When beach lovers dream of the perfect stretch of powdery sand lapped by seas in sublime shades of blue, they’re probably dreaming of the Bahamas. This tropical paradise includes 700 islands and more than 2,000 small cays scattered across the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is only 50 miles from Florida at the closest point. Once a haven for pirates and loyalists, the islands are now a playground for the rich and famous and anyone who enjoys world-class fishing, boating, diving, snorkeling and sailing.
Nassau, the nation’s capital, on New Providence Island, attracts the most tourists. This bustling cruise port is a mix of mega-resorts, shopping, dining and entertainment complexes. Grand Bahama follows in second place. The other islands, affectionately referred to as the Out Islands, cluster in groups and each has its own character and charm. Swirled like pearls over the shallow Bahama banks, the Abacos and Exumas offer some of the world’s best waters for boating and boating. These peaceful islands are dotted with sleepy fishing villages and secluded beaches, and thriving coral reefs line many of their shores. The other islands all offer something for discerning travellers. From the big game fishing of Bimini, and the pink sand beaches of Harbor Island, to bonefishing, regattas and quiet outdoor coves, it’s hard to beat the Bahamas. For those around the New Year, don’t miss the throbbing drums and kaleidoscopic costumes of Junkanoo, the nation’s most popular festival.
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1 Atlantis Paradise Island
Dominating the Paradise Island skyline, this fairytale salmon-pink resort evokes the legend of Atlantis in a luxury hotel, entertainment complex, aquarium and water park. Hotel guests score free entry to the popular 141-acre Aquaventure, a waterscape filled with high-speed slides, over 20 swimming areas, and a long Lazy River Ride. In the marine habitat, hammerhead sharks and swordfish swim through sparkling open-air pools. Guests will also find many shops, restaurants and entertainment options on site. The fantasy rest theme continues and appeals to the imagination of young and old.
Adres: 1 Casino Drive, Paradise Island
Official site: www.atlantis.com
Accommodation: Where to Stay on Paradise Island
2 Nassau
One of the most popular cruise ship ports in the Caribbean, Nassau still manages to charm visitors despite the high number of camera-throwing tourists. Visitors come here to sunbathe on the white sands of Cable Beach ; explore the shops, restaurants, museums, and candy-colored colonial buildings of downtown and Bay Street ; and shop for souvenirs at the Nassau Straw Market . A short catamaran ride from Nassau, animal lovers can join dolphins on a day trip to Blue Lagoon Island , while Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Center also offers a slower pace, with its threatened and endangered species set amid four acres of tropical gardens.Paradise Island , home to the perennially popular Atlantis resort, shimmers on the horizon about three miles offshore from Nassau.
3 Exuma Cays Land en Sea Park
In the remote eastern edge of the Bahamas, the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park is a “no take zone” and marine protected area, the first of its kind in the Caribbean. The park has some of the most striking seascapes in the Bahamas, with clear waters in electric blues and white sand. The area is popular with divers and boaters, who come here for the quality anchorages, abundant marine life and crystal clear waters. On a good day, divers and snorkelers can enjoy visibility in excess of 30 metres. Most people visit this underwater wonderland on private boats or live-aboard dive guides. No fishing or shooting is permitted within the park boundaries.
The Exuma Cays are also beautiful. Some are home to movie stars, such as Johnny Depp and David Copperfield, while others are home to exclusive resorts. Great Exuma , the largest of the Exumas, Little Exuma , and Staniel Cay are popular with boaters, who come here to enjoy the cozy restaurants. Don’t miss Staniel Cay’s famous swimming pigs and Thunderball Cave , featured in the James Bond movie of the same name.
Official site: www.exumapark.org
Accommodation: Where to Stay near Exuma Cays
4 Harbour Island
Pretty Harbor Island, northeast of its big sister, Eleuthera , is one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas, as well as the site of the first Bahamian parliament; English Loyalists settled here in the 18th century. Famous for its pink sand beaches and chic resorts, the island, affectionately referred to as ‘Briland’ by locals, has long been a haven for the rich and famous. Golf carts dominate the streets here, and visitors feel like they’ve stepped back in time as they cruise past the cute, pastel-colored Loyalist homes that line the city’s streets. Dunmore Town, the island’s only settlement. Popular things to do include scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and sunbathing on the beautiful pink sand beaches. Harbor Island is a fun day trip from Nassau on the Bahamas Fast Ferries Catamaran.
