Inagua, The Bahamas Travel Guide

Discover Inagua in The Bahamas: A sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, boasting pristine beaches, vibrant birdlife, and stunning natural landscapes.

Inagua, the southernmost district of The Bahamas, is a paradise for nature lovers. It consists of two main islands, Great Inagua and Little Inagua. Great Inagua is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich wildlife, making it a perfect destination for eco-tourists. The island is home to the third-largest flamingo colony in the world, with over 80,000 of these majestic birds thriving in the Inagua National Park. This park also hosts other exotic birds and is a sanctuary for the endangered Bahama Parrot. The island's landscapes are equally captivating. From the serene salt ponds, which are a major part of the island's economy, to the rugged cliffs and pristine beaches, Inagua offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and tranquility. Visitors can explore the Morton Salt Company's operations, which produce some of the purest salt in the world. The historic lighthouse, built in 1870, provides panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean. Little Inagua, an uninhabited island, is a haven for marine life. It is surrounded by a coral reef teeming with fish, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving. The island's untouched beaches offer a secluded escape for those looking to experience the raw beauty of The Bahamas.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Inagua.

Visit Inagua National Park early in the morning for the best bird-watching experience, especially to see the flamingos.
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the sun can be intense, and facilities are limited.
Consider hiring a local guide to explore the island's hidden gems and learn about its history and ecology.
Check the weather forecast before planning a trip to Little Inagua, as the waters can be rough.
Don't miss the opportunity to tour the Morton Salt Company to see the salt production process.

Destinations in Inagua

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Inagua Islands

Explore Inagua: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Inagua

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Inagua Islands

Explore the stunning natural beauty and rich wildlife of the Inagua Islands, a tranquil paradise in the heart of the Bahamas.

4.8

Great Inagua Lighthouse

Discover the Great Inagua Lighthouse, a historic gem offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the Bahamas' maritime heritage.

4.6

Bahamas National Trust Office

Explore conservation and biodiversity at the Bahamas National Trust Office in Matthew Town, your gateway to the islands' natural beauty.

3.7

Little Inagua Island

Explore the untouched paradise of Little Inagua Island in the Bahamas, where pristine beaches and vibrant ecosystems await nature enthusiasts.

4.4

Best landmarks in Inagua

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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Fort Fincastle

Explore Fort Fincastle, an iconic historical landmark in Nassau, offering stunning views and a rich glimpse into Bahamian history.

4.2

Inagua Islands

Explore the enchanting Inagua Islands, a hidden Bahamian paradise with breathtaking scenery, rich wildlife, and tranquil beaches for unforgettable experiences.

4.8

Enrica's Inn

Discover the charming Enrica's Inn in Matthew Town, a perfect blend of comfort and local culture in the beautiful Bahamas.

4.3

Great Inagua Lighthouse

Uncover the charm of the Great Inagua Lighthouse, a historical landmark with stunning coastal views and rich maritime heritage in the Bahamas.

4.6

Best restaurants in Inagua

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Viola's bar and grill

Discover authentic Bahamian cuisine at Viola's Bar and Grill on Paradise Island—where every meal is a taste of paradise.

4.0

Dune

Experience culinary excellence at Dune on Paradise Island with fresh seafood and stunning ocean views in an elegant atmosphere.

4.3

Meze Grill

Discover a delightful fusion of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine at Meze Grill in Nassau—where every meal is a flavorful journey.

4.4

Poseidon’s Table

Indulge in an exquisite buffet experience at Poseidon’s Table on Paradise Island—where culinary artistry meets oceanic elegance.

4.0

Best bars in Inagua

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Tiki Bikini Hut

Discover Tiki Bikini Hut at Junkanoo Beach, Nassau - where vibrant cocktails and a lively atmosphere meet stunning ocean views.

4.2

The Green Parrot - Harbour Front

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean at The Green Parrot, a delightful restaurant on Nassau's stunning harbour front.

4.1

Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious flavors at Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill, your perfect beachside retreat in the Bahamas.

4.2

The Bearded Clam Sports Bar & Restaurant

Experience the vibrant flavors of Nassau at The Bearded Clam Sports Bar & Restaurant, where great food meets lively atmosphere.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Inagua

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Tiki Bikini Hut

Discover the vibrant Tiki Bikini Hut at Junkanoo Beach in Nassau – your ultimate tropical bar escape in the Bahamas!

4.2

Da Daiquiri Shack

Discover Nassau's vibrant bar scene at Da Daiquiri Shack, where delicious daiquiris and a lively atmosphere await.

4.7

Xscape Lounge & Nightclub

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Xscape Lounge & Nightclub in Nassau, where unforgettable memories and electrifying entertainment await every visitor.

4.6

Aura

Experience the electrifying atmosphere of Aura, the premier nightclub in Paradise Island, where unforgettable nights and world-class entertainment await you.

3.9

Best shops in Inagua

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Nassau Straw Market

Discover the vibrant Nassau Straw Market, where Bahamian culture meets unique handcrafted treasures in a lively shopping experience.

4.0

Port Lucaya Marketplace

Discover the vibrant culture, shopping, and dining at Port Lucaya Marketplace in Freeport, a must-visit destination in the Bahamas.

4.1

Exuma Markets

Discover Exuma Markets: Your one-stop grocery store in George Town for gourmet groceries and local delicacies.

4.1

Crystal Court Shops

Experience luxury shopping and local treasures at the Crystal Court Shops, the premier shopping destination on Paradise Island, Bahamas.

4.2

Explore Inagua on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Inagua, mapped for you.

