Crooked IslandOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt
Island paradise and turquoise waters of the Bahamas
Welcome to Crooked Island, a hidden gem in the Bahamas where time seems to stand still. Far from the tourist hustle, this boomerang-shaped island offers an authentic immersion into the natural beauty and history of the Caribbean. What to do on Crooked Island? Beyond its pristine beaches and turquoise waters perfect for diving and fishing, the island is full of treasures to explore. Stroll around Pittstown Point, where Loyalist history blends with a relaxed atmosphere, or set off to discover the majestic Bird Rock Lighthouse, offering unforgettable panoramic views. For an unusual activity, our outdoor escape game invites you to an immersive adventure. It's a fun way to discover the island's secrets through a captivating treasure hunt, transforming your exploration into a real treasure quest. Get ready for a memorable experience, combining relaxation and active discovery in this island paradise.
Unusual things to do in Crooked Island
For an unusual activity on Crooked Island, indulge in a different kind of exploration. Beyond the idyllic beaches and fishing spots, the island holds mysteries. Imagine yourself in the heart of the French Wells ruins, an old plantation, where history whispers through the remnants. Our treasure hunt offers an original outing, guiding you through little-known landscapes and local anecdotes, transforming every corner into a riddle to solve. It's a unique way to immerse yourself in the soul of Crooked Island, off the beaten path, and create unforgettable memories by solving outdoor challenges.
Things to do in Crooked Island with kids
Crooked Island is a fantastic destination for families. What to do with family on Crooked Island? Our outdoor escape games are perfectly suited, with a recommended minimum age of 8 for accompanied children. The playful aspect of our treasure hunts transforms island exploration into an exciting adventure for children and teens. Imagine them solving puzzles together, discovering hidden clues, and learning about the local environment and history in an interactive way. It's an activity that strengthens bonds, stimulates curiosity, and guarantees laughter and precious memories for the whole family, away from screens.
Crooked Island for couples
For a romantic getaway, Crooked Island as a couple promises intimacy and shared discoveries. Far from the crowds, you can wander hand in hand on deserted beaches, admire spectacular sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean or the Caribbean Sea. Explore the island's heritage together, such as the ruins of French Wells, which offer a historical setting for moments of contemplation. Our treasure hunts are designed to help you discover breathtaking views and secret corners, turning each challenge into an opportunity for complicity and wonder. A unique experience to strengthen your bond in the heart of a paradisiacal setting.
What to do in Crooked Island when it rains
On Crooked Island, the sun is often out, but what to do on a rainy day? Our outdoor escape games are designed to be played primarily outdoors. Let's be honest: an outdoor escape game course is by nature exposed to the elements. However, our game on Crooked Island has been designed to include approximately 80% of its route under arcades, covered passages, or natural shelters, offering significant protection from bad weather. This allows you to continue the adventure even if a tropical downpour surprises the island, ensuring your treasure hunt remains an enjoyable and practicable experience.
Where is Crooked Island, and where do the routes start?
Starting points of our routes and the places they pass through.
Route starting points
Places in Crooked Island
- Colonel Hill Government Complex
- St. John's Anglican Church
- Hope Great House Ruins
- Colonel Hill Dock
- Colonel Hill Viewpoint
- Crooked Island Airport
- Queen's Highway Segment
- View of the Bight of Acklins
The history of Crooked Island
From Lucayan Shores to Loyalist Plantations
Crooked Island, originally named Jumento by the indigenous Lucayan people, meaning "upper land of the middle distance," has a history stretching back centuries before European arrival. The Lucayans were an agricultural society who relied on the marine resources of the surrounding waters. Archaeological evidence suggests Lucayan settlements existed here.
Christopher Columbus landed on Crooked Island in 1492 during his first voyage to the Americas, naming it "Isabella" after Spain's Queen. For centuries, the island remained obscure until the late 1780s when American Loyalists, fleeing the American Revolutionary War, began to settle. These Loyalists established cotton plantations, bringing with them over 1,000 enslaved Africans. By the early 19th century, Crooked Island had more than 40 plantations.
