4 Best Sights in Andros, Bimini, and the Berry Islands, Bahamas

Often featured on Discovery Channel and other TV shows, the Bimini Biological Field Station Foundation's Sharklab was founded decades ago by Dr. Samuel Gruber, a shark biologist at the University of Miami. Important research on the lemon, hammerhead, nurse, bull, and other shark species has furthered awareness and understanding of the misunderstood creatures. Visitors can tour the lab at low tide. The highlight is wading into the bay, where the lab keeps several lemon sharks, rotating them on a regular basis. The tour leader gets in the pen with the sharks, captures one in a net, and speaks about its behaviors and common misconceptions people have of the lemon. The hands-on presentation, done by the research assistants or researchers themselves, is entertaining and educational. Tours are offered daily, but visitors must call in advance; the times aim for low tide. This is a special vacation highlight for families with children.

Developed by Bimini Sands Resort on undeveloped property, this mile-loop trail is one of the best of its kind in The Bahamas. Its slight rise in elevation means a lovely shaded walk under hardwood trees such as gumbo-limbos, poisonwood (marked with "Don't Touch" signs), and buttonwood. Check out the ruins of the historic Conch House, a great place for sunset-gazing. There is also a pirate's well exhibit devoted to the island's swashbuckling history. Excellent signage guides you through the island's fauna and flora if you prefer doing a self-guided tour. However, for the best interpretation and learning experience, book a guided tour through the front desk at Bimini Sands. Kids always love petting the indigenous Bimini boa on the guided tour. The trail was recently improved by Bahamian bird-watchers such as Erika Gates of Freeport's famous Garden of the Groves reserve.

Patrons of Bimini Sands Resort & Marina are not the only ones who love the mile-long Bimini Sands beach. This gorgeous stretch of white-sand powder, with its offshore snorkeling, is so enticing that vacationers from North Bimini and even Floridians often take the quick ferry over or boat across the Gulf Stream for the day. The southern cove and point once had facilities that are, at this writing, closed, but the beach and beautiful waters are still a magnet for boaters. To clear Bahamas Customs, who are stationed at the airport, it's best to slide into the Bimini Sands marina, where you have access to amenities, including the Pool Bar and a freshwater pool. The southern beach gets particularly busy during spring break, but the northern stretch stays relatively secluded. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: partiers; snorkeling; swimming

Famous explorer Juan Ponce de León heard about a Fountain of Youth possibly located in Bimini, so in 1513, on his way to discovering Florida and the Gulf Stream, he landed on Bimini but never found the fountain. The historical result? Somehow Biminites adopted a freshwater natural well that was carved out of limestone by groundwater thousands of years ago and used it to commemorate Ponce de León’s search. Now there’s a plaque to celebrate the myth. So, nonetheless, go there and make a wish (without casting a penny—this is an eco-island). You'll find the Fountain of Youth on the road to the airport.