Ports of Out Islands
Ports of Out Islands
Wednesday , December 21, 2022If you have ever dreamed of unspoiled, pristine islands where you can find beaches all to yourself, you have to look no further than the Out Islands, a collection of islands that lie beyond Nassau. Far from the hustle and bustle of the capital, the authentic Bahamian experience lies in these small and serene islands which offer you views for days.
Whether you plan on taking romantic strolls on white sand beaches or going snorkeling and diving among the corals and fish of the Caribbean sea, you will be transported to paradise. There are hundreds of islands scattered throughout the area of the Out Islands, and this means that there is a perfect one for every person. Land and marine life thrive and the sunrises and sunsets are drop-dead gorgeous. The amount of privacy that you could have makes these islands perfect for all kinds of travellers, regardless of whether you want an adventure or a quiet getaway.
Some of the major islands that are frequented by tourists are Abacos, Andros, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Paradise Island, and Harbor Island. While these islands are nothing short of spectacular, there are far more unfamiliar - and equally stunning - islands that you can explore. The untouched wilderness of the Out Islands is what makes them so dreamy, and you have the option to explore them in complete luxury and comfort.
To get the most out of the magical Out Islands, book your excursion with cruisejoy today!
The Out Islands and the New Providence Island in the Bahamas are equally beautiful. New Providence Island has the charm of Nassau, the capital city. On the other hand, the Out Island boasts a group of more than 600 exotic islands. However, only 10-11 islands are inhabited in the Out Islands region. For the Out Islands in the Bahamas, the term ‘Family Islands’ suits aptly. Out Islands offer clean beaches, serene rock caves, frenetic local markets, memorable cruise excursions, and more. Even though Nassau offers an unmatched cruise experience, cruise excursions in the Out Islands are no less. Read on to know more about cruise excursions in the Out Islands and the best places to explore.
Blast from the past about the Out Islands
The port history of Nassau is old and intriguing. While Nassau became an all-important port, a lot was going on in the Out Islands. The history of the Out Islands dates back to the Age of Sail (1550 – 1850). During the Age of Sail, the role of ships increased in trade and war-related activities. However, the ports of the Out Islands were underdeveloped during the Age of Sail. Most islands offered only a natural refuge for ships coming from different locations. There was not much man-influenced development in the Out Islands during the Age of Sail.
Despite the ports of Out Islands being underdeveloped, they were often used by pirates, refugees, and indigenous people. During the American Revolution (1765 – 1791), many native Americans remained loyal to the British regime. At that time, the group of people that remained loyal to the British Empire were called Loyalists. Since they weren’t taking part in the American Revolution, they were opposed by patriotists. As a result, Loyalists fled America and arrived at Out Islands. Approximately, 300 Loyalist families arrived at the Out Islands along with their 5,000 servants. Most white families settled in New Providence Island, especially Nassau. However, most of the servants settled into the underdeveloped group of Out Islands in the Bahamas.
Over the next few decades, many African ethnic groups also migrated to the Out Islands. They used the underdeveloped but usable ports of Out Islands. Servants of the white people and Afro-Bahamian people shaped the history of the Out Islands. Even though the natural ports were used in the past, they weren’t developed until the 21st century. When the Bahamas expanded its tourism economy in the 21st century, ports of Out Islands were developed and made fit for cruise passengers. As of now, ports of Out Islands are used by many cruise passengers throughout the year.
Cultural significance of Out Islands ports
When you travel to the Out Islands, you will find the local people telling stories and tales. Culture, community, celebration, and tradition are woven into the history of the Out Islands. Many African people coming to the Old Islands in the past were slaves. They were forced to work in cotton plants by white families. Some Afro-Bahamian people continued to work on cotton plants after arriving at Out Islands. The bush medicine culture of the Out Islands is also well-preserved. You can listen to indigenous people talking about the medicinal purpose of plants. The culture of the Out Islands is also embedded in its festivals and music. One of the prime examples of the culture in the Out Islands is the Junkanoo festival. The popular headdresses dance during the Junkanoo festival is a treat for tourists in the Out Islands.
Travel information related to the ports of Out Islands
Among the 700 islands, around twelve islands are used as entry points by cruises. These are also the inhabited islands of the Out Islands. On some islands in the Out Islands region, there are multiple port entry points. Ports of Out Islands are generally small as compared to the Nassau Port. On some ports of Out Islands, a docking facility is not available. At such ports, cruises stop only to drop off the passengers or get some fuel. However, basic social facilities are available at all the ports in the Out Islands. Cruises go to different islands in the Out Islands region and use the local ports for docking and transfer. Ports and fuel docks are present in the following places of the Out Islands:
The Abacos, Andros, Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera Island, The Exumas, Long Island
Cruise excursions at the ports of Out Islands
Cruise excursions can help you explore Out Islands in their entirety. Cruise excursions in Out Islands include shore excursions, sightseeing trips, pitstops, and more. With Cruisejoy, you can select a personalized cruise excursion with family or friends. By booking a cruise excursion in the Out Islands, you don’t have to worry about the route map, pitstops, and other things.
Places to visit in the Out Islands after a cruise excursion
Some of the best places to see during a trip to Out Islands are as follows:
Coco Cay
Located in the Berry Islands, Coco Cay is a manmade reef that offers a relaxing experience. Cruises are the only way to reach Coco Cay and enjoy quality time with friends/family.
Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach is an expansive beach that offers blush-rose sands and crystal-clear waters. One can also find a sense of tranquility at the Lighthouse Beach in the Out Islands.
Pig Beach
Located in the Exumas, Pig Beach is populated by feral pigs that attract many visitors. Even though The Exumas is uninhabited, cruises will take you to Pig Beach for an excursion.
Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve
The Out Islands is not all about expansive beaches and reefs. Leon Levy Naïve Plant Reserve offers a great escape from the beaches in the Out Islands. One can see many native plants, birds, and butterflies at the Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve.
Best time to plan a cruise excursion in the Out Islands
Cruise operations are open throughout the year in the Out Islands. Usually, the weather remains pleasant in the Out Islands. However, extreme weather conditions can prevent tourists from exploring the beaches and seaside. As per the weather conditions, one can travel to the Out Islands between December and April. One can also travel to the Out Islands during a festive occasion to know more about the indigenous traditions.
Pre-book a cruise excursion in the Out Islands with Cruisejoy for an indelible experience!
