Capital: Nassau (NAS)
Area: 5,380 sq miles/13,988 sq km
Population: 254,685
Religion: Baptist, Anglican, Catholic
Currency: Bahamian Dollar (BSD)
Electricity: 110 volts
Language: English

The Arawak Indians were the original settlers in the Bahamas, but in 1492 Columbus, the first European, arrived either at Samana Cay or San Salvador (Watling) Island. The actual place is in question, but the Bahamas have been attracting settlers and visitors ever since. It was a favorite spot for pirates in the early 18th century, and during the American Revolution, Loyalists came and settled primarily in the Abaco chain. Around the U.S. Civil War, slaves found refuge there and freedom. The British have claimed it for centuries, and many nationalities now enjoy living there. Approximately 85 percent of the people are of African descent.

The Bahamas archipelago is a long string of relatively small and flat coral islands stretching in a northwest-southeast direction, as close as about 50 miles/81 km east of Florida. There may be as many as 2,700 islands and cays in the Bahamas, but only 700 are of any size, and a mere 30 are permanently inhabited. They stretch approximately 760 miles/1,223 km from the northern end to the southernmost point, and most are no higher than 200 ft/61 m in elevation. Most have great beaches and beautiful, blue water. Refer to the islands in the Bahamas as New Providence Island (Nassau), Grand Bahamas Island (Freeport), and the Family Islands (when referring to any other island).

If you enjoy deep-sea fishing, gambling, water activities, golf, tennis, snorkeling, relaxation, and scuba diving come to the Bahamas. The Bahamas is a year-round destination, but there are preferred times to come. Visit here December through April, when the weather is fairly mild and great for outdoor activities. May and June can be a bit hotter, and July through November hurricanes are possible.

Touring

Nassau (NAS) and Freeport (FPO) are the two major international airports, although there are smaller islands with airports servicing many Florida cities. We suggest you rent a car, motor scooter, or bicycle (depending on the island they visit), walk, or take a taxi. Take the local interisland ferries and short airline flights to the smaller islands. Remember, they drive on the left side of the street as in England. Often the best way to see the Bahamas, especially Nassau and Freeport, is on a cruise. One day on either island is almost adequate for most people. To be fair, you should stay at least three days on each island visited.

Listed below are things to do for some of the major islands:

Abaco (MHH) (pronounced AHB uh ko) Abaco consists of three major islands: Great Abaco Island, Green Turtle Cay, and Walkerís Cay. They offer great diving, deep-sea fishing, sailing, and historical sites such as Man-O-War Cay, where ship building can be seen. (3 days)

Bimini (BMI) (pronounced BIM uh nee) Ernest Hemingway loved Bimini; as will the deep-sea fisherman and divers. (3 days)

Eleuthera (GHB, ELH, RSD) (pronounced ih LOO thuh ruh) This 110 mile/176 km long, relatively narrow island offers great golfing, deep-sea fishing, diving, good beaches, a taste of

the sound calm water on the western side, and waves on the eastern side, some pink sand beaches, and a wide variety of sites and things to do. (4 days)

Grand Bahamas (FPO) This is the site of Freeport. There are casinos, deep-sea fishing, duty-free shopping, some fairly good beaches, and probably one of the most unique and wonderful things in the Bahamas: UNEXSO, where you may swim with the dolphins (must make reservations prior to coming here). (3 days)

New Providence (NAS) Nassau, Cable Beach, and Paradise Island are part of New Providence. The island is de-signed for tourism with casinos, a variety of beaches, lots of restaurants and shops, and trained flamingos. (3 days)

For more Itineraries go to TripItineraries

Travants <%echo ($location_name)%> Specialists

About Penny I have experienced the island and the resorts of the Bahamas through my various visits and know the best places for the money as well as the best time of year to go. If you want to gamble as well as play this is the place to go. December and January can be on the cool side - save this one for other than the winter months. To learn more about Penny and talk to her about putting together a trip to The Bahamas, click here.