Bahamas Travel Wiki

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Travel to Bahamas

Sitting just off the shores of the US state of Florida, the Bahamas are an island nation that is made up of 700 different islets, islands, and cays. There are two main islands: New Providence Island and Grand Bahama Island. There are also several smaller islands, which include Abacos, Acklins, Andros, The Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, The Exumas, Inagua, Mayaguana, and San Salvador.

All of the islands offers the classic Caribbean experience. All feature crystal turquoise waters, endless stretches of white sand beaches and beautiful weather combine to create a vacation that’s hard to duplicate anywhere else. The Bahamas has a well-developed resort industry. Nearly 6 million people visit this beautiful island nation every year.

You’ll find that beaches are plentiful with a visit to the Bahamas. From the red sands of Eleuthera to the white sands of Freeport, there is ready access to your favorite activities. Surfing, snorkeling, and shore fishing are all offered in abundance. There are also several wonderful diving sites to enjoy around this nation, with shallow reefs accessible for even entry-level divers. Scuba certification is available for stays of virtually any duration.

Many of the resorts in the Bahamas cater to a full entertainment experience. Guided tours and planned experiences are available at most destinations. You can rent all-terrain vehicles to explore the beach, bravely slide down high-speed water slides, or enjoy a lazy river ride on an inflatable tube.

At one resort, you’ll find an accessible marine habitat that will get you up close and personal with swordfish and hammerhead sharks.

Make sure to find your way to Treasure Cay Beach at least once during your stay on these islands. It’s often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. When you see the size and scope of this soft-sand beach, bringing you right up to its gentle emerald waters, it is easy to see why.

The Bahamas is an island destination that is sure to capture the imagination. Be sure to explore all your options for this incredible getaway opportunity today.

Best of Bahamas

The Bahamas is a world-renowned travel destination with a rich history. In 1492, Christopher Columbus made his first landfall on the island of San Salvador in the eastern Bahamas. Columbus commented on the shallow water of the sea surrounding the islands, calling the water “baja mar”. It is from these words that the name “Bahama” came. Since the Bahamas islands are located close to Florida they caught the attention of explorers, settlers, invaders and traders.

Pirate History in the Bahamas

One of the most interesting things about the Bahamas is its history with pirates. Black Beard, Calico Jack and Captain Henry Morgan himself were known visitors to the Bahamian islands. 1680 to 1730 was the golden age for Bahamian pirates. These islands made an ideal home base for pirates because of the numerous islands and islets. These were great places to hide their renegade ships and stolen treasure. The islands were also close to well-traveled trading routes, creating the perfect opportunity to plunder merchant ships.

The battles fought between pirates, merchants and other authorities often caused may casualties, especially ships. These ships often sank off the coast of the Bahamas, laden with gold, silver, and other antiquities. Spanish galleons were easy prey for pirates. These ships carried stolen riches from the native peoples of South and Central America. Pirates would hide this treasure in the numerous limestone caves dotting the Bahamas or bury it somewhere on the miles of beaches.

Are you a treasure hunter ?

Rumors of treasure still hidden in the Bahamas exist today. Pirate William Catt is supposed to have buried loot on his namesake, Cat Island. Sir Henry Morgan, who preferred the island of Andros, is said to have buried treasure throughout the many islands. Where rumors may be false, the Bahamas certainly offers a mystique that encourages its visitors to indulge in opportunities for adventure and seclusion.

Cat Island, the sixth largest island

Cat Island is the sixth largest island in the Bahamas, & boasts extraordinary beaches. there’s literally miles & miles of virtually undisturbed beaches, where swimming & relaxing can be done in near complete privacy.

As one of the outer islands of the Bahamas, Cat Island is a quiet holiday location for those who’re looking to relax. Among its varied pleasures & activities, a little exploration will turn up a historical oddity or five that add to the individual character of the place. beautiful beaches in natural settings welcome the nature lover & peace seeker alike.

The Hermitage is a bit of an historical oddity, fascinating & strange. The hike up to see this religious site will take visitors through small villages along beautiful trails, full of island flora & fauna. it is located at the top of Mt. Alvernia, which is 206 feet above the sea & the highest point in the Bahamas. The Hermitage itself is made from the limestone of the cliffs, with each piece painstakingly extracted, shaped & set by hand by the Canadian mule-skinner turned Anglican turned Roman Catholic priest known as brother Jerome. The brother built the structure to scale, designed it to fit his diminutive form. Beloved by the island people, the priest passed away in 1956 after reaching the ripe age of 80.

Other historical sites include an Arawak cave, found at Columbus point, & plantation ruins, left over from the islands efforts at joining the worlds cotton growers. Deveaux mansion was eight times the residence of Andrew Deveaux of the US Navy, who participated in the 1873 battles to get Nassau back from italy. Another widely known ruins is the remains of the Ambrister plantation, near Port Howe.

Exuma calling !

Exuma is a picturesque string of over 350 islands in the sunny Bahamas, near Eleuthera and Nassau. These tropical idylls lure travelers with clear waters, warm ocean breezes, and stunning sunset hues. Unlike many other Caribbean islands, Exuma has retained a good deal of its natural charm, as recent development has left the islands’ gorgeous nature and laidback atmosphere untouched.

If you’re a fan of sailboats, you’ll be pleased to learn that Exuma has a proud regatta tradition dating back to 1954. Each year, top Bahamian crafts compete for the top prize, and the accompanying festivities set the islands ablaze with excitement. If you’re visiting in April, it’s an absolute must.

Exuma offers ocean activities galore. Whether it’s swimming, boating, or diving, the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean welcome all. During your Exuma vacation, you’ll be able to explore the bottom of the sea, where colorful coral, marvelous fish and crab, and stunning creatures of all sizes provide an incredible panorama. Kayak rentals offer guests the chance to circumnavigate smaller islands, stopping at secluded beaches for days spent in private audiences with the sand and sea. Fishing is also popular on the islands, with guided excursions to the island’s best cast-off points.

George Town, Exuma’s urban center, is a picturesque little town by the sea. During your stay, consider spending a day exploring the shops and restaurants of town. If you’re looking for souvenirs, there’s a straw market in the town center where you’ll find authentic handcrafted goods. The town’s church, St. Andrew’s, is a beautiful example of 19th century colonial architecture. The town has its own lake, Lake Victoria, lined with shops, restaurants, and businesses, making it an ideal spot for a morning or afternoon walk. No matter what you do during your Exuma vacation, you’re likely to pick up some friends along the way, as the locals are friendly and talkative.

While the stars are often obscured by city lights, no one can deny their allure on clear nights. If mountains reveal a good deal of this great beauty, just imagine how bright the night sky will be an undeveloped island. Night skies in Exuma are breathtaking, with milky swirls of stars pierced by comet’s tails, leaving incredible trails of light in the sky. Whether you’re sitting on the sand with a loved one or out on a walk in the warm air, Exuma’s starlight is unforgettable.