Acklins Island, Bahamas: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Acklins Island in The Bahamas has fewer than 700 residents yet boasts over 120 square miles (311 square km) of pristine wilderness and some of the most untouched bonefishing flats in the world? This remote paradise remains one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets, offering travelers a rare glimpse into unspoiled Bahamian beauty far from the tourist crowds.

Acklins Island: The Bahamas’ Hidden Gem

Acklins Island forms part of a remote atoll in the southeastern Bahamas, curving around a shallow lagoon known as the Bight of Acklins. Together with neighboring Crooked Island and Long Cay, this island group offers an authentic glimpse into old Bahamas, largely untouched by commercial tourism.

For travelers seeking genuine experiences away from crowded resorts, Acklins presents a rare opportunity to explore pristine beaches, world-class bonefishing flats, and fascinating historical sites in near solitude. The island’s undeveloped landscape and friendly local communities provide a perfect backdrop for adventure and relaxation alike.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Reaching Acklins Island requires some planning, but the journey is part of the adventure. The most common route is flying to Nassau first, then catching a connecting flight to Spring Point Airport (AXP) on Acklins Island.

Flight Options

Bahamasair operates several flights weekly between Nassau and Spring Point Airport. These flights typically take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Due to limited service, it’s advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak season.

Getting Around Locally

Once on Acklins Island, transportation options are limited. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the island at your own pace. Several small local operators offer basic vehicle rentals. Alternatively, some accommodations provide transportation services or can arrange taxi services for guests.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Acklins Island enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April when temperatures average a pleasant 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 84°F) with minimal rainfall and lower humidity.

Seasonal Considerations

• December to April (Dry Season): Ideal weather with cooler temperatures and less rainfall. This is prime bonefishing season and the most comfortable time for outdoor exploration.
• May to November (Wet Season): Higher temperatures averaging 27°C to 32°C (80°F to 90°F) with increased humidity and rainfall. Hurricane season officially runs from June to November.

Where to Stay on Acklins Island

Accommodations on Acklins Island are limited but authentic, offering a genuine Bahamian experience rather than luxury resorts. Most lodging options focus on serving bonefishing enthusiasts, though they welcome all travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.

Bonefishing Lodges

Guest Houses and Bed & Breakfasts

Several family-run guest houses offer simple but clean accommodations with authentic Bahamian hospitality. These properties typically provide home-cooked meals and can help arrange local activities and transportation.

Top Things to Do on Acklins Island

1. World-Class Bonefishing

The Bight of Acklins is renowned as one of the world’s premier bonefishing destinations. This 1,000-square-mile shallow lagoon rarely exceeds knee depth, creating perfect conditions for fly fishing. The remote nature of Acklins means these waters see minimal fishing pressure, resulting in larger, less wary bonefish.

2. Explore Pristine Beaches

Acklins Island boasts miles of untouched beaches where you’ll rarely encounter another visitor. Some of the most beautiful stretches include:

• Lovely Bay Beach – A stunning stretch of pink-tinged sand with excellent shelling opportunities
• Castle Island Beach – Near the historic lighthouse, offering spectacular views and pristine sands
• Pompey Bay Beach – Historic site of ancient Lucayan settlements with beautiful shoreline

3. Visit Ancient Lucayan Sites

Acklins Island is home to significant archaeological sites, including what’s believed to be one of the largest Lucayan Indian settlements in The Bahamas. Located along Pompey Bay Beach just south of Spring Point, these sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s pre-Columbian history.

National Geographic Society archaeologists have unearthed ten ancient Lucayan sites in nearby Samana Cay alone, highlighting the rich historical significance of this region.

4. Explore the Bight of Acklins by Boat

Even non-anglers will appreciate the stunning beauty of the Bight of Acklins. Boat tours allow visitors to explore this remarkable 1,000-square-mile lagoon, where the water is often so shallow and clear you can see straight to the sandy bottom for miles.

Local guides can take you to remote sandbars, tiny uninhabited cays, and prime wildlife viewing areas where you might spot sea turtles, rays, and numerous bird species.

5. Visit Castle Island Lighthouse

At the southernmost point of Acklins stands the historic Castle Island Lighthouse. This remote structure offers spectacular views of the surrounding waters and makes for an excellent day trip. The journey to reach it is part of the adventure, typically requiring a boat ride along the island’s southern coast.

6. Bird Watching

Acklins Island’s diverse ecosystems make it a haven for birdwatchers. The island’s mangroves, inland ponds, and coastal areas attract numerous species, including flamingos, herons, egrets, and endemic Bahama parrots.

The remote nature of the island means birds are often less wary of humans, allowing for excellent viewing and photography opportunities.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Dining on Acklins Island is an authentic experience focused on fresh, local ingredients. Most meals center around seafood caught the same day, particularly conch, snapper, and grouper. Don’t expect fancy restaurants – instead, embrace the genuine Bahamian home cooking served at lodges and small local establishments.

Where to Eat

• Lodge Dining – Most accommodations include meals prepared by local cooks using fresh island ingredients
• Local Restaurants – Small, family-run eateries in settlements like Spring Point and Lovely Bay serve authentic Bahamian cuisine
• Conch Shacks – Simple beachside spots offering fresh conch salad, fritters, and other seafood specialties

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Cracked Conch – Tenderized and fried conch meat, typically served with peas and rice
• Fresh Conch Salad – Raw conch marinated in lime juice with peppers, onions, and tomatoes
• Bahamian Lobster – When in season (August-March), often grilled with local spices
• Peas and Rice – A staple side dish made with pigeon peas

Practical Travel Tips

What to Pack

• Sun Protection – High-SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and light, long-sleeved clothing
• Insect Repellent – Essential, especially during dawn and dusk hours
• Cash – ATMs are extremely limited; bring sufficient Bahamian dollars or US dollars (widely accepted)
• Medications – Bring all necessary prescriptions and a basic first aid kit
• Snorkeling Gear – While basic equipment may be available to rent, bringing your own ensures quality and fit

Safety & Local Customs

Acklins Island is generally very safe, with low crime rates and friendly locals. The primary safety concerns relate to the remote nature of the island:

• Inform someone of your plans when exploring remote areas
• Carry sufficient water when venturing away from settlements
• Be aware of weather forecasts, especially during hurricane season
• Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting settlements or churches

Communication

Cell phone coverage exists but can be spotty in remote areas. WiFi is available at some accommodations but may be limited in speed and reliability. Inform important contacts that you may be unreachable at times during your stay.

Experience the Untouched Bahamas

Acklins Island offers a rare opportunity to experience the Bahamas as it once was – pristine, peaceful, and largely untouched by commercial tourism. For travelers willing to venture off the beaten path, the rewards are immense: world-class bonefishing, empty beaches stretching for miles, fascinating historical sites, and the warm hospitality of Bahamian islanders.

Whether you’re an avid angler, a beach enthusiast, or simply someone seeking authentic travel experiences away from the crowds, Acklins Island promises memories that few other destinations can match. This is the Bahamas at its most genuine – a place where the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.