If you are looking for a tropical getaway that offers more than just sun, sand and sea, the Bahamas might be your ideal destination. The Bahamas is a Caribbean country of 700 islands, each with its own unique culture, history and natural beauty. Whether you want to explore the underwater wonders of the world’s third-largest barrier reef, discover the hidden gems of the Out Islands, or immerse yourself in the local traditions and folklore, there is something for everyone in the Bahamas. Here are 10 amazing experiences that you can enjoy in this Caribbean paradise.

Exuma: Feed the swimming pigs

Exuma is a chain of over 300 islands and cays that offer some of the most pristine and secluded beaches in the Bahamas. Exuma is also famous for its swimming pigs, who live on an uninhabited island called Big Major Cay. These adorable animals have become a tourist attraction, as they swim out to greet boats and beg for food. You can feed them carrots, apples or bread, but be careful not to get too close to their mouths or hooves.

Andros: Dive into the blue holes

Andros is the largest and least populated island in the Bahamas, and a haven for divers and nature lovers. The island is home to over 200 blue holes, which are underwater sinkholes that form natural pools of crystal-clear water. Some of the blue holes are connected by an extensive network of caves and tunnels, creating a fascinating underwater world to explore. You can also visit the Andros Barrier Reef, the world’s third-largest fringing barrier reef, which teems with marine life and coral formations.

Cat Island: Climb to the highest point

Cat Island is one of the most beautiful and authentic islands in the Bahamas, where you can experience the traditional Bahamian culture and lifestyle. The island is named after the pirate Arthur Catt, who used it as a base in the 18th century. One of the island’s main attractions is Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas at 206 feet above sea level. At the top of the hill, you can visit the Hermitage, a small stone monastery built by Father Jerome, a priest and architect who lived on the island in the 1930s.

Bimini: Swim with wild dolphins

Bimini is a small island chain that lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, making it a popular destination for boaters and anglers. Bimini is also known for its friendly and playful population of wild dolphins, who often approach boats and swimmers in the clear waters. You can join a dolphin encounter tour and get up close and personal with these amazing creatures, or snorkel or dive among them in their natural habitat.

Eleuthera: Visit the Glass Window Bridge

Eleuthera is a long and narrow island that boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the Bahamas, including the famous pink sand beach of Harbour Island. One of the most spectacular sights on Eleuthera is the Glass Window Bridge, a narrow strip of land that connects the northern and southern parts of the island. The bridge offers a breathtaking view of the contrast between the dark blue Atlantic Ocean on one side and the turquoise Caribbean Sea on the other.

Grand Bahama: Explore Lucayan National Park

Grand Bahama is one of the most developed and visited islands in the Bahamas, but it also has some hidden natural treasures. Lucayan National Park is a 40-acre reserve that protects a variety of ecosystems, including mangroves, pine forests, beaches and dunes. The park also features one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world, with over six miles of passages and chambers. You can take a guided tour of the caves, or kayak through the mangroves and spot birds, fish and turtles.

Long Island: See the world’s deepest blue hole

Long Island is a 75-mile-long island that offers a diverse landscape of rolling hills, rocky cliffs, white sand beaches and lush green valleys. The island’s most famous attraction is Dean’s Blue Hole, the world’s deepest blue hole with a depth of over 600 feet. The blue hole is a popular spot for free diving, snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as for watching the sunset over the water.

San Salvador: Follow the footsteps of Columbus

San Salvador is a small and remote island that claims to be the first landfall of Christopher Columbus in the New World in 1492. The island has several monuments and landmarks that commemorate the historic event, such as a stone cross erected by Columbus, a replica of his ship the Santa Maria, and a museum that displays artifacts and maps. You can also enjoy the island’s pristine beaches, coral reefs and saltwater lakes.

Inagua: Watch the flamingos

Inagua is the southernmost and most isolated island in the Bahamas, and home to the largest breeding colony of West Indian flamingos in the world. The island’s national park covers more than half of its area and hosts over 80,000 flamingos, as well as other rare birds and wildlife. You can take a guided tour of the park and watch the flamingos feed, nest and perform their mating rituals.

Acklins and Crooked Island: Experience the bonefishing capital

Acklins and Crooked Island are two of the most untouched and unspoiled islands in the Bahamas, with a population of less than 1,000 people. The islands are renowned for their bonefishing, which is a type of fly fishing that targets bonefish, a fast and elusive fish that lives in shallow waters. You can find some of the best bonefishing spots in the world on these islands, as well as enjoy their scenic beauty and tranquility.