Berry Islands Travel Guide

Read our guide to Berry Islands to discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay and more.


Introduction to Berry Islands

Berry Islands, situated in the Bahamas is a beautiful archipelago of 30 islands and cays. Known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, rich history, and cultural heritage, the Berry Islands offer a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The Berry Islands remain one of the most underrated destinations in the Bahamas, making it the perfect spot for a peaceful vacation.

List of Places to Visit in Berry Islands

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Berry Islands has a rich cultural heritage, with several museums and historical places to explore. Some of the must-visit places are:

  • Great Stirrup Cay: An uninhabited island home to an old lighthouse and an impressive pier that can accommodate several cruise ships at a time.

  • Chub Cay: This stunning island is home to one of the largest marinas in the Bahamas. Visitors can explore the Chub Cay Club & Resort, which has a rich history and is a favorite spot for anglers.

Natural Attractions of Berry Islands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Berry Islands offer several natural attractions with scenic views that will leave you with lasting memories. Here are a few options to explore:

  • Manjack Cay: A nature lover’s paradise, Manjack Cay is known for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking views, and diverse flora and fauna.

  • Hoffmann’s Cay: With crystal-clear waters, an abundance of marine life, and coral reefs, Hoffmann’s Cay is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Berry Islands

The Berry Islands offer several opportunities for hiking and biking, making it the perfect destination for adventurers. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Chub Cay Lighthouse Trail: A popular hiking trail on Chub Cay, this route passes through the mangroves and ends at the historic lighthouse.

  • Dinghy Beach Trail: A scenic route stretch that leads to a secluded beach on Great Harbour Cay.

Best Things to Do in Berry Islands: Activities and Tours

From relaxing on the beach to exploring the island’s rich cultural heritage, the Berry Islands has something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do during your visit:

  • Beach-Hopping: With several beautiful beaches to explore, beach-hopping should be on your to-do list when visiting the Berry Islands.

  • Fishing: The Berry Islands has a rich fishing culture, and visitors can take part in fishing tours and trips, which provide an opportunity to catch bonefish, grouper, snapper, and several other species.

Week-Long Itinerary for Berry Islands

Here’s a week-long itinerary to ensure you make the most of your visit to the Berry Islands:

Day Activity
1 Explore Great Harbor Cay
2 Head to Chub Cay
3 Snorkel at Hoffmann’s Cay
4 Go fishing on Foot’s Cay
5 Relax at Little Whale Cay
6 Visit Great Stirrup Cay
7 Depart for Nassau

Food and Drink Scene of Berry Islands

Must-Try Dishes

When visiting the Berry Islands, make sure to try some of the local dishes:

  • Conch Salad: A Bahamian favorite made of diced conch, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and lime juice.

  • Peas and Rice: A Bahamian staple dish made of pigeon peas and rice, served with a variety of meats.

Local Beverages

The Berry Islands offer several refreshing drinks to quench your thirst, including:

  • Goombay Punch: A popular fruit-flavored soda made in the Bahamas.

  • Sky Juice: A refreshing drink made of coconut water, gin, and sweetened condensed milk.

Where to Stay in Berry Islands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Berry Islands offer several options for accommodations, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Chub Cay Resort and Marina: A luxurious resort situated on Chub Cay with a private beach, pool, and several activities for guests.

  • Big Game Club Resort and Marina: A popular resort situated on Bimini, offering oceanfront rooms, a pool, and several water activities.

What to Buy in Berry Islands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting Berry Islands, make sure to take home some souvenirs and local products. Here are some of the best products to consider:

  • Junkanoo Art: Colorful masks and costumes from the Bahamian Junkanoo festival.

  • Rum Cake: A popular sweet cake made with local rum and baked in traditional Bahamian style.

Local Culture and Customs of Berry Islands

The Berry Islands have a rich cultural heritage with a fusion of African and European influences. Some of the cultural customs to keep in mind include:

  • Junkanoo Festival: A colorful Bahamian cultural festival celebrated every Christmas and New Year’s Day.

  • Bahamian Music: Experience local Bahamian music, which is rich in Calypso, Junkanoo, and Reggae influences.

Best Time to Visit Berry Islands

The best time to visit the Berry Islands is from November to April, during the dry season. This time is ideal for beach activities, snorkeling, and fishing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Berry Islands

Do:

  • Respect the locals’ culture and customs.

  • Enjoy the beaches, clear waters, and local cuisines.

Don’t:

  • Litter the beaches or damage the coral reefs.

  • Take conch shells or any other natural resources from the islands.

Safety and Health

Safety in Berry Islands

The Berry Islands are a safe destination for travelers. Just like in every other place, make sure to take necessary precautions when visiting the islands.

  • Do not wander alone and always take the necessary precautions when walking around.

  • Always keep your valuables safe and refrain from displaying large amounts of cash.

Health in Berry Islands

The Berry Islands have several health facilities and hospitals to cater for medical emergencies.

Getting to Berry Islands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Berry Islands

The closest international airport to the Berry Islands is Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, which offers several flights from major destinations worldwide.

Other Options

Visitors can reach the Berry Islands using chartered flights, water taxis, and private boats and docks.

How to Get Around in Berry Islands

The best way to explore the Berry Islands is by a boat, as public transportation is limited. Visitors can also rent a car or bicycle to explore the larger islands.

Where to Go Next from Berry Islands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to the Berry Islands can explore other nearby destinations such as Nassau, the Exumas, and the Abaco Islands.

Conclusion

The Berry Islands offer an excellent vacation destination for travelers looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway. With stunning beaches, cultural heritage, and natural attractions, there are several activities to explore for every type of visitor. Make sure to add the Berry Islands to your travel bucket list and enjoy the beautiful Bahamian Islands to the fullest.