Active Pursuits

Pink Sands Beach is our favorite strand in all of The Bahamas; its sands stretch for 5 uninterrupted kilometers (3 miles). Although the beach is set against a backdrop of low-rise hotels and villas, it still feels tranquil and pristine. The sun is best in the morning (afternoons become shadowy), and the water is generally gentle, owing to an offshore reef that breaks waves coming in from the Atlantic. It has many good snorkeling spots and is also the island's best place for a long, leisurely morning stroll.

The diving in this part of The Bahamas is among the most diverse in the region. The most spectacular site, judged among the top 10 dives in the world, is Current Cut Dive, which is also one of the world's fastest (9 knots) drift dives. It involves descending into the water flow that races between the rock walls forming the underwater chasm between Eleuthera and Current Island. Swept up in the currents with schools of stingrays, mako sharks, and reef fish, divers are propelled 1km (2/3 mile) of underwater distance in less than 10 minutes. This dive may become one of the highlights of your entire life.

Valentines Dive Center, on the harborfront (tel. 242/333-2080; www.valentinesdive.com), offers a full range of dive activities. It's centered in a blue-painted wooden building near the entrance to the marina at the Valentines Resort. Lessons in snorkeling and scuba diving for beginners are given daily at 10am. Snorkeling trips cost US$60 per half-day, including equipment. A two-tank dive goes for US$100, with night dives costing US$105.

Lil' Shan's Watersports, Bay Street (tel. 242/422-9343; www.lswatersports.com), offers everything from scuba diving to boat rentals and fishing trips. A two-stop snorkeling jaunt goes for US$55 per person, including gear. The staff here also offers special kids' programs.

Another worthy outfitter for exploring the watery depths around Harbour Island is Ocean Fox, Marina Road (tel. 877/252-3594 or 242/333-6300; www.oceanfox.com). A snorkeling expedition with two stops costs US$55 per person, including gear, and two-tank dives are competitively priced with rates charged at Valentines.

If you're looking to rent a motorboat, try Michael's Cycles, Colebrook Street (tel. 242/333-2384 or 464-0994), near Sea Grapes nightclub. Plan to spend about US$80 for a full day on a 4m (13-ft.) boat, or US$100 for a half-day or US$150 for a full day on a 5m (16-ft.) boat; rates do not include the gas charge. Kayaks go for US$40 per day.

To book fishing guides and charters, you can either go through your hotel or contact the previously mentioned Valentines Dive Center (tel. 242/333-2080; www.valentinesdive.com), on the harbor side of the island in Dunmore Town.