Bahamas, New and Noteworthy
This year, book three full-paying guests and bring a fourth person free on select departures!
Book by June 30, 2022. Bookings of three full-paying guests may bring a fourth person for free on select departures. Offer applicable only on bookings of two double-occupancy cabins, and second cabin must be in same category or lower as first cabin. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, not applicable on airfare or extensions, and is not combinable with other offers. Call for details.
Beyond the all-inclusive resorts, the Bahamas is truly wild at heart. This archipelago of more than 700 islands—of which only about 30 are inhabited—is home to blue holes and thick mangrove forests, coral reefs, and spectacular beaches. Discover the Bahamas’ wild side on a voyage to some of its most far-flung islands and hear an intriguing history of pirates, pilgrims, lost civilizations, and the slave trade. Snorkel with abundant sea life in warm turquoise waters, explore waterways by kayak, and get introduced to the islands’ terrestrial flora and fauna on guided walks in nature reserves. Our exploration of these remote islands supports national park management as well as local conservation initiatives including habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and education to foster awareness of the incredible diversity of the Bahamas.Note: Some locations are pending government approval.
Snorkel little-known reefs and dazzling lagoons and explore the coasts and creeks of remote islands aboard a Zodiac
Kayak between the mangroves of Turtle Sound, spotting sea turtles and rich birdlife
Visit Conception Island National Park and see nesting boobies and other seabirds as well as wintering songbirds
Learn the evolution of Bahamian history and culture, from the native Lucayan people through European exploration to modern times.
Witness nature conservation in action on a visit to Eleuthera's innovative Island School
See less highlights
Duration
8 Days
Price
From $5,590 per person
(does not include flight)
Dates
Feb
Mar
Special offers
FREE ROUNDTRIP AIR ON SELECT DEPARTURES
BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS
BRINGING THE KIDS
COMBINING OFFERS
TRAVELING AS A GROUP
4TH GUEST TRAVELS FREE
Bahamas, New and Noteworthy
Beyond the all-inclusive resorts, the Bahamas is truly wild at heart. This archipelago of more than 700 islands—of which only about 30 are inhabited—is home to blue holes and thick mangrove forests, coral reefs and spectacular beaches. Discover the Bahamas’ wild side on a voyage to some of its most far-flung islands, and hear an intriguing history of pirates, pilgrims, lost civilizations, and the slave trade. Snorkel with abundant sea life in warm, turquoise waters, explore waterways by kayak, and get introduced to the islands’ terrestrial flora and fauna on guided walks in nature reserves.
Embark
Great Exuma, Bahamas
Disembark
Great Exuma, Bahamas
Our activities support national park management as well as local conservation initiatives including habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring and education about the incredible biodiversity of the Bahamas. Some locations are pending government approval.
Special Offers
4/1/2022
Read
National Geographic Sea Lion
After another calm night at anchor on the Exuma Banks, we awoke to a light breeze and gentle seas. Wind and tide dictate all that we do, showing how intimately tied the Bahamian Islands are to the weather. As the sun broke through the distant cumulus clouds, the waters shone with a full spectrum of blues. Most everywhere we have been on this voyage has been in shallow waters, and we have the delight of seeing the seafloor during our travels. This gives us the privilege of peeking in on the lives of the fish, nurse sharks, coral, and other marine animals that are often obfuscated by more turbid waters. The weather obliging us thus far, it looked like a great day ahead. In the morning, we set out via kayak and Zodiac to explore a cut going through the whole of Shroud Cay. This winding channel drew us in with its beautiful waters, urging us further as its serpentine curves dictated our route. Red mangroves lined the sides as far as the eye could see. Yellow warblers sang from their branches, green sea turtles darted below us, and a lemon shark swam by in the shallow waters. Approaching the windward side of the island, we encountered the “washing machine,” a tidal cut where the channel meets Exuma Sound. Many of us hopped in the water, floating down this strong current before it deposited us safely on a sandbar. It was a delight to experience this natural playground and to cool off after a morning in the sun. In the afternoon, we spent time enjoying the pristine white sandy beaches offered by the Exumas Land and Sea Park. It was pleasant to relax, to take in the scenery and landscape around us, and to get lost in the gorgeous blue waters. Some of us took a walk up the eastside of the island as a few white-tailed tropicbirds circled overhead. These seabirds use small crevices in the limestone to nest, a feature that is plentiful in the Bahamas. From Camp Driftwood, we took in a view of the surrounding cays. We spotted Norman’s Cay, the site of a drug smuggling operation in the 70s and 80s. The DEA monitored the situation from Camp Driftwood. The Bahamas has a rich and diverse cultural history on top of its captivating natural history. We returned to the ship for cocktail hour and dinner, a wonderful end to another incredible day in the Bahamas. We look forward to tomorrow with anticipation, knowing the Bahamas always delivers.
