Peterson Cay, a tiny island off the south shore of Grand Bahama, is home to Peterson Cay National Park, the smallest national park in the Bahamas, covering only 1.5 acres. Small though it may be, the cay is home to one of the most beautiful reefs in the Bahamas, and the gorgeous coral structures are replete with snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Past the initial soft coral near the beach, the main reef is a short swim off the shore, so be sure to go past the initial soft-branch. There is also a wide variety of aquatic life that calls the reef home, so keep your eyes out for tropical fish, and even manta rays and barracuda.
The pristine sandy beaches provide a perfect spot for quiet relaxation and afternoon picnics, and the calm atmosphere of the island is ideal for any Bahaman vacation.
Access to Peterson Cay National Park is by boat only. You can either hire a boat out of Port Lucaya Marina, or take a kayak yourself out of Barbary Beach. Be sure to exercise caution when kayaking up to the cay, avoiding the delicate coral reefs.
As with any Bahaman national park, it is illegal to take shells, vegetation, or pieces of coral off of the island, so be sure to leave it where it lies.
