In January of 2023, my family and I traveled to the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico for a short three-night vacation. We rented a car and explored many parts of San Juan and the surrounding areas. When I wasn’t photographing our island adventures and sight-seeing, I started taking photos of the BMWs I came across—old habits. My kids joined in, pointing out any vehicles I may have missed, and thus started a vacation tradition—the BMW scavenger hunt.
One of my favorite BMW photos from our 2023 Puerto Rico trip.
Fast forward to January of 2024, we took a three-night trip to the Bahamas, a mere 850 miles northwest of last year’s January destination. Naturally, I knew what had to be done—round two of our BMW scavenger hunt. While I’ve been primarily shooting with a Nikon Z6ii camera body and 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, I again opted for the much lighter and more compact Nikon D5600 and 35mm f/1.8 for ease of packing and carrying.
It was an early start as we were awake on a Wednesday at 3 a.m. to catch our 7 a.m. flight out of Reagan National Airport. We landed at Lynden Pindling International on New Providence Island at 10:30 a.m., giving us nearly a full day to settle in and explore. During the 30-minute taxi ride to our accommodations on Paradise Island, we drove through downtown Nassau. Our taxi driver gave us a history lesson and pointed out some of the oldest hotels and buildings as we drove past. Fun fact: With the Bahamas gaining its independence from Britain in 1973, BMW CCA actually predates the Bahamian government as the Club was founded in 1969.
During our ride to the hotel, had my camera out and managed to spot a 1 Series hatchback (E87), 2 Series Gran Coupé (F44), X4 (F26), a couple of 3 Series (E90 and E46), and an X7 (G07). As it was a former British colony, everyone drives on the left and many of the vehicles are left-hand drive. The E87 1 Series hatch isn’t federalized in the U.S., so it was a treat to see one on the road.
Most of Thursday was spent at the beach and the hotel’s water park, but we did walk back from dinner over one of the bridges connecting New Providence Island and Paradise Island. I was able to check off a 7 Series (F01), an X1 (E84), and a MINI off my list. It was a bit of a Where’s Waldo, but I also saw a 3 Series (F30), and a 5 Series (E60) from the peak of the bridge.
A spectacular sunset while walking over the bridge from New Providence Island to Paradise Island.
Friday morning we headed to downtown Nassau to explore the city on foot. The streets were busy with tourists and residents as shops and restaurants opened. We took a few detours to visit the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle. The Queen’s Staircase comprises 66 steps hand cut out of solid limestone between 1793 and 1794 and provides a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City. During our short hike there, I spotted additional F30 and E90 3 Series and another E60 5 Series.
Queen’s Staircase.
Afterward descending the staircase, we headed to Graycliff Chocolatier for some treats. Graycliff has a long history, with the mansion being built in 1740 by Captain John Howard Graysmith, a famous pirate of the Caribbean. At one point it was captured by the American Navy, and then later owned by British royalty, and eventually sold in 1973 to Enrico and Anna Maria Garzaroli who turned the private home into the hotel and restaurant that it is today. We saw an X5 on the narrow street in front of the factory.
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- Colorful umbrellas over Graycliff.
Walking up and down Bay Street, a main thoroughfare known for its shopping, was a treasure trove of BMW sightings. I saw a pair of 1 Series hatches (E87), a first-gen X1 (E84), a second-gen M Sport X1 (F48), and a 4 Series (F32). We also saw an X7 (G07) in front of the island’s oldest hotel, the British Colonial.
I was unable to spot any 6 Series—in either SAV or GT guise—or any 8 Series, so this scavenger hunt was sadly marked as DNF. Given more time and luck, I’m sure we would’ve completed this quest. There’s always next year! —Mike Bevels
