The Bahamas

The Bahamas are located north of the Greater Antilles and southeast of Florida, technically the location of the Bahamas is in the North Atlantic Ocean, and not in the Caribbean, yet sometimes the Bahamas are encompassed as being islands of the Caribbean. A significant percentage of those islands are technically cays, or coral reef islands, and most are uninhabited. The name “Bahamas” comes from Spanish, and it roughly translates to mean “shallow water.” More than 300,000 people live here, making it a relatively populous country. Since winning its independence from the U.K. in 1973, the Bahamas have flourished. Tourism, in particular, is the main thing driving the economy here, so locals tend to cater to visitors and are very welcoming.

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Video about The Bahama, the wonderful and diverse islands that form one of the world’s most enchanting archipelagos and the wide range of culture and activities on offer. This video is commented by various personalities and professionals related to the tourist activity and lifestyle of the Bahamas

What are the Bahamas?

The Bahamas are made up of more than 700 islands. It is believed that Christopher Columbus arrived on the Bahamian island of San Salvador in 1492. At the time, it was populated by Arawak Indians. The British first arrived in 1647, and the Bahamas officially became a colony in 1783. Due to its long history with Great Britain, the Bahamas continues to be highly anglicized. English is the official language, and Christianity is practiced by nearly everyone who lives there. Indeed, the country is very religious and boasts the highest ratio of churches in the Caribbean.

Though the Bahamas consist of thousands of islands, only a handful get any real attention from tourists. New Providence Island is home to Nassau, the capital. It’s also where you’ll find the world-famous Atlantis resort. Grand Bahama is best known for its amazing underwater cave systems. Many cruise lines own and operate private resort islands as well. Most of the islands in the Bahamas are long, flat coral reef formations. Smatterings of small, rounded hills appear here and there in some areas. The highest point, Mt. Alvernia, is 63 meters high.

If you’d like to visit the Bahamas, the best time is generally between late December and early May. You can fill your days boating around the islands, noshing on cracked conch, swilling local rum and splashing about in the year-round 80-degree waters. You can also check out art galleries, casinos, forts, museums, monuments and much more. The official currency is the Bahamian dollar, but American currency is widely accepted too.

Capital city – Nassau
Language – English

Nassau, capital city of Bahamas

Nassau is a true feast for the senses. The air is thick with the sweet aroma of tropical flora, locals can be heard bargaining over jewelry, rum cakes and coins at the duty-free shops of Bay Street and cotton candy-colored Georgian-style buildings nearly glow in the historic district. The capital of the Bahamas has a high-energy vibe that will cure any case of cabin fever and delight even the most well-traveled visitors.

There are a few notable museums in the city, and the most interesting is likely the Pirates of Nassau Museum. The world-class collection includes interactive displays complete with recreations of pirate life, cutaways of ships and walk-throughs that make visitors feel like authentic swashbucklers. There is also a great gift store to plunder and a friendly Pirate Bar serving up tall glasses of cool beer.

A modest collection of documents and artifacts is on display at the Bahamas historical Society Museum. The collection tells the story of the islands from the Lucayan era through today, and the admission price is worth it just to see the incredible model of the Santa Luceno, a Spanish galleon.

Nassau is a bustling city filled with vibrant energy, but there are many places to go to catch a break from the chaos. Above the rock perch on Bernard Road is St. Augustine’s Monastery, one of the most imposing yet peaceful places on the islands. Call ahead to schedule a tour of the working monastery.

The Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Park also offer a lovely escape from the sometimes overwhelming action of the city. More than 50 species of animals, reptiles and birds call the zoo home, and indigenous species of flora thrive in the gardens. Visitors can see many animals up close, including West Indian flamingos, monkeys, iguanas, the endangered Bahama parrot, snakes, hutias and caimans.

Kids and adults will both enjoy the Atlantis Waterscape, the world’s largest open-air aquarium. More than 200 species of marine life can be experienced up close, including 14,000 fish. The underwater Plexiglass walkway lets visitors see the creatures like never before, and the park also includes an interpretation of the ruins of Atlantis, a lagoon full of sharks and a lazy river for tubing.

