Kayaking in Bahamas
Including Andros Barrier Reef & Mangrove Creeks, Berry Islands – Island‑Hopping Kayak Routes, and Bimini – North & South Bimini Kayak Trails. On the map.
The vibe
Kayakers can paddle through calm turquoise lagoons or along the shoreline, enjoying quiet island scenery. The dry season from November to April offers clearer waters, but kayaking is possible year‑round. Kayaking is usually a DIY activity, with few organized tours; locals often guide newcomers.
Andros Barrier Reef & Mangrove Creeks
Andros Island
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Andros Island boasts the world’s third‑largest barrier reef and extensive mangrove waterways, providing a mix of calm creek paddling and open‑water reef kayaking with vibrant marine life.
Access. Kayak rentals and eco‑tour operators are based in Andros Town and Fresh Creek, offering guided trips into the mangroves and along the reef edge.
Notes. Strong tidal currents in some channels; spring‑time (March‑May) offers the clearest water. Intermediate skill recommended for reef sections.
Berry Islands – Island‑Hopping Kayak Routes
Berry Islands
dmtilley / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
A chain of tiny cays and sandbanks in the Berry Islands offers secluded sea‑kayak passages, pristine beaches, and abundant marine life in calm, shallow waters.
Access. Kayak rentals and day‑trip charters are based in Great Harbour Cay, providing equipment and navigation to nearby cays such as Little Stirrup and Great Stirrup.
Notes. Water is shallow; watch for coral heads. Suitable for beginners and families.
Bimini – North & South Bimini Kayak Trails
Bimini
Per Ola Wiberg from Ekerö, Sweden / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Bimini’s clear waters and coral outcrops make for excellent sea‑kayaking, whether paddling the calm lagoon of North Bimini or exploring the rugged coastline of South Bimini.
Access. Local outfitters in Alice Town rent single and tandem kayaks and run guided reef‑side tours; transfers to South Bimini are arranged by boat.
Notes. Occasional strong currents near the channel; best paddled early in the day. Intermediate level recommended for reef sections.
Cat Island – Western Coast Kayak Trails
Cat Island
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
The western shoreline of Cat Island features gentle sea‑kayak routes through mangrove lagoons and along limestone cliffs, with opportunities to spot sea turtles and reef fish.
Access. Kayak hire and guided tours are organized from New Bight, with boat transfers to launch points on the western coast.
Notes. Seasonal currents can be stronger during the summer months; best paddled in winter. Intermediate skill recommended.
Eleuthera – Glass Window Bridge Coast
North Eleuthera
Rüdiger Stehn from Kiel, Deutschland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The dramatic Glass Window Bridge on Eleuthera’s east coast creates a striking contrast of turquoise Atlantic water and deep blue Caribbean, ideal for scenic sea‑kayaking along rugged cliffs and sandy bays.
Access. Kayak rentals are available in the towns of Governor’s Harbour and Rock Sound; guided tours depart from these hubs to the bridge area.
Notes. Wind can pick up on the Atlantic side; early morning paddles are calmer. Suitable for beginners.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Exuma
stevestevens / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Crystal‑clear turquoise waters surround a protected archipelago of 365 islands, offering calm sea‑kayak routes through mangrove channels, coral reefs, and secluded beaches. Paddlers enjoy abundant marine life and the chance to explore hidden coves away from motor‑boat traffic.
Access. Kayak rentals and guided sea‑kayak tours are available in George Town on Great Exuma; day‑trip shuttles ferry paddlers to the park’s entry points.
Notes. Permit required for park entry; best paddling conditions November‑April when trade winds are lighter. Suitable for beginners to intermediate paddlers.
Grand Bahama – Lucaya Beach Kayaking
City of Freeport
Pietro Valocchi / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Lucaya’s protected bay on Grand Bahama Island offers calm sea‑kayak conditions, mangrove fringes, and easy access to nearby cays for short paddling excursions.
Access. Kayak rentals are available at the Lucaya Beach Resort and local tour operators run guided trips to the surrounding mangroves and sandbars.
Notes. Wind can increase in late afternoon; morning paddles are smoother. Beginner‑friendly.
Great Abaco – Marsh Harbour to Treasure Cay
Great Abaco
Rüdiger Stehn from Kiel, Deutschland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The shallow, protected waters along Great Abaco’s northern coast provide gentle sea‑kayak routes past mangroves, sandbars, and historic lighthouse islands.
Access. Kayak hire and guided coastal tours are offered in Marsh Harbour and Hope Town, with shuttle services to launch sites.
Notes. Low tide can expose sandbars; check tide tables. Ideal for families and novice paddlers.
Long Island – East Coast Sea Kayak
Long Island
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Long Island’s eastern coast offers clear, open‑water sea‑kayaking with dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and the chance to paddle near the famous Dean’s Blue Hole from a distance.
Access. Kayak rentals are provided in Clarence Town and guided tours depart from the island’s main dock, taking paddlers to the most scenic sections of the coastline.
Notes. Open‑water conditions can be windy; check forecasts. Suitable for intermediate paddlers.
Staniel Cay – Thunderball Grotto
Exuma
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Located in the Exuma chain, Staniel Cay offers sea‑kayaking to the famous Thunderball Grotto and nearby swimming pig beaches, winding through shallow reefs and turquoise lagoons.
Access. Local operators in Staniel Cay provide single‑day kayak rentals and guided tours that include transport to the grotto and pig islands.
Notes. Currents are generally light; watch for occasional squalls in summer. Suitable for all skill levels.