The Rise and Fall of Industries
The cotton industry on Crooked Island proved difficult due to poor soils, periodic droughts, and hurricanes. After the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, these plantations became uneconomical, leading to their decline. The island's economy then shifted, with sponge diving providing income, followed by a period where salt production became a profitable industry in the 19th century, making Crooked Island one of the most prosperous islands in The Bahamas. However, the salt industry also declined in the 20th century. Today, the inhabitants primarily live by fishing and small-scale farming. Remnants of this past, including plantation ruins and fortifications, are visible across the island.
What to see in Crooked Island
- Hope Great House Ruins — These are the remains of a Loyalist-era plantation, first granted to George Gray in 1791. The main house and kitchen still stand, showing 18th and 19th-century plantation construction.
- Marine Farms Fortress — This abandoned British fort is at the northwest tip of Crooked Island. It was used during the War of 1812. Five solid iron cannons bearing the crest of King George V are still present, along with the foundations of barracks and storage buildings.
- Bird Rock Lighthouse — Built in 1876, this lighthouse stands at the northwest tip of Crooked Island, off Pittstown Point. It provides views of the ocean and surrounding cays.
- Colonel Hill Viewpoint — This location on Colonel Hill offers views of the island, the surrounding landscape, and the Bight of Acklins.
- St. John's Anglican Church — This church in Colonel Hill shows the island's religious heritage and community life. Its architecture reflects traditional Out Island styles.
- Twin Sisters Caves — These limestone caves contain geological formations and are part of local folklore.
- Pittstown Point — This settlement was home to the first post office in The Bahamas, established in the late 1700s. It has a secluded beach and a reef system.
When to visit Crooked Island
The period from December to April offers warm and sunny weather. During these months, humidity is lower, daytime temperatures average 25–31°C (77–88°F), evenings are cooler, and seas are calm. This is suitable for beach activities, snorkeling, and fishing. This is considered the peak season, but Crooked Island receives few tourists even then.
May to July has warmer temperatures and clearer waters, suitable for marine activities. The period from June to November is hurricane season; monitoring weather warnings is advised during these months.
Getting around Crooked Island
To reach Crooked Island, fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, then take a domestic flight to Colonel Hill Airport (CRI) on Crooked Island. Bahamasair operates flights twice a week from Nassau, typically on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Colonel Hill Airport has a 4,000-foot airstrip.
Once on the island, transportation is limited. Taxis are available; arranging transfers with your accommodation in advance is advisable. A government-owned ferry connects Crooked Island with Acklins Island, running daily about every hour from 9 AM to 4 PM, with a one-way fare of $5. When visiting settlements, greeting people politely before asking questions is customary, and dressing modestly away from the beach is appreciated.
Things you probably do not know about Crooked Island
Verified details most visitors walk straight past.
- Pittstown Point
- What made Pittstown Point a hub for sailors centuries ago, beyond its natural harbor? Pittstown Point was home to the first General Post Office in The Bahamas, established in the late 1700s, making it a crucial stop for American and Jamaican sailors traveling to Europe.
- Hope Great House Ruins
- The Hope Great House, now a ruin, was once at the center of a notorious legal battle. What was the accusation? In 1826, Henry Moss and his wife Helen, owners of Hope Great House, were accused and convicted of extreme cruelty to an enslaved person, marking one of the worst cases in Bahamian history.
- Marine Farms Fortress
- Beyond its role in the War of 1812, what unique feature can you still find at Marine Farms Fortress today? The Marine Farms Fortress, a British fort, still houses five solid iron cannons bearing the crest of King George V, serving as a tangible link to its 19th-century military past.
- Long Cay (formerly Fortune Island)
- What unexpected role did Long Cay play in a monumental 20th-century construction project? Long Cay, once known as Fortune Island, was a significant port of call where recruiters sought workers for the construction of the Panama Canal.
- Crooked Island's Flora
- What fragrant plant from Crooked Island has a surprising connection to a famous Italian liquor? The bittersweet Cascarilla bark, which grows abundantly on Crooked Island, is a main source of income for locals who sell it by the pound to Italian manufacturers for Campari liquor.