One of the most beautiful buildings in Nassau is the Government House, a cheery pink Georgian structure that tops Mount Fitzwilliam and houses the country’s governor-general. Walking the grounds is permitted, but visitors must schedule interior tours in advance and a military guard is a required chaperone. Twice each month, visitors are welcome to watch the changing of the guard and to sit for tea with the wife of the governor-general.

Blackbeard’s Tower is another popular tourist attraction in the city. The cut-stone tower sits just south of Fort Montagu and offers an outstanding view of Nassau.

Other sights worth exploring in Nassau include the bustling Rawson Square, the lovely gardens at the Bahamas National Trust, the white-sand Cable Beach, the 18th-century Balcony House and the Eastern Cemetery, where pirates and other rascals are buried in above-ground tombs.

Bahamas presentation video

Nassau Location

Nassau is the largest city, capital and commercial center of The Bahamas. According to 2010 census, Nassau was home to nearly 250,000 residents, which is 70% of The Bahamas total population.

The city of Nassau was first formally known as Charles Town before it was burned to the ground in 1684 by the Spanish and was rebuilt 9 years later to be named Nassau.

Nassau Language

English is the official language used in Nassau, Bahamas.

Nassau Predominant Religion

The predominant religion in Bahamas is Christianity, with other religions being accepted.

Nassau Currency

The Bahamian dollar is the official currency of Nassau, Bahamas and is based off the U.S. dollar as well as being equivalent to.

Nassau Climate

The climate in Nassau is known as tropical monsoon with pretty consistent temperatures throughout the entire year, regardless of the season. Exceeding temperatures of 92 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celcius) during the summer, Nassau hardly ever goes below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 C) during the winter with an average daily temperature of between 68 and 80 degrees F (20 and 27 C).

Nassau main attractions

Rawson Square
The Queen’s Staircase
The Water Tower
Gregory Arch and The Caves

Other attractions in Nassau

Beaches
The Lost Blue Hole – hole site

Closest major airport to Nassau, Bahamas

The closest airport is within the city and is Lynden Pindling International Airport.
The airport codes are (NAS/MYNN).
The airport is located just 9.9 miles from the Nassau city center and features daily flights to the United States, United Kingdom, the Caribbean and Canada.

The Bahamas consists of more than 700 islands, cays, and islets The main islands are:

New Providence & Paradise Islands

New Providence Island and Paradise Island form a glitzy duo that features the best of the Bahamas. Joined by a bridge, these two islands offer an amazing selection of beaches, casinos, nightclubs, shops and upscale restaurants that make every moment feel like a celebration. Most tourists choose to begin their Caribbean holidays in this destination because it is home to many of the best resorts in North America. It is a place where one can be pampered at a spa or linger in nature to hear the whispers of Mother Nature being carried on a tropical breeze.

Whether exploring all of the fun cultural attractions of the capital Nassau or escaping to hidden cays where dolphins and stingrays glide around, tourists can’t help but to fall in love with this energetic and eclectic portion of the Bahamas. For those seeking thrills for the whole family, it’s helpful to know that Paradise Island is home to the world’s largest outdoor aquarium. People from all over the globe plan honeymoons and vacations to New Providence Island and Paradise Island that include visits to the Versailles Gardens and French Cloister, Predator Lagoon, Christ Church Cathedral, the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas, Queen’s Staircase, the Pirates of Nassau Museum, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas and the Marine Habitat at Atlantis.

The breathtaking beaches of New Providence Island and Paradise Island bring relaxation to a whole new level. Cable Beach offers white sand and clear aquamarine water that is perfect for scuba diving. Jaws beach offers shallow water and sweet seclusion away from the crowds. Love Beach offers pure bliss and plenty of privacy. Caves Beach features beautiful rock formations just a few feet away from terrific food vendors.

Grand Bahama Island

Grand Bahama Island is the ultimate destination for glistening sand and emerald waves. Most of the island’s tourist attractions and resorts can be found in the bustling cities of Freeport and Lucaya. The landscape ranges from unspoiled beaches and life-filled reefs to decadent resorts and shops. Resorts on Grand Bahama Island are famous for catering to every decadent whim and desire of guests. Popular attractions on the island include Lucayan National Park, Count Basie Square, Port Lucaya Marina, Cooper’s Castle, Rand Memorial Nature Center and Burial Mound Cave.

