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 Sunrise, Emerald Palms, Andros © Bahamas Tourism With a subtropical climate, pristine beaches and top-class
tourism infrastructure, it is no surprise that the islands and cays
of the Bahamas archipelago are some of the world's top tourist
destinations. Each island has its own charm and beauty, attracting
thousands of visitors each year and offering something for
everyone. Andros Island is not only the biggest of the islands, but
also boasts the third biggest reef in the world, and is thus a
haven for snorkellers and divers. New Providence Island is a
bustling hub of activity, with plenty of sights, sounds and
activities for the visitor to enjoy. New Providence also provides
easy ferry and car access to the resorts at neighbouring Paradise
Island, as well as the fun and festivity of the nation's capital,
Nassau. North and South Bimini are the closest islands to the US
and draw serious fishermen seeking the catch of a lifetime. Named
after the Greek word for freedom by English pilgrims seeking
religious autonomy, Eleuthera Island, east of Andros, has long been
a popular escape, with plenty to explore and enjoy. The rest of the
islands all have something to reel in the visitor and sunseekers,
fishermen, sailors and watersports enthusiasts flock to these
islands time and again to experience the magic of the Bahamas.
Attractions  Ocean Beach, Treasure Cay © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Abacos Islands
The chain of tiny Abacos islands stretch for 200 miles (322km)
and form the most northerly part of the Bahamas nation. Located
only 200 miles (322km) from Miami they are a popular holiday
destination, and therefore fairly well developed for tourism. The
two main islands, Great Abaco and neighbouring Little Abaco, are
separated from each other by a narrow strait. They are often tagged
the 'Loyalist Isles' because of the many Tory expatriates who fled
there to avoid persecution after the American Revolution. The early
Loyalist settlements are still much in evidence on the cays around
Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco's main town. The accommodation on the
island is fairly low-key and visitors are likely to stay in a small
guesthouse by the beach or cottage near one of the many marinas. No
glamorous resort complexes can be found here. The sheltered waters
around the islands make it a hotspot for yachters, and islanders
claim it is the cruising capital of the world. There are also coral
reefs to entice divers and inland pine forests that provide
wonderful bird-watching and walking opportunities.
 Andros Blue Hole © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Andros Island
Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas and is a favourite
for scuba divers and fishermen. The island is undeveloped, the
atmosphere is very casual and hotels tend to be small and
unpretentious. Much of the island is covered with palm savannas,
primeval forest and huge mangrove wetlands making it a
bird-watchers paradise. However, it is the underwater life that
really makes Andros unique; it has the world's third largest reef
running along its east coast for 167 miles (269km). The colourful
assortment of fish life just beneath the surface, and blue holes
and canyons (in the ocean and inland) which plunge down as deep as
200ft (61m) make this a truly spectacular place to explore whether
you dive, snorkel or fish.
 Bimini Bay © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Bimini Islands
The Bimini group is 50 miles (80km) east of Miami and spans an
area no larger than 10 square miles (26 sq km). The main island,
North Bimini (or simply 'Bimini') is barely seven miles long (11km)
and no more than 1,200ft (366m) across at its widest point. The
islands are best known for the excellent fishing opportunities,
with visitors from around the world coming here to test their
skills and catch an array of fish including tuna, sailfish, mako
shark, barracuda and, above all, blue marlin. Almost all the action
happens in Alice Town, a laid back town where fishermen gather to
swap stories. During spring break the town becomes a little raucous
with the arrival of crowds of college students. Scuba divers are
also lured by some mysterious stone blocks in the waters off North
Bimini which islanders claim are part of the Lost City of
Atlantis.
 Bottlenose dolphin © Mark Interrante Dolphin Encounters
For all animal lovers this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Visitors will get the chance to swim with the bottlenose dolphins,
get a kiss, or just watch from the side.
E-mail: info@dolphinencounters.com;
Website: www.dolphinencounters.com;
Telephone: 242 363 1003;
Opening time: Departure times are 8.30am, 10.30am, 10.30pm and 3.30pm;
Admission: $98 per person (Includes round-trip transportation by large catamarans to Blue Lagoon Island)
 Glass Window Bridge, Eleuthera © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Eleuthera Island
You are never far from the beach on the most popular of the
Bahama's Out Islands, Eleuthera, which stretches for almost 100
miles (161km) but is at most two miles (3km) wide. Eleuthera, and
especially its satellite island, Harbour Island, just a short
water-taxi ride away, have long been the holiday haunts of the
fashionable set, sporting luxury hotels and fine restaurants that
cater for trendy and wealthy visitors. The main entertainment here
is sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, shell-collecting and fishing.
The scenery can be enjoyed through a meander along the coast,
passing scenic headlands and wandering through villages dotted
between dozens of pristine beaches.
 The Exumas Exumas Islands
The Exumas encompass a myriad of islands and cays that stretch
for hundreds of miles. The largest, Great Exuma and Little Exuma,
are home to the small community of several hundred island
inhabitants, who farm the land and welcome tourists. Visitors
usually arrive by yacht, for these islands offer legendary cruising
opportunities. If you come without sails, you will be tempted to
hire a boat and make the most of the inviting waters. Most cays are
edged with towering palm trees and expanses of white powdery
beaches. The surrounding reefs have magical underwater gardens that
draw divers and snorkellers. The main destination for divers is the
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a 176-square-mile (456 sq km) natural
underwater preserve, that can only be reached by seaplane or boat
(charters can be arranged through the hotels).
