Where Are Acklins & Crooked Island? Location, Map & Travel Planning Guide
INTRODUCTION
Many travelers planning an Out Islands vacation first ask a simple question: Where are Acklins & Crooked Island? Located in the southeastern Bahamas, these neighboring islands form part of a remote atoll surrounding the expansive Bight of Acklins, one of the country's largest shallow marine lagoons. Unlike the more developed tourism hubs of Nassau or Grand Bahama, Acklins & Crooked Island offer quiet settlements, uncrowded beaches, exceptional bonefishing flats, and a landscape shaped by marine ecosystems and history.
Understanding where the islands are located also makes planning transportation, accommodations, and activities much easier. Whether you're visiting for boating, fishing, birdwatching, snorkeling, or simply exploring one of The Bahamas' least-developed destinations, this guide explains where Acklins & Crooked Island are and how they fit into the wider Bahamian archipelago.
For a complete overview of attractions, beaches, accommodations, and experiences, continue to our Ultimate Acklins & Crooked Travel Guide.
WHERE ARE ACKLINS & CROOKED ISLAND LOCATED?
Acklins and Crooked Island are located in the southeastern Bahamas, approximately 240 miles (385 km) southeast of Nassau. Together with Long Cay, they form a natural atoll that surrounds the Bight of Acklins, an immense shallow lagoon renowned for boating and world-class bonefishing.
Because of their remote location, the islands remain among the least-developed destinations in The Bahamas, offering visitors a quieter alternative to busier resort areas.
UNDERSTANDING THE ACKLINS–CROOKED ISLAND ATOLL
Rather than being a single island, Acklins & Crooked Island are part of a connected island group consisting of:
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Acklins Island
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Crooked Island
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Long Cay
These islands wrap around the Bight of Acklins, whose shallow waters, sand flats, tidal creeks, and seagrass beds create one of the country's most significant marine environments.
The surrounding reefs, channels, and coastal habitats support boating, snorkeling, fishing, birdwatching, and marine wildlife.
NEARBY ISLANDS AND GEOGRAPHIC RELATIONSHIPS
Acklins & Crooked Island are surrounded by several other southeastern Bahamian islands, including:
These geographic relationships make the islands part of a broader network of remote Out Island destinations known for nature, maritime history, and outdoor recreation.
HOW TO GET TO ACKLINS & CROOKED ISLAND
Most visitors arrive by domestic air service from Nassau.
The primary airports include:
Ferry services also connect Acklins with Crooked Island and Long Cay, providing another option for inter-island travel.
Because transportation schedules are limited compared with larger islands, advance planning is recommended.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN SETTLEMENTS?
Visitors will encounter several small communities that serve as gateways to accommodations, restaurants, marinas, and local services.
Important settlements include:
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Spring Point
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Colonel Hill
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Pitts Town Point
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Lovely Bay
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Salina Point
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Snug Corner
These communities maintain the relaxed character that defines the Acklins & Crooked Island experience.
WHY DO TRAVELERS VISIT THIS PART OF THE BAHAMAS?
The location of Acklins & Crooked Island makes them particularly attractive to travelers seeking natural experiences rather than resort-focused vacations.
Popular activities include:
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Bonefishing
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Boating
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Snorkeling
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Scuba diving
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Beachcombing
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Birdwatching
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Kayaking
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Photography
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Historical exploration
The extensive flats surrounding the Bight of Acklins are internationally recognized among fly-fishing enthusiasts.
WHAT MAKES THE LOCATION UNIQUE?
Several geographic features distinguish Acklins & Crooked Island from many other Bahamian destinations.
These include:
These characteristics have helped preserve much of the islands' natural environment.
TRAVELER PLANNING INFORMATION
Nearest Major Gateway
Nassau is the primary domestic connection for flights to Acklins & Crooked Island.
Transportation
Domestic flights, rental vehicles, local taxis, and ferries between neighboring islands.
Best For
Nature lovers, anglers, photographers, boaters, couples, and travelers seeking quieter Out Island experiences.
Accessibility
Road networks connect the principal settlements, while many beaches and marine attractions require a vehicle or boat.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round, with seasonal differences for fishing, boating, and weather.
FAQ SECTION
Where are Acklins & Crooked Island located?
They are located in the southeastern Bahamas and form part of an atoll surrounding the Bight of Acklins.
What islands are included in the Acklins group?
The atoll consists primarily of Acklins Island, Crooked Island, and Long Cay.
How do you get to Acklins & Crooked Island?
Most visitors fly from Nassau to Spring Point Airport or Colonel Hill Airport. Ferry connections are also available between some islands.
Is Acklins connected to Crooked Island?
The islands are separated by the Bight of Acklins and connected by ferry services rather than bridges.
Why is the Bight of Acklins important?
The Bight is one of the largest shallow marine lagoons in The Bahamas and is internationally known for bonefishing, boating, and diverse marine habitats.
Are Acklins & Crooked Island good for first-time visitors to The Bahamas?
Yes, particularly for travelers seeking nature, quiet beaches, boating, fishing, and authentic Out Island experiences rather than large resorts.
Can you visit Long Cay from Acklins?
Yes. Long Cay is part of the same island group and is accessible by ferry or private boat.
EXPLORE MORE ACKLINS & CROOKED ISLAND GUIDES
LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT
Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Spring Point, Colonel Hill, Pitts Town Point, and the Bight of Acklins together form one of the most geographically distinctive island groups in The Bahamas. Their shallow marine environments, coral reefs, tidal flats, and historic settlements create ideal conditions for boating, fishing, snorkeling, wildlife observation, and coastal exploration. Understanding where these islands are located also helps travelers appreciate their close relationship with the wider Out Islands network and the natural landscapes that define southeastern The Bahamas.
CONCLUSION
Knowing where Acklins & Crooked Island are is the first step toward planning a rewarding Out Islands adventure. Their remote southeastern location, surrounding marine ecosystems, and small island communities offer a very different experience from the country's larger tourism centers. Whether you're arriving for bonefishing, boating, beaches, or simply to experience one of The Bahamas' most peaceful destinations, this island group rewards travelers who value nature, space, and authentic island life. Continue with our Ultimate Acklins & Crooked Travel Guide to discover accommodations, attractions, and detailed itinerary ideas.
Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Bight of Acklins, Spring Point, Colonel Hill, Pitts Town Point, Nassau, Bahamas Out Islands, coral reefs, tidal flats, bonefishing, boating, snorkeling, birdwatching, beaches, limestone coastline, domestic flights, ferry, rental car, island geography, marine ecosystems
Upadated as of July 2026.