Pink Sands Beach is our favorite strand in all 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 start to become shadowy), and waves are generally gentle, owing to an offshore reef that breaks waves coming in from the Atlantic. Many places are good for snorkeling, and this beach is also the best place on the island 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 10 top dives in the world, is Current Cut Dive. One of the fastest (9 knots) drift dives in the world, it involves descending into the water flow racing between the rock walls that form 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 along 1km (2/3 mile) of underwater distance in less than 10 minutes. The dive may be one of the highlights of your whole life.
Valentine's Dive Center, Harbourfront (tel. 242/333-2080; www.valentinesdive.com), maintains a full range of dive activities. The dive center is in a wooden building near the entrance to Valentine's Marina. Lessons in snorkeling and scuba diving for beginners are given daily at 10am. Snorkeling trips cost $45 (£24) per half-day, including equipment. A two-tank dive goes for $75 (£40), with night dives costing $85 (£45).
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 $45 (£24) per person, including gear. The staff here also offers special kids' programs.
You can rent a motorboat through Michael's Cycles (tel. 242/333-2384 or 242/464-0994), on Colebrook Street near Seagrapes nightclub. Plan to spend about $75 (£40) for a full day on a 4m (13-ft.) boat, and $100 (£53) for a half-day or $150 (£80) for a full day on a 5m (16-ft.) boat (rates do not include gas charge). Kayaks go for $40 (£21) a day.
You can make arrangements for fishing guides and charters through your hotel or by contacting Valentine's Dive Center (tel. 242/333-2080; www.valentinesdive.com), on the harbor side of the island in Dunmore Town.