Official site: www.harbourislandguide.com
Accommodation: Where to Stay on Harbor Island
5 Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama, the northernmost of the Bahamian Islands, is a popular destination for package holidays and cruise ships. The capital, Freeport, is the second largest city in the Bahamas, although Port Lucaya has now replaced it as the tourist center for shopping, dining and entertainment. Port Lucaya Marketplace sells jewelry and straw goods, as well as other souvenirs, and the marina is a social hotspot for tourists and boaters. Despite the island’s large all-inclusive resorts and hotels, it’s still possible to escape the crowds. Grand Bahama is home to one of the world’s longest underwater cave systems, and wildlife enthusiasts can see many native bird species in the three national parks.
Accommodation: Where to Stay on Grand Bahama Island
6 Andros Island
Andros, the largest land mass in the Bahamas, has the third largest barrier reef in the world, as well as many freshwater blue holes and underwater caves. It is therefore no surprise that this is a popular destination for divers. The island’s extensive wetlands create channels, which are prime boating and fishing areas. Fly fishing is big here and Andros is often called “ the bonefishing capital of the world .” Andros also has the largest protected area in the Bahamas with five national parks. Nature lovers will appreciate the rich birdlife in the mudflats, mangrove swamps and forests, as well as the island’s eco-resorts. natural attractions, tourists can visit the Androsia Hand Made Batik Factory, which sells brightly colored fabrics with striking Bahamian motifs.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Andros
7 Treasure Cay
Skirting the east coast of Great Abaco, Treasure Cay Beach is often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This spectacular stretch of flower-soft sand and aqua water welcomes visitors who come here to bask on the creamy, crescent-shaped coast. The beach is located in the luxury resort community of Treasure Cay, which hosts one of the most popular fishing tournaments in the Bahamas.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Treasure Cay
8 Elbow Cay
Across the sheltered sea of Abaco from the boat hub of Marsh Harbor, Elbow Cay in the Abacos exudes the charm of a New England-style fishing village. Colorful cottages dot the main streets of Hope Town, the island’s main settlement, and the center of town is off limits to vehicles, giving the village a relaxed atmosphere. Famous for its candy-striped lighthouse, Hope Town is home to a thriving expatriate community who appreciate the island’s lovely palm-fringed beaches; proximity to Marsh Harbor , the nation’s third-largest city; and excellent boating opportunities. Wyannie Malone Historical Museum is a must, and nearby Guana Cay and theTilloo Cay Reserve , an 11-acre bird habitat, are popular day trips. Hope Town also has a well-developed marina. A ferry runs regularly to Elbow Cay from Marsh Harbour.
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9 Editor’s Pick Green Turtle Cay
A stroll through the streets of Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos feels like stepping back in time to the old Bahamas. East of Great Abaco, this quiet five-kilometer long island is a favorite hideaway for peace seekers. Golf carts are the main mode of transportation in the tiny settlement of New Plymouth, a sleepy village of pickle-lined pastel cottages sprinkled with a few small shops and museums. Fishing boats bob in the harbor and visitors can watch the locals bring in their catch of crayfish and conch. The island’s beautiful reef beaches and crystal clear waters provide excellent opportunities for swimming, diving, snorkeling and boating. Bonefishing is also a popular activity. The island is a ten minute ferry ride from Treasure Cay on Great Abaco.
10 Bimini
Known as the ” Big Game Fishing Capital of the Bahamas ,” Bimini Island is the closest of the islands to the United States, about 55 miles east of Miami, Florida. The fishhook-shaped island complex consists of North Bimini, South Bimini and numerous cays stretching from Pigeon Cay to South Cat. Cay. Bimini is popular with hosts deep sea fishing tournaments from March to September and there are plenty of opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. In addition to the popular shark and dolphin dives, there are Rainbow Reef, Sapona Wreck and Victory Reef, among others. Ernest Hemingway spent several summers in Bimini and found inspiration for the novels The Old Man and the Sea and Islands in the Stream .
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bimini
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11 Long Island
Long Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the Bahamas, is a bit off the beaten track, in the southern half of the archipelago. Nearly 130 kilometers long and no more than seven kilometers wide, the island is a land of contrasts, with sandy beaches on the west coast and steep, rocky cliffs in the east. Long Island is a paradise for fishing, diving and boating, and features many pristine pink and white sand beaches. The island is also home to Dean’s Blue Hole , the deepest known saltwater blue hole in the world. The Long Island Regatta takes place in Salt Pond in the summer. Access to the island is primarily by air or ferry service from Nassau.
Official site: www.longibamamas.com
Accommodation: Where to Stay on Long Island
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