The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is a non-profit, non-governmental, membership organization founded in 1958 to protect some of the most beautiful and unique natural areas on earth. There are now over 32 legally designated National Parks spread over two million acres of ocean, tidal zones, and coastal land.

The BNT’s mission does not end with the National Parks. The livelihood of every Bahamian is, one way or the other, dependent on tourism, an industry that is built on the natural assets of the country, so the BNT has a critical role in safeguarding the country’s economic future, as well as the sustainability of its harvest from the ocean. Imagine the Bahamas without the conch, Nassau grouper, and Spiny Lobster.

The Bahamas is still a relatively young, developing country taking on the challenge of governing an archipelago the size of Michigan, but with only the population of Cleveland, Ohio (385,000), and with 30 airports and power plants to maintain, as well as even more clinics, and schools unconnected by roads.

In short, the BNT’s budget is overwhelmed by the scale of its responsibilities. If the world-class natural treasures of the Bahamas are to be protected for future generations, a benefit not limited to the Bahamian population, it can only be done with the help of the international community.

BahamasGirl supports the passionate and dedicated people of the Bahamas National Trust. You can make a difference by becoming a member today.

When we think of The Bahamas the first things that come to mind are the pretty blue waters, the pink sand beaches, and of course those swimming pigs.

But there is so much more to this amazing place. The Bahamas has an extensive and diverse National Park system that includes some of the world’s most beautiful natural aquatic habitat that is home to spectacular corals, amazing fish and shells, graceful rays and sharks, flamingos and much more.

This summer we visited The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the world’s first protected area of its kind was created in 1959 by the same legislation that established the Bahamas National Trust. 

Jeep Reef, named for the coral encrusted wreck, is a rich and flourishing coral reef located in the center of the Exuma Marine Park. It is one of the healthiest reefs you will come across in part due to the strong current flowing over it. Diving is best at slack tide.

The Aquarium is another nice snorkeling area with a variety of fish and a few turtles.

Rocky Dundas in the Exuma Land & Sea Park is a hidden treasure. Two unobtrusive entrances, only easily accessible when the tide is low, open up into mysterious high caves. The magical atmosphere inside is enhanced by the purple, pink, and green natural colors of the algae covering the walls and the stalactites and stalagmites watching over you. The caves are thousands of years old and in pristine natural condition.

Danger Reef is one of the spectacular and healthy coral reef ecosystems in The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Although feeding the sharks is now banned, the Danger Reef in the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park is home to a large congregation of Caribbean Reef Sharks. In 2011 the BNT pushed for changes in the law to protect sharks so that Danger Reef is now one of a number Shark Sanctuaries in the Bahamas that makes it a unique area to experience these magnificent creatures.

One of the many airplane wrecks in the Bahamas.