The beaches here are nothing short of extraordinary. Many local beaches take on a party atmosphere when guests from various resorts gather for a little fun and sun near the waves. Gold Rock Beach’s smooth, warm sand is perfect for long naps in the sun. The beach also features perfect snorkeling conditions and great views of stingrays and starfish lingering near its sandbar. Idyllic Taino Beach is surrounded by fabulous seafood restaurants. Secluded Barbary Beach offers an unobstructed shoreline and many tropical trees that provide shade.

Abacos, Bahamas

Anybody seeking a relaxing vacation away from shopping malls, casinos and crowded tourist attractions should visit the Abacos. Aside from being the perfect destination for beach bums, this is a dreamy place to do a little fishing for tuna, bonefish and marlins. Colorful houses and roads that can barely fit cars create a secluded and peaceful atmosphere that feels a million miles away from any city or crowded tourist attraction. Lazy days here can be filled with visits to Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park, Black Sound Cay National Reserve, Abaco National Park, Tilloo Cay National Reserve, Hope Town Lighthouse, Coral Caverns and the Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden.

It’s easy to feel like a castaway when you surrender to the hidden temptations on the beaches of the Abacos. If you’re looking for a way to relax without straying far from civilization, Treasure Cay Beach features sugary sand and calm water just a few feet away from food vendors and small restaurants. When the warm sun begins to fade behind the ocean, many boaters gather at Tahiti Beach for sunset celebrations.

Bimini Bahamas

Beautiful Bimini is made up of a chain of islands that stands approximately 50 miles away from the United States. As a result, this destination is particularly popular among American vacationers. Tourists love to enjoy the velvety sands, quaint shops and lovely sunsets that can be found on the islands of North Bimini, South Bimini, and East Bimini. Aside from being a hot modern holiday destination, Bimini is a place filled with legends that date back to before the modern borders of the Americas were formed. Juan Ponce de León’s search for the Fountain of Youth included this lovely batch of islands. In addition, Bimini Road is believed by many to be a remnant from the legendary city of Atlantis. While rumors of timeless fountains and ancient cities have yet to be fully substantiated, people still come here in search of inspiration and rejuvenation. Everyone from Ernest Hemingway to Jimmy Buffet has spent a little time hiding away in this slice of paradise.

Bimini is truly a diver’s delight. Popular diving sites here include Victory Reef, Rainbow Reef and Tuna Alley. The many rock formations in Bimini add touches of mystery to its main islands and secret cays. Many international tourists come here for opportunities to swim with sharks or frolic with dolphins.

Berry Islands, Bahamas

The Berry Islands are perfect for travelers looking for a spot in the Bahamas that is relatively undeveloped. Most of the chain’s 30 islands are gloriously uninhabited. This destination has earned a reputation for being a playground for millionaires in recent years. When wintertime residents are counted, the Berry Islands are home to more millionaires than any other spot on the globe. The rich and famous come here to fish for tuna, yellow snapper and king mackerel. Others come to snorkel or scuba dive in water that is as warm as a perfect bath. Of course, one need not have a bank account as hefty as a pirate’s treasure chest to enjoy a marvelous holiday here. All are welcome to plan a relaxing holiday that includes a little beach time and a stay at a fabulous resort.

Beaches don’t get much better than the ones in the Berry Islands. Great Stirrup Cay is the perfect place to dig for shells and watch colorful fish dart by your ankles in shallow water. Chub Cay is surrounded by exceptional reefs that are full of exotic wonders. Visitors can also indulge in snorkeling, lobster spearing and fishing at various spots in the Barry Islands. The main marina here has restaurants where visitors can chow down on wonderfully prepared seafood dishes and enjoy fruity cocktails made with fresh and exotic ingredients.

Eleuthera and Harbour Island, Bahamas

Luxury is the name of the game in Eleuthera. A mix of turquoise waves and pink sand on Harbor Island creates a colorful canvas where beach bums can enjoy lazy days in the sun. This portion of the Bahamas is particularly special because it is the spot where the dark blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean dance delicately beside the crystalline waves of the Caribbean Sea. Eleuthera and Harbour Island are famous for housing endless pineapple fields. Despite the tropical feel of this steamy destination, prim and proper Victorian architecture lines the streets here. Properties here are adorned with elegant archways and gabled roofs that rival anything found in Europe’s great cities. Riding along the beach at low tide on horseback is one of the most popular activities in this beautiful destination.

