Bahamas

Bahamas

The quiet coves, sheltered bays and peaceful beaches of the Bahamas draw visitors from all over the world in search of secluded, intimate surroundings.  There are over 700 islands in total, covering 150,000 square miles of tropical sea and approximately 5,000 square miles of land. 

The unspoiled coastal stretches are a haven of tranquillity and the clear, turquoise waters that surround are home to ancient shipwrecks and coral reefs brimming with all types of fish.  The waters are ideal for a variety of water sports including diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing and parasailing.

The islands have flat coral formations with some low rounded hills.  The bustling markets offer spices, ceramics, handicrafts and local art. There is also the chance to play a round of golf on a world-class golf course with amazing ocean views.

Music is a great passion of the people on these islands with the many bars and clubs pumping out island rhythms, from goombay and calypso to Junkanoo beats.  There are also dance festivals that mix African slave-trade rituals with Bahamian tempo and American hip-hop twists.

Each island in The Bahamas has its own character and something different to offer.  Nassau is a cosmopolitan island with duty free shops, golf, museums and restaurants.  About 60% of the Bahamian population live here.  Economically, it is the most important island and home to its capital, Nassau, the seat of government.  Nassau is a charming old hillside town overlooking the sea. 

Long Island is home to a multitude of deserted beaches for sheer tranquil bliss.  The wreck sites off the coast of San Salvador are wonderful for diving and exotic wildlife can be admired in Inagua National Park.  There is something for everyone on these islands making the choice of which to visit a very difficult one. 

Shopping
The Bahamas is a surprisingly good location for shopping with great bargains to be found on duty-free luxury goods from all over the globe.  Watches, jewellery, clocks, china, crystal, leather goods, fine linens, perfumes and cameras can usually be bought quite cheaply.  Bay Street, in Nassau is a haven of designer brands and perfect if you have cash to splash.  Along with the international products, there are also great bargains on local produce such as Bahamian weavings, straw goods jewellery, ceramics, clothing, paintings, woodcarvings and other crafts. 

Nightlife 
Most hotels in the Bahamas contain bars, lounges and nightclubs, which usually provide live entertainment.  Calypso and goombay bands are at the heart of live music, beach parties and discos, with limbo dancing also playing a big part.  Cable Beach, Paradise Island and Grand Bahamas have four casinos between them and festivals and live entertainment are constantly being organised.

Dining
The Bahamas boasts a wide variety of restaurants and bars, from beachside cafes to top quality restaurants.  Seafood is popular but there is something to suit all tastes.

Diving
incredible diving is possible anywhere in the Bahamas thanks to the crystal clear waters.  Unspoiled reefs, wrecks, guaranteed shark encounters, walls, blue holes and caves will provide a diving experience you will never forget. 

Meet the locals
The Bahamas’ People-to-People scheme pairs visitors with Bahamian locals of a similar age to enjoy tales of the past, family lunches, church meetings and local bands.  This is a great way to learn about the cultures, music and oratory traditions of the islanders.

Blue Lagoon Island
Here you can interact with sea lions and swim with bottle-nosed dolphins many former stars in the movie Flipper.

Golf
Tee off on any of the 9 golf courses the islands have to offer.  Bahamas’ oldest golf course, at Cable Beach, boasts beautiful fairways, as do the five other world-class courses on Grand Bahaman Island.  Golfer Greg Norman designed the course at Exumas, while the Abaco Club sports a Scottish links style course.