The Bahamas has long been a destination for affluent US and international visitors looking for their own piece of paradise but it is now becoming an increasingly affordable destination for the majority. And with l700 islands to explore there are lots of opportunities to find somewhere special to unwind, perhaps with a glass of rum in hand surrounded by a mangrove forest, a coral reef and a stunning stretch of golden sand? For the more active the Bahamas offers unrivalled diving and snorkelling experiences with over 1,000 frequently dived sites and the third largest coral reef in the world at your disposal. For party people the islands' legendary Junkanoo carnivals are held every weekend in June and on Boxing Day and New Years Day.
Expect first class hotels and a full range of other modern facilities. The Bahamas even includes private island resort like Little Whale Cay in the Berry Islands. Budget Hotels, a range of guesthouses and beach accommodation are also on offer and there are also hotels catering for romantic couples, golfing parties, families, you name it. Read Review Centre reviews for accommodation tips.
There are 25 National Park reserves in the Bahamas. Here's a sample:
A remarkable island guarded by one of the world's longest and best-preserved barrier reefs. Its extensive wetlands are of national and international importance and it claims the best 'bonefishing' in the world.
Think Pink national park. This 743 sq km of national park protects the world's largest breeding colony of West Indian flamingos. Dominating the park is Lake Rosa home to about 50,000 pink flamingos. Visitors must take the ranger organised tour.
East of Freeport, Grand Bahama. This 40 acre park encompasses one of the longest known underwater cave systems in the world. There are over six miles of caves, caverns, and tunnels. Above ground is the spectacular Gold Rock Creek Beach.
Seven square miles of enclosed tidal creeks provide an important home for sea turtles, especially the endangered Green turtle. Important scientific research takes place here.
The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is an independent English speaking nation in the West Indies located in the Atlantic Ocean, east of Florida and the United States and north of Cuba. The archipelago has a total land area of 5,382 square miles. The largest island is Andros Island. The island of Grand Bahama is home to the second largest city in the country, Freeport. Other notable islands are Abaco, Inagua, Cat Island, San Salvador, Acklins, Crooked Island, Exuma and Mayaguana. Nassau is the capital and largest city on New Providence island.
Christopher Columbus landed on the isle of San Salvador in the eastern Bahamas in 1492. Bahamas people are now a melting pot deriving from indigenous Indians, English Puritans, Bermudan slaves, British loyalists and African slaves, Black Seminoles as well as immigrants from China, Syria, Greece and all over. The Bahamas gained independence from Great Britain in 1973. Tourists discovered the Bahamas in the 19th century and now bring in the majority of business.
Pirates of Nassau, the interactive Pirate Attraction in the heart of downtown Nassau.
Junkanoo costumes are preserved here.
66 steps carved into sandstone cliffs by slaves. Nassau's most visited attraction was built to honour Queen Victoria when she supported the abolition of slavery.
Climb Mount Alvernia which, as the highest point of the Bahamas at just 210ft above sea level, shows you how flat the Bahamas are. Boating and diving are popular here.
Island located about 80 km east of Florida best known for its superb fishing. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities.
Blissful bright white sand deserted beaches.
Secluded and spectacular golden beauty on the southern shore.
The pink sand of these gorgeous beaches comes from wave-crushed coral.
Popular golden beach beside the hotel district.
Superb paradise beaches.
One of the most amazing places in the Bahamas full of sandy hideaway coves.
Nassau International Airport is the main international airport with direct flights from Europe and the USA. Charter flights to Bahamian islands leave from Nassau. Bahamas Fast Ferry runs from island to island. There are also various sight seeing tours. The Bahamas are also a popular destination for cruise ships. Main harbours are at Nassau and Freeport on the Grand Bahamas. A twice weekly catamaran service also runs between Nassau and Florida. On the larger islands such as Grand Bahama and Nassau car hire is advisable. There is also a bus network. Of course, this area is a sailors' paradise.
The islands have a subtropical climate, moderated by the Gulf Stream. Continental North American cold air systems keep temperatures in check a little over the summer. Temperatures rarely drop below 25 Centigrade in winter and typically are in the mid 30s in summer. Showers occur May to October.
