Discover the wild side of the Bahamas on a cruise to some of the country's most remote islands and hear an intriguing history of pirates, pilgrims, lost civilizations, and the slave trade. Snorkel in bright turquoise waters with an abundance of sea life, kayak through waterways, and take guided hikes through nature reserves to learn about the islands' terrestrial flora and fauna. Exploring these distant islands benefits national park management and local conservation efforts such as habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and education to raise awareness of the Bahamas' extraordinary diversity.
Highlights
Explore the coasts and creeks of remote islands
Visit Conception Island National Park and see nesting boobies and seabirds
Learn Bahamian history and culture from the native Lucayan people
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive into George Town on the island of Great Exuma, and transfer to the National Geographic Sea Lion. Settle into your cabin, and meet the crew as we set off on our Bahamian adventure.
This morning, we arrive at Crooked Island, anchoring near Long Cay. After breakfast, we’ll take Zodiacs to shore to kayak Turtle Sound, an aquamarine waterway that cuts deep into the island. The sound draws sea turtles in search of calm waters, and we may see them surfacing as we paddle. The mangroves at the water’s edge make for great birding opportunities as well. This afternoon, gear up for our first snorkeling excursion, watching for schools of amberjacks, wrasses, and maybe a sea turtle as we swim over the reefs off Crooked Island.
Separated from Crooked Island by a three-mile wide channel, Acklins Island has been at different times in its history the haunt of pirates, an island of cotton plantations where enslaved people toiled, and, some say, an early stop on Christopher Columbus’s first voyage. This morning, walk across the island at its most narrow section and explore the fishing settlements on the lagoon side. After lunch on board, enjoy an afternoon of paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.
The easternmost island in the Bahamas, Mayaguana is the name given to the island by the original inhabitants of the Bahamas, the Lucayan people. On a morning walk on this rugged and remote island, learn about its history and the lost Lucayan culture. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as Bartsch’s iguanas, West Indian flamingoes, royal terns, and Wilson’s plovers. In the afternoon, return to the magical undersea, snorkeling amid an extraordinarily diverse population of reef fish including blue tangs and princess parrotfish.
We’ll make our way back to the central islands of the Bahamas overnight and wake up in Long Island. Enjoy a full day of water activities here, including snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the vast lagoon that stretches along the island’s western coast. Take Zodiac cruises along the shore, stopping to explore when we find interesting wildlife or sites.
Measuring 100 miles long but rarely more than two miles wide, Eleuthera is an island of pink sand beaches and wild landscapes. It was settled in 1648 by a group of Brits known as the “Eleutheran Adventurers” who were escaping religious persecution. Today, visit the innovative Island School, which uses a unique, hands-on approach to teach science, conservation, and sustainability to international and Bahamian high school students. After lunch on board, choose to go snorkeling or learn about the island’s terrestrial flora and fauna while walking the trails of Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve.
This morning, land on a white-sand beach on the northeast side of Conception Island, an uninhabited island that is now a national park. Set off on an easy hike, looking for tropicbirds and boobies that nest here, as well as many other bird species. The island is laced with creeks that we can access with our Zodiacs when conditions are right. Enjoy a final chance to snorkel in the rich waters surrounding Conception. This evening, toast our Bahamian adventure with a cocktail on the beach.
Day 8: George Town, Exumas | Home
1 Breakfast
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to George Town Airport for your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Cat 1
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Cat 1 Single
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Cat 2
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Cat 2 Single
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Cat 3
Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 and Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219. These cabins feature a seating unit with table, outside access and two large windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
Rubber boots are not included on your cruise; please supply your own. Rubber, waterproof boots that are mid-calf or higher, with a strong, ridged non-skid sole (essential for wet landings) are highly recommended. Click here for information about rubber boots rental.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Crew gratuities
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
