Bahamas Travel Guide

Bahamas Travel - Vacation Guide and Online Tourist Information including beaches, attractions, maps, hotels, tips and more by photos4travel

Introducing Bahamas

The Bahamas Is a Tropical Island Archipelago in the Caribbean Sea.

The Bahamas is a popular vacation resort in the Caribbean Sea.
The Bahamas is a popular vacation resort in the Caribbean Sea

The Bahamas: From Pirate’s Den to Tourist Treasure

In the laid backed reggae world of perfect beaches and slow lapping waves, there’s a rich and exciting history floating through the air. The 700 islands known as the Bahamas was home for the daring pirates of the 17th century. The likes of Blackbeard, Henry Morgan and Captain Kidd lurked around these islands waiting to take what they considered their share of the gold, and other valuables destined for America.

The tiny cays and hidden channels were excellent hiding places for the ships that sailed under the black flag. Each pirate had a special island, and the remains of hundreds of shipwrecks around Grand Bahama Island, Abacos Island and Bimini, are proof that these buccaneers knew how to ruin the day of hundreds of Spanish, English and French sailors. The defending colonial forts still surround the capital city of Nassau, and are now tourist attractions. They still seem to be on watch for those black flags that gave the Bahamas part of its rich history and culture. Columbus was the first European to arrive in Bahamas; he discovered San Salvador in 1492, and then the pirates, rum runners and cotton plantation slaves followed.

The Bahamas: Tropical Island

Today most of the 330,000 residents are descendants of those slaves. The islanders use tourism to keep their rich culture alive throughout the world. Most first time visitors choose Nassau or Grand Bahama Island; they are world renowned havens for fishermen, sun worshipers, and treasure hunters. But the Out Islands hold vacation treasures as well. Andros, to the west, is the least explored, but the largest island. It’s best known for its fantastic diving and bone-fishing. The Abacos Island, which is north of New Providence Island, is filled with hidden cays. The clear shallow water laps this skinny island with the rhythm of a reggae drummer. The islands are a beachcomber’s paradise. Divers and snorkelers enjoy swimming with the encyclopedia of marine life that dash through the warm water around the islands. The Atlantic Ocean is home for lobster, conch, grouper, angelfish, and barracuda, as well as stingrays, whales, and sharks. The notorious lion fish are abundant in the crystal clear water, so divers from around the world spend their holidays mingling with the giant fish, as well as feasting on the incredible island cuisine and irresistible dark rum.

Over three million tourists visit the Bahamas every year. The booming international banking market, and the fact that’s there is no personal or corporate income tax, plus the exploding real estate market, does bring different elements together on the islands, and some of them are not that attractive.

Bahamas in a Few Words

The adult pleasures found in the Bahamas are considered the best in the world by frequent visitors. Whether you want to explore the historic forts, or visit the Ardastra Gardens and Conservation Centre, or watch the marching flamingos in the zoo, or even spend a day on the 18 tropical acres known as the Botanical Gardens, you never run out of things to do in the Bahamas. This is a special place where dynamic energy bounces off coral reefs and explodes on the sandy shores and is consumed by all who choose to visit these fascinating islands. This 193-kilometer chain of islands is unique in beauty, as well as in its mysticism. One island trip is not enough. There’s unlimited treasure to be found in the contagious smiles of the locals, as well as in the hidden cays, which are filled with marine life and the sunken secrets of the sea.