Visitors enjoy beaches galore in Eleuthera and Harbour Island. Lighthouse Beach is particularly magnificent because it is bordered by both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. French Leave Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. While the shore of this beloved beach is dotted with luxury hotels and upscale restaurants, a hidden world of wonders waits in the reef just beyond where the sand ends. Sea turtles and tropical fish are commonly seen during snorkeling excursions near French Leave Beach. Perhaps the most stunning feature of Eleuthera and Harbour Island is a geological formation called the Glass Window Bridge. It is at this spot where two of the world’s most amazing bodies of water gracefully collide. Visitors love to come here to admire the vast color differences in the waves that crash on the Caribbean side and the Atlantic side of the bridge. Other beautiful spots here include Twin Cove Beach, Rainbow Bay Beach, Northside Beach, Hatchet Bay Cave and Rock Sound.

Exumas, Bahamas

If you enjoy walking along beaches where no human footprints can be found, the secluded cays of the Exumas are for you. This tropical destination features more than 300 breathtakingly secluded cays. The Tropic of Cancer cuts like a sword straight though the Exumas. Many of the world’s rich and famous moguls own luxury homes and yachts here. People can be seen sailing, diving at coral reefs, exploring caves and snorkeling on any given day at the extraordinary beaches that shape the Exumas.

It’s easy to feel small when visiting the Exumas. The natural landscape is quite expansive and free from man’s imprint. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park offers glimpses of iguanas, wild pigs, sharks and stingrays. Of course, one only has to travel to Stocking Island to experience a wonderland of great restaurants and bustling shops to feel connected to the modern world again. A little bit of history can be thrown into the mix on visits to the Rolle Town Tombs and the Bowe Family Plantation.

Cat Island, Bahamas

Cat Island is in its own category when it comes to beauty. This island is home to the highest point in the Bahamas. All who climb to the top of Mount Alvernia are greeted by a delightful Franciscan monastery. As a bonus, the ruins of the fascinating Armbrister Plantation can be found just a few miles away from the monastery. The vibe on this island is quite relaxed. Lovers of nature flock here to explore endless miles worth of lush hills and nature trails. Many local agencies offer guided nature tours that introduce visitors to the hidden splendors of the landscape in this portion of the Bahamas.

Visiting the Port Howe area of Cat Island is simply a must for visitors. Among a number of other fun attractions, tourists can explore the majestic ruins of the famous Deveaux House mansion. Other top attractions on the island include the Columbus World Centre Museum, the childhood home of Sir Sidney Poitier and a glass bridge that reveals stunningly intimate views of the ocean.

Long Island, Bahamas

There’s a long list of reasons why Long Island is one of the best destinations in the Bahamas. Stunning cliffs lined with colorful flowers and fishing villages give this destination a tranquil and authentic vibe. The Tropic of Cancer splits Long Island into two magnificently scenic portions. While the northern portion of the island is known for its steep, rocky terrain, the southern portion has white beaches that seem to stretch out into eternity. The island is distinguished from other portions of the Bahamas because of its fascinating network of caves. In fact, Dean’s Blue Hole is the deepest underwater sinkhole in the world. Stunning Hamilton’s Cave features drawings and ancient artifacts left behind from the Lucayan Indians. Like other parts of the Bahamas, opportunities for sailing, swimming, diving and snorkeling are abundant here.

The beaches of Long Island offer peace and quiet in the bosom of nature. Cape Santa Maria is a perfect place to melt into warm sand or hop on a paddle board. Nearby Conception Island is a deserted wonderland that is home to rare green turtles, sharks and lobsters. Columbus Point is a lookout point that offers panoramic views of the island that simply can’t be beat. A stop at the enchanted Long Island Museum will leave any visitor informed about the island’s rich heritage.

Crooked & Acklins Islands, Bahamas

The sun forms a straight line in the direction of the Crooked and Acklins Islands. These lush islands form a circle around a beautiful lagoon called the Bight of Acklins. The pair of islands is celebrated for being located in one of the most remote portions of the Bahamas. The landscape here is almost surreal. Visitors can leave the world behind and explore a terrain that is dotted with limestone caves, coral gardens, quiet beaches and cliffs that appear to pierce the blue sky. Mysterious remnants of old cotton plantations can still be explored in the overgrown terrain just beyond the destination’s smooth beaches. The settlements of Gun Point and French Well seem untouched by time. Though sparsely populated, Crooked and Acklins Islands are quite welcoming to visitors looking to do a little exploring and fishing away from the crowds.