3/31/2022
Watch
National Geographic Sea Lion
We spent quality time under and on top of the gorgeous Bahama blue water today. We headed out early to one of my favorite snorkel spots, and we spent the afternoon exploring some of the iconic caverns and white sandy beaches famous in the Bahamas.
3/30/2022
Read
National Geographic Sea Lion
Strong winds and choppy seas did not dampen the spirit of adventure for National Geographic Sea Lion guests as they ventured off to explore Compass Cay. The morning activities included hikes, interpretive walks, a Zodiac cruise, and a short kayak paddle in Bonefish Creek, a tidal creek that runs between the outer ridges of Compass Cay. The trail along the windward rocky shoreline ends at Rachel’s Bubble Bath, an inviting tidal pool that fills when waves crash onshore and spill over the rocks into the pool. A refreshing reward for our hikers on the long hike. On our hikes, we observed charismatic and photogenic northern curly-tailed lizards as well as Cerion snails attached to dry palm fronds and tree trunks. Silver thatch palms dominate the higher elevations, while the intertidal zone located at the interior of the island is home to red and black mangroves. We also observed many birds, including palm warblers, Bahama mockingbirds, bananaquits, green herons, ruddy turnstones, and ospreys. After another wonderful lunch, guests returned to Compass Cay by Zodiac across the many hues of blue Bahamian water, the clearest waters in the world. Snorkeling explorations led us along the limestone wall. Scattered rocks of various sizes, once part of the rock wall, have transformed over the years into beautiful miniature coral reefs. These reefs are home to a variety of juvenile fish, the tiny jewels of the reefs. Juvenile yellowtail damselfish, queen angelfish, and rock beauties were just a few of those spotted. We also observed green turtles resting on the seafloor. The stars of the day and the main attraction were the nurse sharks. Many years ago, Compass Cay was more of a rest stop and a place for fishing guides to clean their catch and buy refreshments. Nurse sharks in the area quickly learned they could find a sure meal. Since then, the owner made Compass Cay Marina a no fishing zone. As a result, numerous species of fish are seen. We enjoyed observing bonefish, bar jacks, blue runners, and nurse sharks, among others, as we snorkeled. Back on the ship, our tired and happy voyagers enjoyed cocktails and delicacies from the galley while learning a more about today’s activities. As the sun sets once again over the beautiful Bahamian waters, we eagerly await the start of a new day of adventure tomorrow.
3/29/2022
Read
National Geographic Sea Lion
Today we visited Warderick Wells Cay, the headquarters of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. This park, which covers a 176 square mile expanse, was established in 1958; it was the first of its kind in the entire world. The park is stewarded by the Bahamas National Trust. The trust is responsible for managing all national parks throughout the Bahamas. In the morning, we ventured off to Beryl’s Beach on Warderick Wells to snorkel the beautiful patch reefs located off its coast. Some guests ventured onto the trails behind the beach. They got to meet the charismatic northern curly-tailed lizards that dwell in the area. In the afternoon, we explored the island through two new lenses: kayaking and hiking! The hikers got a taste of the limestone landscape and coastal coppice ecosystems that characterize the Bahamas. They saw a variety of wildlife, including endemic mockingbirds and hutias. The kayakers leisurely cruised through the Bahama blue waters. They enjoyed sightings of triggerfish and nurse sharks.
3/28/2022
Read
National Geographic Sea Lion
Most of us know about the clarity of the vibrant blue waters before we visit the Bahamas. Seen from space, the water shines in the azure ocean, standing out dramatically from surrounding waters. Even with this knowledge, it is always a pleasant surprise to see the colors pop as the sun paints the sea around us each morning. As if the dawn light illuminating the sky isn’t enough, it then strikes the ocean. These famous blue waters glow dramatically. Before us lay Conception Island. As part of the Bahamas National Trust, this whole island and the surrounding waters are protected. Therefore, they offer glimpses of the area’s natural beauty. As we approached, flocks of white-tailed tropicbirds circled, giving testament to the fact that these protections benefit the region’s ecology. During the morning, we explored the beaches. We enjoyed close looks at mangroves and the iconic queen conch. Wading birds flew by, shorebirds shuffled over the flats, and migrating warblers bounced around the foliage. As we returned to National Geographic Sea Lion , a pair of bottlenose dolphins inspected the Zodiacs with curiosity. It was an exciting moment in the water. After a delicious lunch, we returned to the beach for a second round of activities. As we snorkeled through the mangroves, we encountered rays, turtles, and a variety of fish. Marine creatures utilize the valuable shelter provided in this ecosystem. While we explored via Zodiac, dozens of sea turtles jetted in channels, surprising all of us with just how fast a turtle can be. Oystercatchers and egrets flew about as we explored the winding streams, leading us to look closer at the nooks and corners of this expansive habitat. Our evening consisted of drinks and conversation with friends, presentations by our natural history staff, and an incredible dinner prepared by our galley team. We have all been looking forward to this trip, and day one proves that our expectations will be met.
2022-24 Voyages
