Welcome to Acklins Island! What a welcome we received! From a morning sunrise of oranges to a sunset kissed with pinks…today was absolutely magnificent!

We began our day with kayaking and Zodiac tours through a vast mangrove forest to look for all sorts of wildlife. Guests saw spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, and a variety of birds. They also got to enjoy the stunning water of this beautiful island in the Bahamas.

After our flooded forest exploration, we had a delicious lunch and then returned to the island for a proper island tour. We were greeted by a handful of excited locals. They cheered as every guest landed on their island home.

We visited a local bush medicine garden and learned about different local plants and their uses. We also visited Jumby Hole Cave, a sacred cave with heaps of Bahamian lesser funnel-eared bats flying overhead! Then we visited an old plantation with walls still standing that were built by slaves. These island people are proud of their past, present, and future, and they are so welcoming of visitors.

At sunset, we returned to National Geographic Sea Lion and shared a toast to a full day of adventure! There were smiles all around on board.