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.

Rand Nature Center

Established: 1992 Size: 100 Acres Acquired by the BNT in 1992 the Rand Nature Centre comprises 100 Acres of natural beauty near the heart of downtown Freeport, Grand Bahama. The Rand Nature Centre boasts a two thousand foot trail, which winds through natural coppice and pine barrens. The Centre is now the home of the administrative office of the BNT in Grand Bahama.

Tilloo Cay Reserve

Eleven Acres of wild and pristine natural environment that provides nesting for Tropic birds as well as other seabirds.

The Retreat

An eleven acre garden of rare and exotic palms and native coppice in residential Nassau. It houses one of the largest private collections of palms in the world. The Administrative headquarters and educational center of the Bahamas National Trust is located at The Retreat on Village Road.

Union Creek Reserve

Seven square miles of enclosed tidal creek on Great Inagua serves as a very important research site for sea turtles, especially the Green Turtle.

Walker's Cay National Park

The northern most island in the Bahamas. Walker's Cay is fringed by its own barrier reef. The stunning coral formations and surrounding marine environment host schools of pompano and amberjack, large marine predators, such as sharks and barracudas, multitudes of colorful tropical fish, turtles and eagle rays.

West Side National Park

This park encompasses a vast area of coastal mangrove habitat that is an important nursery area for conch, lobster and fish. It is also a prime bonefishing area and is utilized by the endangered Andros Rock Iguana and many bird species, including the West Indian Flamingo.

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