Inagua Essentials

Inagua is accessible primarily by air. The main airport is Inagua International Airport (IGA) located on Great Inagua Island. Direct flights are available from Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, which is well-connected to major international destinations. Alternatively, private charters can be arranged. There are no ferry services to Inagua, making air travel the most convenient option.
Transportation options on Inagua are limited. Car rentals are available at the airport and in Matthew Town, the largest settlement on Great Inagua. Bicycles and scooters can also be rented for short trips. Public transportation is not available, so taxis or arranged tours are the best options for exploring the island. Walking is a practical option for short distances within Matthew Town.
The official currency of The Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is pegged to the US Dollar (USD) at a 1:1 ratio. Both currencies are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and remote areas. There is an ATM in Matthew Town for cash withdrawals.
Inagua is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. There is a local police station and a small clinic in Matthew Town. For medical emergencies, it is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as the local medical facilities are limited. For minor health issues, there is a pharmacy in Matthew Town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid wearing very revealing clothing in public places. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Since public transport is not available, plan your travel accordingly. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'good day'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood delicacies and always express gratitude when served. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Inagua like a local, visit the local markets in Matthew Town to buy fresh produce and locally made goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Inagua National Park, home to the largest breeding colony of West Indian flamingos. For a unique experience, take a guided tour of the salt ponds, which are a vital part of the island's economy.

When is the best time to visit Inagua?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Inagua

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Inagua. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey
  [Hay]
- GoodbyeLater
  [Lay-ter]
- YesYeah
  [Yea]
- NoNah
  [Nah]
- Please/You're welcomeNo problem
  [No prob-lem]
- Thank youThanks
  [Thanks]
- Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [Sorry]
- How are you?How ya doin'?
  [How ya do-in?]
- Fine. And you?Good. An' you?
  [Good. An' you?]
- Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [Ya speak Eng-lish?]
- I don't understandI ain't gettin' it
  [I ain't get-tin' it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?
  [Can I see the men-u?]
- I don't eat meatI don't eat no meat
  [I don't eat no meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the bill?
  [Can I get the bill?]
- Help!Help!
  [Help!]
- Go away!Back off!
  [Back off!]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [Call the cops!]
- Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
  [Get a doc-tor!]
- I'm lostI lost myself
  [I lost my-self]
- I'm illI ain't feelin' well
  [I ain't feel-in' well]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
- I'm just lookingJust lookin'
  [Just look-in']
- How much is it?How much dat cost?
  [How much dat cost?]
- That's too expensiveDat too high
  [Dat too high]
- Can you lower the price?Can ya drop the price?
  [Can ya drop the price?]
- What time is it?Wha time it is?
  [Wha time it is?]
- It's one o'clockIt one o'clock
  [It one o'clock]
- Half past (10)Half past ten
  [Half past ten]
- MorningMornin'
  [Morn-in']
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
- EveningEvenin'
  [Even-in']
- YesterdayYestahday
  [Yes-ta-day]
- TodayToday
  [Today]
- TomorrowTomorrah
  [Tom-or-ra]
- 1One
  [One]
- 2Two
  [Two]
- 3Three
  [Three]
- 4Four
  [Four]
- 5Five
  [Five]
- 6Six
  [Six]
- 7Seven
  [Seven]
- 8Eight
  [Eight]
- 9Nine
  [Nine]
- 10Ten
  [Ten]
- Where's a/the...?Wha de ...?
  [Wha de ...?]
- What's the address?Wha di address?
  [Wha di ad-dress?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me on di map?
  [Can ya show me on di map?]
- When's the next (bus)?When di next bus?
  [When di next bus?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ...
  [A tick-et to ...]

History of Inagua

Inagua's earliest known inhabitants were the Lucayan people, who settled the islands around 600 AD. These indigenous people lived in harmony with the land, practicing fishing, farming, and hunting. Evidence of their presence can still be found in archaeological sites across the islands.
Inagua was first encountered by Europeans during Christopher Columbus's voyages in the late 15th century. Though not directly mentioned in his logs, the island group was part of the broader Bahamian archipelago that Columbus explored. The arrival of Europeans marked the beginning of significant changes for Inagua and its inhabitants.
In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Inagua became a notorious haven for pirates. The island's strategic location and abundance of natural harbors made it an ideal base for buccaneers like Captain Kidd and Blackbeard. The pirates used Inagua to launch attacks on Spanish galleons laden with treasure from the New World.
By the 19th century, Inagua's economy was largely driven by the salt industry. The island's extensive salt ponds were developed by American Loyalists who fled to the Bahamas after the American Revolutionary War. These salt ponds still operate today, making Inagua one of the largest producers of salt in the Caribbean.
Inagua officially became part of the British Empire in the early 18th century and remained under British control until The Bahamas gained independence in 1973. During the colonial period, Inagua's strategic location made it an important outpost for the British Navy, and the island saw the construction of several forts and lighthouses.
During World War II, Inagua played a strategic role due to its location. The United States established a naval base on the island to monitor German U-boat activity in the Caribbean. The remnants of this base can still be seen today, serving as a poignant reminder of the island's military significance during the war.
Founded in the 19th century, Matthew Town is the principal settlement on Great Inagua. Named after George Matthew, the then-Governor of The Bahamas, the town became the administrative and commercial hub of the island. It is home to historical buildings, including the 1870-built Inagua Lighthouse, which is still in operation.
Inagua is renowned for its rich biodiversity, particularly its flamingo population. The island is home to the Inagua National Park, established in 1965, which protects the West Indian flamingo and other wildlife. The park covers nearly half of Great Inagua and represents a significant effort in conservation and eco-tourism.