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 scuba 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.
The northernmost islands of North and South Bimini are the
closest 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, is 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 cover 649 square miles (1,681sq
km) 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...
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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 largely undeveloped,
so the atmosphere is very casual and hotels tend to be small and
unpretentious. Much of the island is covered with...
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Berry Islands © Mangrove Mike
Berry Islands
The Berry Islands are among the least busy in the Bahamas, and
the perfect destination for those looking for the ultimate escape.
The resorts in this archipelago are extremely exclusive, catering
to wealthy travellers, big game fishermen, and yachters. The
largest island is the...
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Bimini Bay © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Bimini Islands
The Bimini group of islands in the Bahamas 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, is barely seven miles long
(11km) and no more than...
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Bottlenose dolphin © Mark Interrante
Dolphin Encounters
For all animal lovers, Dolphin Encounters 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. There
are also opportunities to interact with sea lions. Dolphin
Encounters...
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Glass Window Bridge, Eleuthera © Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
Eleuthera Island
Bahama's Out Islands have no resorts, no cruise ships, and no
large crowds. Eleuthera, which stretches for almost 100 miles
(161km) but is at most two miles (3km) wide, is the most popular of
the group. Eleuthera, and especially its satellite, Harbour Island,
just...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Harbour Island © livingonimpulse
Harbour Island
Once the capital of the Bahamas, Harbour Island is home to
Dunmore Town, whose flower-lined streets and colourful New
England-style buildings are popular with tourists in the Bahamas.
Harbour Island's main attraction, though, is the spectacular pink
sand beach that takes advantage of the...
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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...
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Mayaguana © Waustindavis
Mayaguana Island
Mayaguana is among the least developed islands in the Bahamas.
With modern amenities few and far between, the island appeals to
adventure travellers looking to experience the pristine wildlife of
the area, including iguanas and bright pink flocks of flamingos.
Scuba diving in Mayaguana...
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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,...
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Horse riding © Wildcat Dunny
Pinetree Stables
Pinetree Stables takes people on a 2-hour Bahamian horseback
ride 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...
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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,...
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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...
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