See full version: Islands in Brief in Bahamas
Owners of the 277-hectare (684-acre) island have included brokerage mogul Joseph Lynch (of Merrill Lynch) and Huntington Hartford (heir to the A&P supermarket fortune). More recent investors have included Merv Griffin. The island today is a carefully landscaped residential and commercial complex with good beaches, lots of glitter (some of it tasteful, some of it way too over-the-top), and many diversions.
The most developed islands for tourism are New Providence, site of Cable Beach and Nassau (the capital); Paradise Island; and Grand Bahama, home of Freeport and Lucaya. If you're after glitz, gambling, bustling restaurants, nightclubs, and a beach-party scene, these big three islands are where you'll want to be. Package deals are easily found.
Known as the "Big Yard," the central portion of North Andros is mostly a dense forest of mahogany and pine where more than 50 orchid varieties bloom. In South Andros, there's a 100-sq.-km (39-sq.-mile) forest and mangrove swamp worth exploring. Any hotel concierge can arrange for a local guide to give you a tour of either of these natural attractions. [links]
Many of the Abacos are undeveloped and uninhabited. For the best of both worlds, visitors can stay on either Walker's, Green Turtle, or Treasure cays, and then charter a boat to tour the more remote areas. [links]
The famous Cat Cay comprises two small islands: North Cat Cay and South Cat Cay, located just ten miles south of Bimini. North Cat Cay is an exclusive owned island and managed by the Cat Cay Yacht Club. Previously used by the pirate Edward Teach, the cay popularly known as Blackbeard is named for the “cat line” of a sailing vessel that it mimics. here
Explore the Garden Shops, experience the solemn beauty of the Labyrinth, dine at the Garden Café, or let the kids play on the newly extended playground. A haven for birders, watch the native and migratory birds and butterflies sip nectar or collect insects from the numerous freshly planted flowers; this vibrant garden is an excellent outdoor retreat. [links]
Taino Beach is a lovely expanse of white sand dotted with thin palm trees that wave in the breeze. It is a popular gathering place, featuring a variety of water sports and restaurants serving local fare. Relax on the smooth sand while taking in the colorful atmosphere of this vibrant harbor. Go beachcombing with your family to discover the various shells and corals that adorn this stretch of sand during your stay at one of the luxurious beachfront resorts.
Visitors can easily spot swimming Pigs or the Exuma Pigs at Pig Beach, the most famous attraction of the Bahamas, which are a sight to behold and should be on everyone’s bucket list. You can even feed them. Turquoise blue waves lap the white sand borders of this remote tropical island retreat in the Exuma Cays.
Shop quirky jewelry and straw crafts from the Port Lucaya Marketplace or explore the marina; Grand Bahama is home to extensive underwater cave systems in the Lucayan National Park. Explore the colorful pastel houses, take a dip in the Xanadu Beach or visit the private estate with manicured gardens at Cooper’s Castle. [links]
The Bahamas as an Island King of Tourism: [links]
The history of the Bahamas has influenced the culture of the islands which are rich in customs and traditions. Bahamian people, music, food, and festivals showcase this deep culture and give visitors a real taste of the history and life in the Bahamas. [links]
The most famous and well-known parts of the Bahamas are: here
The Bahamas and the outer islands are all absolutely stunning, with amazing year-round weather, wonderful beaches and clear blue seas, all of which provide perfect conditions for enjoying many outdoor activities. These paradise islands offer some of the best diving in the world especially Long island, which boasts the famous Deans Blue Hole. Sailing and boating is a favorite activity on these islands as the calm waters provide perfect sailing conditions. You can also take part in other activities such as golfing, horseback riding, hiking, cycling and many more. [links]
• Nassau
• Paradise island
• Grand Bahama [links]
The islands were used by British pirates and in 1648, the first British settlers arrived on Citagoo and renamed the island Eleuthera, meaning freedom. These settlers introduced the plantation economy and African slave labor. Although there were no formal disputes over possession of the islands, there were times of harassment by the French and Spanish as well as pirates. Slavery was abolished in 1834 causing major economic changes. The 20th century brought about prosperity with different industries thriving in the area, and the tourism industry began booming in the 1950's.
Despite the swarms of camera-toting tourists, Nassau, Bahamas, one of the Caribbean’s most popular cruise ship ports, manages to fascinate visitors. Enjoy the white sands of Cable Beach, the boutiques, restaurants, museums, candy-colored colonial buildings of downtown and Bay Street, and the Nassau Straw Market for souvenirs.
Shroud Cay is a beautiful example of Exuma’s outstanding natural beauty, immaculate shores, and shiny blue seas. Pay a visit to Exuma bank to explore the washing machine through a river-like network of mangrove canals. more
Grand Bahama Island, the northernmost of the Bahamas’ islands, is a favorite destination for package visitors and cruise ships. Freeport, the Bahamas’ second-largest city, is a thriving tropical playground though Port Lucaya has surpassed it as the tourist destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. [links]