witness 'Lobster Mania' in full swing as thousands of fishermen and divers seek the spiny bounties of the Atlantic. Spiny lobsters are prized most highly for their tender meat.
Locations
No Name Cay: On Day 2 of the trip, we make an early crossing to No Name Cay, which has earned itself the nickname of 'Piggyville'! Only a few years ago it was just an uninhabited cay and nature reserve off Green Turtle's southern tip. Then a drift of wild, swimming pigs landed and thrived there. Naturally, it has since become a bucket list destination.
Gillam Bay: Again, on Day 2 of the trip, we head further south towards the stunning Gillam Bay. This sunlit bay is known for its sandbars and interesting array of resident creatures.
Coco Bay: Day 3 of the trip is all about turtles. We make our way to the tip of Coco Bay where we take a leisurely swim into the calmer bay, which is best swum at high tide. It's there we can spot the local turtles and sting rays.
Abaco Islands: On Day 4, we have perhaps our best opportunity to rove around the Abaco islands. You can take the day to yourselves and go wherever you please. You can speak to our local suppliers to book a snorkelling or scuba diving excursion. Alternatively, stick to dry land and ride a rented golf cart to town, paying a visit to the museum or sculpture garden.
Nunjack Cay: This is one of the locations we visit on Day 5. It's where we arrive after a full morning of swimming for a traditional beach cookout at lunch. While the team prepares the food you can work up an appetite with a coastal swim, guided by the idyllic white sand of the beach. Also known as 'Manjack', this location is also home to the smaller cays of Fiddle and Crab, which seem to have broken away.
Treasure Cay: On Day 6 of the trip, we head towards this glittering cay and complete two swims along some of the best-loved beaches in the Bahamas. This is a fantastic location to end our week of swimming around the Abacos.
Green Turtle Cay: It's the perfect base to explore the surrounding waters. As part of the Abacos, this cay sits sheltered among the islands within easy reach of varied marine life. The island is easily accessible by boat or ferry from Great Abaco. You can book local diving or snorkelling excursions in addition to your swims.
Where We Stay
Bluff House Resort: With its own white sand beach, your resort is located on 12 tropical acres of palms and pines, which stretch from White Sound to the Sea of Abaco.
Bluff House was the first and is now the oldest resort in the Bahamas’s Out Islands. It is a timeless and welcoming base and the perfect place to relax after a salty day of sea swims.
Local Cuisine
Get ready for all the seafood, stews (try Kunk stew with tomatoes, celery, peppers, onions and potatoes) and mouth-watering tropical fruits (guava, mango and pineapple) you could ever eat!
Fried fish: No surprise there's a healthy number of fresh fish being served on these islands, including snapper, grouper and mahi-mahi.
Conch Chowder: You can crack a conch to eat it in salad or as chowder. These giant marine snails certainly make their way onto a lot of menus.
Conch Salad: Simple and satisfying! Bahamian ceviche consists of chopped conch, lime juice (plenty of it), onions, peppers (green and red) and garlic salt.
Conch Fritters: The traditional recipe is delicious. It is made with conch, wrapped in crispy beer batter and best enjoyed with a dipping sauce and cold, perspiring beverage nearby.
Lobster: It's the perfect season to partake! Rock lobster tail is a popular dish, which combines Caribbean ingredients with a European cooking style
A New World: Nikki's Recce
NIKKI GATLAND: 'When you think of The Bahamas, you imagine a classic Caribbean holiday. When you peel back the layers, you realise there is far more to the islands of the Bahamas than just Nassau or the resort-lined beaches. The Abacos are a whole new world.'
‘The Abacos are a whole new world.’
'The easy to get to, Green Turtle Cay is not just known for its stunning turtles, but its stingrays, reefs and of course some of the best beaches and bars in the Caribbean. During my stay on the island, I experienced everything.’
'From chatting with the locals on the ferry over from Treasure Cay, to meeting 50 Cent – who is famous for ‘CONCH-structing’ the best conch salad going – I soon realised this is a pretty special place.'
'I stayed at Bluff House which is directly opposite the drop-off location for the ferry and was met with a huge welcome from the team, Tina and Molly. The location is stunning, overlooking the jetties at the marina. The short walk up and over is where the rooms are located, facing the Atlantic, and the view from the decking of the lower and upper suites is just spectacular. Located right next to the beach bar and the sandy beach, I could have easily spent days just relaxing there.'
'Over just a few days, I experienced something new every day. With only a few cars on Green Turtle Cay, everyone travels by golf cart. This is a fun and accessible way to mingle with the locals and yacht enthusiasts, over a beer, rum punch or a beautiful sunset, and I saw plenty of those (a few Bahamian beers too).'
'Of course, in 2024 the island was voted #6 in the 'Best Beach Bars in the Caribbean'. Tranquil Turtle is famous for its cocktails. I also found the local spot to enjoy one of the island's best bands and rum punches - at Pineapples. Where the star of the show is undoubtedly Brendal himself (from Brendal Water Sports, our partners for this trip)!'
'I didn’t just fall in love with the vibe on the island, the laid-back feel and openness to welcome all visitors, I also admired the work and ethos of our partners at Brendal. The boat crew respect and share their love for their ocean and marine life. The team at Brendal Water Sports are passionate about supporting their local island and leading in local conservation. The perfect tour guides while swimming the island’s hot spots.'
'If you are after a relaxing trip with clear waters, friendly locals and marine life, as well as some of the best local beaches and bars going, then this location is for you.'
'When you peel back the layers, you realise there is far more to the islands of The Bahamas than just Nassau or the resort-lined beaches...'
About Our Trip
- Trip: Classic
- Grading: Moderate
- Duration: 7 Days
- Swims: 3km/daily
Discover plenty of ecological attractions, with national parks and marine reserves to explore. There's so much to do it's too hard to pick highlights!
Outside the luxury marinas, you will find an aquatic tapestry of over 2400 cays and 700 islands - many uninhabited. The shallows ripple with the colours of barely submerged coral gardens. While green-blue waters play host to schools of reef fish, stingrays and sea turtle.
This is truly a playground for swimmers, snorkellers, divers and sailors alike.
Out the water, you will have time to stroll historic towns between swims and visit bustling markets. Soak up the blend of African, European and indigenous cultures, known for fun-loving festivities and good vibes. Also, keep an eye out for the national bird - the flamingo!
Pirate enthusiasts can learn about the real ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ at the Pirates of Nassau Museum in the capital. These islands had the highest concentration of pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy (1690 to 1725). Long ago, these waters kept many a man-of-war away and offered safe refuge for more nimble pirate ships.
Join rays, reef fish and turtles among the coral gardens of the Abacos island chain
Meet the swimming pigs of Piggyville on No Name Cay
Enjoy the tropical bliss of a beach cookout in the Bahamas
Rent golf carts and explore the island. Find the best beaches or head into town for a traditional conch salad or to visit the local sculpture garden
Need More Information?
If you’d like to learn more about this trip, including dates of travel, kit lists and further itinerary information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on info@swimtrek.com.
Our team of travel specialists will be happy to help you!
