Named by Christopher Columbus, Baja Mar, Spanish for the shallow sea in which they lie, the 700 islands of the Bahamas cover 150,000 square miles of tropical sea with approximately 5,000 square miles of land. The chain of islands stretch from just off the east coast of Florida down to just north of Cuba and have flat coral formations with some low rounded hills. In all there are around 3000 islands, including the rocks, reefs and ribbons of sand and each island has its own personality and something different to offer. Columbus first came ashore in San Salvador in 1492 and decided not to stay, as the shallow aquamarine waters sank his ships, but today, this is one of the Bahamas most sought after features.
Snorkellers will love the crystal clear waters and divers can experience the dive of a lifetime in challenging wreck sites off the various coasts of San Salvador . There are well run dive centres on all the islands, with the opportunity to dive on unspoiled reefs, blue holes, fantastic caves and also, guaranteed shark encounters. Few destinations in the world can offer the variety and calibre of the diving found here.
Visitors will love to cruise through the Exumas 100 mile long string of cays and sailing around the Abacos. Opportunities for deep-sea game fishing are all around the islands and there is every type of water sport imaginable, including day trips on a custom built power boat. You can also swim with the dolphins off Nassau and Grand Bahama Island in a dolphin encounter programme, while off Bimini there are wild dolphin experiences.
Out of the water, there is also plenty to do and see around the islands. Nassau and Grand Bahama Island are cosmopolitan towns, with their shop-til-you-drop duty free shopping opportunities, museums, restaurants and wide tree lined boulevards. You can relax on the white sand of one of Long Islands deserted beaches, or play golf on one of the nine golf courses scattered throughout the islands. Take a catamaran to Harbour Island , and visit Dunmore Town , the former Bahamian capital. Explore the centuries old buildings and quaint pastel clapboard homes, but leave time to relax on the islands 3-mile long pink sand beach. The Bahamas also has some unsurpassable natural attractions and you can visit Botanical Gardens, National Parks and nature centres.
The wide variety of accommodation throughout the islands varies from the elegant and traditional, through the large and modern, to the simple and basic. There is everything from lively resorts to the uncomplicated guest houses. The larger, more luxurious resorts offer all the usual first class facilities and several room and meal plans. Other smaller establishments may be more informal, but everywhere you will find excellent standards and friendly locals. The food also reflects the choice of accommodation, with the larger resorts offering menus to appeal to every visitor, however, do take the time to try some local specialties, such as conch salad or chicken with rice n' peas, washed down with a Bahama Mama cocktail or a local beer.
Celebrated on Boxing Day and New Years Day, are the fabulous Junkanoo celebrations. This carnival is so firmly steeped in Bahamian history that its origins are uncertain, but it is now so popular that it is often compared to Mardis Gras in New Orleans or Carnival in Rio . Visitors to Nassau , where this is held, can purchase costumes on the island and are very welcome to join in.
Whether you want the complete top hat and tails affair, or go barefoot on the beach, the Bahamas are the dream wedding location and anything from a simple meal to a lavish reception can be arranged. Weddings here are very popular, as the residency requirement is only 24 hours and the special licences required take only 24 hours to obtain from the relevant government office on the islands. Many hotels have their own wedding co-ordinator who is allocated on arrival, to assist the happy couple in every way.
Getting to the islands is easy, with direct flights from the UK into Nassau and several airlines flying via an American gateway airport. There are several airports on other islands, with connecting flights from Nassau , and other methods of travel include ferry, catamaran and water taxi.
The Bahamas are not just islands, they are an experience you will remember for years to come and to repeat.