 Grand Bahama © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Fifty miles (80km) east of Miami, Grand Bahama is an idyllic
island of white beaches and aquamarine seas beneath which the coral
reefs teem with life. Most visitors stay in Freeport, a few miles
inland, or at the seaside suburb of Lucaya on the south coast of
the island. Here you can sail, play golf or simply relax by the
pool at one of the many all-inclusive resorts. In town there are
plenty of boutiques and bazaars to tempt shoppers, and evenings can
be spent at one of the many restaurants. Those travellers with cash
left in their wallets can head to one of the island's casinos.
There is also much to entice divers and snorkellers. Outside
Freeport, between Sweeting's Cay and Pelican Point, are seven blue
holes inviting exploration, and a little further west is Deadman's
Reef, accessible from the powdery white beach at Paradise Cove.
East of Freeport is the Lucayan National Park, home to the largest
underwater cave system in the world. Walkers can enjoy the island's
natural flora and fauna or hire a kayak and explore the mangrove
creeks.
 Half Moon Cay Bahamas © Holland America Line Half Moon Cay
The resort is a private paradise, reserved for passengers who
are tendered ashore to the pier from Holland America Line's cruise
ships, and those who have paid for the pleasure will not be
disappointed. Half Moon Cay (pronounced 'Key') is an island about
100 miles (161km) south of Nassau, capital of the Bahamas, and has
been sensitively developed to preserve its natural assets and
ecosystem, while ensuring it provides a fantastic day ashore for
cruise passengers. The main attraction is the two-mile (3km)
crescent of surreally beautiful beach, dotted with palm trees,
adjacent to which are wonderful bird-watching opportunities in a
well-preserved waterfowl nesting habitat. All the facilities at
this pristine resort are connected by pathways, but those who
prefer can catch a tram which runs continuously from the Welcome
Center to the Food Pavilion. Visitors wanting to cure their 'sea
legs' can take some delightful walks along marked trails with
descriptive signs pointing out the local trees, plants and
birds.
 Deans Blue Hole Long Island © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Long Island
One of the main events on the Bahamas yachting calendar is the
Long Island Regatta, which takes place in the town of Salt Pond
each May, drawing visitors from all around the world to one of the
most beautiful and unspoilt islands of the Bahamas. The locals
still depend on fishing for their livelihood, while visitors revel
in the shallow bays and white beaches of the western shore. The
rugged windward coast features towering cliffs washed by wild
waves. There are also some renowned offshore diving and snorkelling
spots, and a spectacular view of the whole package from the
northern tip of the island at the site of a monument to Christopher
Columbus, who enjoyed the vista when he came ashore in 1492. The
island also boasts the deepest blue hole in the world, just north
of Clarence Town.
 Bay Street, Nassau © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Nassau
Nassau, the nation's capital on New Providence Island, is a
colonial Caribbean city with a distinctly modern American flavour.
It is a mixture of first-world facilities and romantic old-world
charm. In downtown Nassau many buildings date back to the 18th
century, including the ancient Fort Fincastle, reached by the
Queen's Staircase that was constructed by the labour of hundreds of
slaves. Garden enthusiasts should visit the Royal Victorian Garden,
which has more than 300 species of tropical plants and exotic
creatures. Enthusiastic shoppers on the other hand would be well
advised to look out for great bargains at the Straw Market on Bay
Street. Alternatively visitors can relax by spending an idle
afternoon watching a cricket game at one of the many local sports
grounds. Most tourists inhabit the spectacular resorts found on
Paradise Island, connected by bridge and ferry to New Providence
Island and the city.
 Atlantis, Paradise Island © adobemac Paradise Island
Connected to New Providence Island by a bridge, Paradise Island
is one of the most popular destinations in the Bahamas. It offers a
variety of beaches to suit a range of tastes. Most of the island's
hotels and resorts are along Cable Beach, Paradise Beach or Cabbage
Beach offering miles of white sand and outstanding watersport
facilities. To escape the crowds, one can head over to the secluded
Caves Beach or Love Beach, a popular spot for snorkellers.
 Horse riding © Wildcat Dunny Pinetree Stables
This fantastic activity is a must for the whole family. Pinetree
Stables takes people on a 2-hour outride from Freeport on the top
of the island, through an endangered Pine Tree forest, past a
castle, and eventually over the dunes and onto the beach where more
experienced riders can canter through the lapping water at the edge
of the sea. No horse-riding experience is necessary, but the
minimum age allowed is eight-years-old. Reservations are
recommended.
E-mail: info@pinetree-stables.com;
Website: www.pinetree-stables.com;
Telephone: 242 373 3600;
Opening time: Trail rides daily at 9am and 11.30am;
Admission: $85 per person. No children under 8 allowed
Events  Fish and chips © f10n4 Fish Fry Fridays
Grand Bahama Island is home to the B.T.V.I. Eatery, which
indulges visitors' taste buds with its weekly Fish Fry Fridays.
Local culinary delights include the obvious fried fish, as well as
conch fritters, potato bread and guava duff. Combined with the
ambient Caribbean atmosphere, this occasion is enough to make
anyone feel truly relaxed.
Venue: Peach Tree Street, Settler's Way, Grand Bahama Island;
Date: Every Friday;
Time: 4 pm - 9pm
 Bahamas full moon © Ben Alford Croon to the Moon
Croon to the Moon is a celebration held on each Sunday nearest
the full moon (hence the name) and features bonfires, live music,
karaoke, cocktails and some fine local cuisine. Crab races are
arranged to keep kids entertained; Croon at the Moon is definitely
a holiday event for the whole family to enjoy.
Venue: Old Bahama Bay, West End, Grand Bahama Island;
Date: Each Saturday nearest the full moon.
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