Bahamas
The exquisite Bahamas in the Atlantic Ocean comprises 700 islands, cays, and islets.
The beaches on the 16 main islands are among the best in the world. The Bahamas hosts the Andros Reef which is one of the largest barrier reefs in the world and is a magnet for scuba divers and snorkellers.
But if you prefer land-based action to the underwater world, then you can find something to suit you between these lovely islands.
Here is a selection of islands and beaches:
New Providence
New Providence is the island best known to visitors. It hosts the capital city Nassau. Here you will find a pirates’ museum, art galleries, and straw markets.
And for site-seeing, there are colonial buildings, a delightful harbour and harbour cruises.
If that’s not enough, you can visit the spectacular Aquaventure water park, Atlantis, on Paradise Island.
The beaches near Nassau are Goodmans Bay Beach (Cable Beach) and Junkanoo Beach. Both are breathtaking at sunset.
Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama, the northernmost island of the Bahamas, is known for its beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and golf courses.
In the Lucayan National Park see reef-lined coves and mangrove swamps. Freeport is the largest city.
There is the quiet Fortune Beach where you can visit the Banana Bay restaurant.
The Gold Rock Beach 25 miles from Freeport, is part of the Lucayan National Park. At low tide the beach exposes its “welcome mat” so called because of the thousands of ripples formed in the sand as the sea goes out. There are BBQ pits and picnic tables. The Lucayan Caverns, just north of the beach, are the world’s longest surveyed underground cave system.
Lucaya Beach, near the Port Lucaya hotels, is a popular beach with those who prefer water sports. You can sample roast conch at Billy Joe’s snack shack during your visit.
Abacos
The Abacos comprises over 100 islands spread over 120 miles. Many islands uninhabited, they are 180 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida.
Known for its natural splendour, Abaco Island has colourful colonial architecture that creates a unique environment.
Many of the small towns and historic settlements use golf buggies as a means of transport.
There are no casinos or shopping malls in The Abacos, so it’s not without reason that visitors and residents know this region as the ‘Real Bahamas’.
Home to the iconic Elbow Reef Lighthouse, the region attracts sailboats and yachts from the U.S. who spend a weekend or longer throughout the winter months.
The first-class resorts, historic settlements on small cays, and sprawling wilderness, make The Abacos an exceptional destination that appeals to a wide range of holiday-makers.
Long Island
This is where The Bahamas remembers Christopher Columbus. The Cape Santa Maria Beach (named after one of the great explorer’s ships) is four miles of soft sand where you can languish beneath the palm trees and enjoy a piece of heaven.
Harbour Island (Eleuthera)
Pink Sands Beach stretches for 3 miles and is 100-250ft deep depending on the tide. Along its length, you will find resorts, restaurants and holiday homes.
Other beaches on Eleuthera worth a mention are the French Leave Beach, Cotton Bay Beach, and Ten Bay Beach.
Exumas
The region in the Bahamas known as the Exumas comprises 365 islands. The largest is Great Exuma linked by a bridge to Little Exuma. George Town is the capital and largest town.
The Tropic of Cancer Beach (also known as Pelican Beach, Little Exuma) has no amenities. But if you want to stand on the Tropic of Cancer, it runs right through this beach. If you are there on the June solstice, the sun will be directly overhead. They filmed the first Pirates of the Caribbean here.
Cat Island
Cat Island named in 1926 after the pirate Arthur Catt.
And with 50 miles of rolling hills, nature trails and the eight-mile Pink Sand Beach, visitors can do everything or nothing.
Mt. Alvernia (or Como Hill), is the Bahamas highest point at 206 feet above sea level. A mediaeval monastery, the Hermitage, sits on its peak.
Beaches include Orange Creek Beach, Old Bight Beach, Fountain Bay Beach, and New Bight Beach.
Andros
They refer to Andros Island, as Holy Spirit Island because of its tranquillity and peacefulness.
This diverse region has blue holes and underground rivers. It has unique animals and plants. The Andros’ barrier reef is popular with snorkellers and bone fishermen from around the world.
Here are a few of the beaches:
Small Hope Bay Beach in North Andros for coconut tree hammocks just 10 minutes from Andros Town.
The coconut-lined, Tiamo Beach in South Andros with its white sand is a perfect setting for natural activities.
A perfect mile of coconut trees and casuarinas with thousands of shells lines the shores of Summer Set Beach.
This is a small taste of The Bahamas. Only a visit to soak up the unique atmosphere of these wonderful islands will give you the real flavour.
Welcome to The Bahamas!
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