Both islands tell unique stories that one must see, taste and feel with all of the senses. Acklins enjoys an ethereal landscape that is created by rare rock formations, lush rolling hills, secret coves, idyllic villages and vibrant wildlife populations. Days here are filled with sunshine and warm waves. Nights here are filled with starry skies and breezes that seem to be whispering lullabies to all who will listen. Crooked Island is a virtual herb garden. Sweet and savory scents can be enjoyed whenever a tropical breeze rushes over the landscape. The island is home to a number of small towns and fishing villages that can be explored in a few hours. A number of reefs and underwater shelves tempt adventurous divers with promises of glimpses of rare fish.

Inagua, Bahamas

Inagua remains an enigma to all who are blessed enough to dip their feet into its warm shores or encounter its colorful birds. There is no place else on the planet where white sand and blue waves are complemented so uniquely by an abundance of pink feathers. Curiously enough, the pink flamingo is the official bird of this glorious island. Inagua is technically comprised of Great Inagua Island and Little Inagua Island. Both islands are popular spots for nature tourism. While other portions of the Bahamas promise luxurious spas and decadent restaurants, Inagua promises intimate encounters with nature and opportunities to appreciate the intrinsic beauty of the planet.

Visitors to Great Inagua enjoy exploring expansive Lake Windsor. Matthew Town is a harbor where most of the island’s residents live and work. The most stunning feature of the island is the large bird sanctuary that is home to West Indian flamingos and dozens of species of exotic birds. Little Inagua is truly memorable because it contains populations of wild goats and donkeys that were left behind by French explorers generations ago. The island’s secluded nature is a result of a natural reef that blocks ships from coming very close to shore. Rumors of buried treasure that date back centuries still lure curious explorers who come in search of adventure and riches.

Mayaguana, Bahamas

With a population of less than 300 people, secluded Mayaguana is the perfect island for anybody looking to escape from the world for a little while. The settlements of Abraham’s Bay, Betsy Bay and Pirate’s Well offer glimpses into island life that few tourists ever get to experience unless they spend time in this sun-kissed portion of the Bahamas. Outsiders get to admire life in an idyllic place where most residents make a living by conch fishing or cultivating the land. Despite the island’s reputation for being an obscure oasis, there are many fabulous resorts situated near Abraham’s Bay

Beaches on Mayaguana are virtually free from human footprints or man-made obstructions. Booby Cay offers a lush landscape that is home to iguanas, wild goats and exotic birds. Tourists love to visit Horse Pond Beach to let gentle waves lick at their ankles. After watching a magnificent sunset, many visitors choose to hunt for land crabs that emerge from the island’s bushes and rock formations after dark. The wooded areas of the island’s lush forest are quite popular among cyclists looking for scenic trails. Other popular activities on Mayaguana include snorkeling, diving and fishing.

San Salvador, Bahamas

Life is all about sun and fun on San Salvador Island. It is believed that this island is the first piece of land spotted by Christopher Columbus during his first expedition to the Americas. An underwater monument stands today in the spot where the Pinta is rumored to have dropped anchor all those centuries ago. A number of shipwreck sites left behind by other explorers have become popular diving sites in recent years. Much like the earliest visitors to this pristine island, today’s tourists still feel a rush of excitement when they feast their eyes on the tremendous natural beauty that is found here.

Aside from a breathtaking shoreline, San Salvador features an assortment of sparkling inland lakes. With more than 50 dive sites to be enjoyed in close proximity to dazzling resorts, the island offers a mix of pampering and pulse-pounding excitement. The waters at popular East Beach are nearly always calm. Landfall Park is a popular snorkeling spot where a cross has been erected to mark the sport where Christopher Columbus is believed to have first touched land. If you’re looking for sweet seclusion, an excursion to Rum Cay is in order. Other popular attractions on San Salvador Island include Fortune Hill Plantation, Father Schreiner’s Grave, the New World Museum, Watling’s Castle and Holy Saviour Roman Catholic Church.