- Colonel Hill
- What is the primary reason why Colonel Hill is considered the capital of Crooked Island? Colonel Hill is the island's capital because it's where the government offices are located, making it the administrative center of Crooked Island.
Questions about visiting Crooked Island
How do I get around Crooked Island?
Getting around Crooked Island typically involves taxis, which should ideally be arranged in advance through your accommodation. A government-operated ferry also connects Crooked Island to Acklins Island, running hourly from 9 AM to 4 PM for a small fee.
How long should I stay on Crooked Island?
To experience Crooked Island's environment, explore its historical sites, and enjoy marine activities, a stay of 3 to 5 days is often recommended. This allows for relaxation and discovery at the island's pace.
What are the main settlements on Crooked Island?
The main settlements on Crooked Island include Colonel Hill, which is the capital, as well as Major's Cay, Landrail Point, and Pittstown. Each offers a perspective on local life and access to different parts of the island.
What is the typical budget for a trip to Crooked Island?
Crooked Island is one of the less developed Out Islands. Flights can be around $230-$650 from Nassau, and on-island costs are generally lower than more tourist-heavy destinations. Budget for accommodation, food (which can be sparse outside of lodges), and any guided tours or boat trips.
Is Crooked Island suitable for families with children?
Crooked Island offers a quiet, natural environment suitable for families seeking a relaxed vacation. Its uncrowded beaches, opportunities for snorkeling, and exploration of historical ruins can be engaging for children, though organized activities are limited.
What local customs should I be aware of?
On Crooked Island, it's customary to greet people with a "Good morning," "Good afternoon," or "Good evening" before starting a conversation. Life moves slowly, so embrace the relaxed pace, and dress modestly when visiting settlements away from the beach.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an outdoor escape game cost in Crooked Island?
The price of our outdoor escape games in Crooked Island is €12 per team. This rate is fixed, regardless of your group size (within the recommended capacity for an optimal experience). It includes full access to the game, puzzles, challenges, and a fun way to discover the locations. It's a very affordable activity for an original and immersive outing, offering excellent value for money to explore the island differently. Get ready for an exciting adventure without breaking the bank!
Is it suitable for children / families?
Absolutely! Our outdoor escape games in Crooked Island are designed to be an excellent family activity. The recommended minimum age is 8 for accompanied children, but younger ones can also participate and help search for clues with adult assistance. It's a great opportunity for children and teenagers to develop teamwork, observation skills, and logic, while discovering the island in a fun and interactive way. An adventure that is sure to please the whole family!
How long does an escape game last in Crooked Island?
Our outdoor escape games in Crooked Island are designed to offer an immersive experience lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. This duration may vary slightly depending on your pace, your ability to solve puzzles, and the time you wish to take to admire the landscapes and points of interest you encounter. It's the ideal format for an activity that doesn't take up the whole day, leaving you time for other discoveries on the island before or after your adventure.
Do I need to book in advance?
No, it is not necessary to book in advance for our outdoor escape games in Crooked Island. Our games are permanently available, offering you complete flexibility. You can start your adventure whenever you want, depending on your schedule and the weather. Simply download the app and activate the game directly on site. This freedom allows you to easily integrate the escape game into your island visit program, without time slot constraints.
What to visit in Crooked Island beyond escape games?
Beyond our exciting escape games, Crooked Island is full of wonders to explore. Don't miss the majestic Bird Rock Lighthouse, offering breathtaking views, or the historical ruins of French Wells, an old plantation. Pristine beaches like Pittstown Point are perfect for relaxation, swimming, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. The island is also a paradise for fishing enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Every corner of Crooked Island promises an authentic experience and immersion in Bahamian nature.
What is the best season to visit Crooked Island?
The best season to visit Crooked Island generally runs from November to May. During this period, the climate is ideal, with pleasant temperatures and generous sunshine, perfect for enjoying the beaches, water activities, and our outdoor escape games. The rainy and hurricane season extends from June to October, although showers are often short and the island remains beautiful. For an optimal experience and clear skies, favor the winter and spring months.
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