Acklins and Crooked Islands
The untouched paradise of little islands, located 240 miles southeast of the capital city Nassau were discovered by Columbus during his second landing. The islands of Acklins and Crooked are separate but mentioned as one because of their location in close proximity to each other. The waterway which connects the two islands was the one where Columbus sailed and later pirates thrived. The well-known landmark built in 1876, the Crooked Island Passage Light, can still be seen.
A Rugged Adventure
The boomerang shaped landmass has the smaller Crooked Island in the North and the Acklins in the South. The islands have the pristine beauty and nature persevered for the niche traveler. The remote islands do not have a fully developed tourist infrastructure, sometimes even the ubiquitous gadget, a cell-phone would be a worthless bauble here. So be advised to book and plan your trip in advance.
Attractions
The scent of Cascarilla bark, now used in Campari prompted Columbus to name the Crooked Island as Fragrant Island and you would experience the aroma of herbs when you set foot here. The glory of Crooked Island will unfold itself by a climb on the Colonial Hill. French Wells Bay with mangrove forest, Hope Great House and the Marine Farms Fortress are few names to remember. Acklins Island has similar climate, geography and virgin, unexplored land full of surprises.
How to Reach
You can land at Colonial Hill Airport on Crooked Island or at Spring Point airstrip on Acklins Island from Nassau. You can also board a mail-boat service at Potter’s Cay Dock in Nassau to reach any of the two islands. Be warned to inform your hotel of your ETA well in advance or may be rough it out in an adventurous style.