The National Parks of The Bahamas

"National Parks are one of the greatest legacies to be left to future generations. Their tremendous value to The Bahamas spans economic, ecological and social realms."

Bahamas National Park System

27 National Parks
More than 1 million acres is currently protected including marine and terrestrial sites.
With more to come in the future!

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Background info

The Bahamas National Park System is at the heart of the Trust's mandate. Within our parks are many unique features, critical habitats and endangered species. Bahamian Parks are treasure-troves of biodiversity as well as areas of pure aesthetic beauty. The system protects the world's largest breeding colony of West Indian Flamingos, one of the world's longest underwater cave systems, a critically important sea turtle research facility and one of the most successful marine fishery reserves in the Wider Caribbean.
The global conservation community recognizes the establishment and management of national parks and protected areas as the "pinnacle" of a country's efforts to protect its biodiversity. In 2002 the National Park System of The Bahamas was doubled in size, an unprecedented accomplishment in protected area history. Ten new National Parks were created, protecting both marine and terrestrial territories, bringing the total acreage of the national system to more than 1 million.

This accomplishment was as a result of years of preparatory work and cultivation in local communities, with government and with other stakeholders.

Non-consumptive use of natural resources within park boundaries can provide significant economic contributions to communities near national parks. Many organizations charged with National Park management report a significant multiplier effect for new jobs in the wider community for each job established within the park.

In addition, the tremendous replenishment value of marine protected areas in The Bahamas to national fishery resources has now been well documented (see the success story of the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park), spawning national efforts to duplicate such areas in strategic locations throughout the Bahamian archipelago.

Effective management and protection of national parks and protected areas, on-going expansion of the system to include appropriate representation and protection for Bahamian biodiversity and an active nation-wide membership support base remain key objectives for the Bahamas National Trust.

Hope Great House

Located on the west coast of Crooked Island a mile northeast of Landrail Point, these two Loyalist compounds include an artillery battery and plantation house with kitchen. These well preserved historic properties were handed over to the Bahamas National Trust by Herbert A. McKinney.

Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve

Located in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, the Preserve is operated by the Bahamas National Trust and funded by the Leon Levy Foundation. It was developed by Shelby White, trustee of the Foundation, in honour of her late husband, Leon Levy. The Preserve will be a living part of Bahamian history. It is the first national park on the island of Eleuthera. It is an environmental educational centre as well as a facility for the propagation of native plants and trees.

Little Inagua National Park

Remote inaccessible and with no fresh water. Little Inagua is by far the largest Uninhabited island in the Wider Caribbean. The island exists in a natural undisturbed state and the biodiversity implications and values of this are enormous. Ocean currents flow through the Bahamas from southeast to the northwest.

Lucayan National Park

East of Freeport, Grand Bahama, this 40 acre park encompasses one of the longest known underwater cave systems in the world with over six miles of caves and tunnels already charted. Above ground it exhibits every vegetative zone found in the Bahamas.

Marine Farm

Located on the west coast of Crooked Island a mile northeast of Landrail Point, this Loyalist compound includes an artillery battery and living quarters. This well preserved historic property was handed over to the Bahamas National Trust by Herbert A. McKinney.

Moriah Harbour Cay National Park

Moriah Harbour Cay and its marine environs area a vital part of the ecosystem between the Great and Little Exuma. It encompasses pristine beaches, sand dunes, mangrove creeks, and sea grass beds. A variety of bird life nests there, including the gull-billed and least terns, nighthawks, plovers, oyster catchers and resident pair of ospreys.

North & South Marine Parks

Andros has the third longest barrier reef in the world. These two parks were established to help preserve significant parts of this valuable reef ecosystem.

Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park

Located 8 miles north of Cherokee Sound, Great Abaco, this 2,100 acre land and sea area is a sister park to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. It contains beautiful undersea caves, extensive coral reefs and abounds with terrestrial plant and animal life.

Peterson Cay National Park

A one and half acre geological wonder, being the only cay off Grand Bahama's leeward shore. This beautiful park is one of Grand Bahamas most heavily used getaway spots. The surrounding marine area is ideal for snorkeling.

Primeval Forest National Park

Entering this area is a step back in time. Remarkably undisturbed, this old-growth forest is representative of the early evergreen tropical hardwood forests of the Bahamas. Located in the southwest portion of New Providence, this area features dramatic sinkholes- unique limestone "caverns" up to 50 feet long, 30 feet wide, and in some cases 30 feet deep. Similar features elsewhere in the Bahamas have provided fossil and sub-fossil remains of Bahamian fauna as w

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