Lucayan National Park: This park on Grand Bahama Island is the site of a 9.5km- (6-mile-) long, underground, freshwater cave system, the longest of its type in the world. The largest cave contains spiral staircases that lead visitors into a freshwater world inhabited by shrimp, mosquito fish, fruit bats, freshwater eels, and a species of crustacean (Spelionectes lucayensis) that has never been documented elsewhere. On the 16-hectare (40-acre) preserve you'll find examples of the island's five ecosystems -- pine forests, rocky coppice, mangrove swamps, whiteland coppice, and sand dunes. Pause to sunbathe on a lovely stretch of sandy beach, or hike along paths where you can spot orchids, hummingbirds, and barn owls.

Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park: Known for its undersea caves, seemingly endless coral reefs, and abundant plant and marine life, this park, 13km (8 miles) north of Cherokee Sound at Great Abaco Island, is a highlight for scuba divers.

Exuma Cays National Land and Sea Park: A major attraction of The Bahamas, this park is the first of its kind anywhere on the planet. The 35km- (22-mile-) long, 13km- (8-mile-) wide natural preserve attracts scuba divers to its 453 sq. km (175 sq. miles) of sea gardens with spectacular reefs, flora, and fauna. Inaugurated in 1958, it lies some 35km (22 miles) northwest of Staniel Cay or 64km (40 miles) southeast of Nassau and is accessible only by boat.

Great Inagua: This sleepy island in the Southern Bahamas is internationally famous for its colony of wild West Indian flamingos, the world's largest. In local dialect, these birds are sometimes called "fillymingos" or "flamingas."