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| An ideal destination that appeals to many types of travelers and their interests is the 700 Islands of the Bahamas. These islands attract visitors with world-class diving and fishing, beautiful turquoise water, and miles of picture-perfect beaches. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back style or non-stop excitement and entertainment, the Bahamas seems to have it all. You may have been to Nassau, the nation’s (and nightlife) capital, while visiting on a cruise. Nassau is also known as Paradise Island, which is home to the popular Atlantis resort. Atlantis is an entertainment experience. The resort has the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, and is a virtual aquatic playground for all ages. Atlantis has also been featured in numerous films, musical performances, and television programs. It’s like a huge water park playground that can be so much fun for the whole family. Nassau/Paradise Island has a British influence that is seen in the town’s architecture. You might want to try the colorful marketplace, Festival Place, where you can buy wares from local artists and other souvenirs. Fort Fincastle is the highest point on the island and provides incredible views and great photo opportunities. You may also want to stop by the Pirates of the Nassau Museum. Good local cuisine is said to be at Arawak Cay. Here you can taste fresh conch while washing it down with the traditional drink of coconut and gin. Now it’s time to get off the main island and explore what some of the other islands have to offer. Long Island is one of the most scenic hideaways in The Islands of the Bahamas, and it is famous for its world-class scuba diving and bonefishing. It offers sloping hills, stark-white flatlands, swampland, and pristine beaches. At one time, Harbour Island was second only to Nassau in terms of prosperity due to its shipyard and sugar refinement center. The latter lends itself to a profitable secondary industry—rum. This island is popular for its three-mile powdery pink sand beach, vibrant nightlife, and glamorous residents and visitors. The Plateau and the Arch, both giant coral structures densely populated with marine life, attract divers from around the world. Harbour Island is home to one of the top 10 dive sites in the world at 9 knots. Current Cut is one of the fastest dives in the world, and is among the most diverse in the region in terms of aquatic life. After a day in the water, you may want to eat at Sip Sip for traditional fare. Then you can wander over to Dilly Dally and pick up one of photographer, Val Albury’s, photos. Eleuthra is very relaxing. Visitors are attracted to the miles of secluded and empty pink and white sand beaches. You can snorkel just offshore or go for a dive to see shipwrecks. Eleuthra also has a surfer’s beach and kiteboarding. While here, make sure to see the striking rock formation known as Glass Window Bridge, which is found at the narrowest part of the island. There is also an annual four-day Pineapple Festival. Bimini is the next stop. The history of this island dates back to Ponce de Leon’s quest for the Fountain of Youth. When author Ernest Hemmingway lived here in 1935, Bimini began to develop its own tropical vacation allure. You may want to snack on some Bimini bread, a famous local treat, in between all of your activities. The most popular beach is in Alice Town and is called Radio Beach. If you’re into boating, you don’t want to miss the Bimini Boat Building, where boat builder Ansil Saunders’ custom handcrafted works of art are located. Of course, you will want to stop by the Fountain of Youth as well. It’s near the airport in South Bimini and is something the locals are very proud of. The Lost City of Atlantis is also located off the north coast. The major tourist attraction is the Bimini Museum, which contains many items of interest and a number of exhibits that depict the island’s heritage. You may also want to travel to the island of Andros, which is famous for straw crafts and Bahamian Androsia, a colorful Batik fabric. You can get great bargains on clothes, jewelry, crafts, and other souvenirs. Andros is known as the bonefishing capital of the Bahamas as well as around the world for both its size and abundance. Bird-watching is excellent on the island since it is home to some 120 species. You may want to make time for the island’s major dive highlight, the Andros Barrier Reef (the third-largest barrier reef in the world). Take a nature walk, view Mariner’s Well, and hike around Native Colony Ruins. Tell your friends at home that you dove Star Gate Blue Hole, which was a world-famous site during a National Geographic scuba diving expedition. The Exumas are famous for sailing and are home to many boating competitions. Diving enthusiasts from around the world rate the Exumas among the most spectacular places in all of the Islands. If you’re a fan of James Bond, then you must see Thunderball Grotto: an awesome hollowed-out island near Staniel Cay. It is said to be perfect for snorkeling. It was the setting for “Thunderball” and “Never Say Never Again,” as well as Disney’s “Splash.” There are so many more islands to see, whether it’s Grand Bahama Island, the Abacos, Cat Island, or any of the others. I don’t think you can go wrong with a Bahamas vacation. The number of visitors to the Islands has declined, and now is the time to call your local travel agent for a great deal on travel packages. Don’t bother booking the trip yourself. There are so many incentives that will get you free airfare, free nights, credits, etc. So take advantage of these fantastic opportunities that only your agent can provide. You’ll be rest-assured that everything has been taken care of. Editor’s Note: Jackie has been a freelance writer for three years. She specializes in luxury, sports, and adventure travel, health and fitness, and product reviews. Her work has appeared in publications including Colorado Golf, Desert Golf, and Canadian Architecture & Design. |
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