Acklins-Crooked Island

The Acklins-Crooked Islands were virtually uninhabited until the 1780's when American plantation owners brought their slaves over from the United States. They started a cotton industry, which was short lived due to emancipation and the erosion of the soil base. Sponge diving then became the livelihood of the locals until such time as a natural fungus decimated the sea sponge. Fishing and farming now make up the economic tool of the islands' inhabitants. The Acklins-Crooked Islands are just two of a four-group island chain. Acklins' island is one of the least populated (428 people - 2000 Census) and least known islands in the Bahamas. It lies within the Bight of Acklins, which is a bend in the seacoast that forms an open bay. This island, which is located in the southeast (120 square miles), along with Crooked Island (in the north and roughly 76 square miles, population of 350 according to the 2000 census), Long Cay (formerly known as Fortune Island and just 8 square miles), and Castle Island comprise the four islands that make up the Bight of Acklins. The Acklins' terrain is hilly with spectacular rock formations and along the coastline you can navigate the hidden coves and beautiful beaches. The quietness of this island provides a perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, deep-sea fishing, sailing, Acklins-Crooked Island snorkeling, and scuba diving. Crooked Island is quiet and remote and is beseeched by a "jasmine-like" fragrance from the heavens. It has limestone caves along the beautiful white sand beaches that stretch for miles and await your exploration. A great amount of bird life throughout these islands await the bird enthusiasts. Divers are treated to coral gardens, shelves and reefs. If game fishing is your hobby, don't leave out Crooked Island with its' deep creeks and tidal flats.