The Bahamas also known as ‘the shallow waters’, resembles the tiny dabs on an artist’s palette. When first discovered by Christopher Columbus with his ships bumping against the limestone rocks in 1492, the Bahamas was a sandy beach paradise. These islands haven’t changed all that much since then. The island chains still boast magnificent beaches, crystal clear water and yet, much of the area still revels in raw beauty.
The island chain flaunts over 2,000 breathtaking islands, many of which allow travelers to enjoy the natural beauty the place has to offer. Other islands such as Grand Bahamas Island offer travelers shopping, beaches, and spectacular all-inclusive resorts to ensure a fantastic vacation for everyone.
In addition to great shopping, the Bahamas has a stunning 40-acre spread of mangrove, palm and pine trees which can be seen on the way to Gold Rock Beach. The mangrove “forest” was created especially to enjoy this quiet tranquility.
Gold Rock Beach boasts amazing sandy white beaches which is virtually secluded most of the time. Freeport’s Lucayan National Park boasts one of the longest underwater limestone caves in the world, here visitors to the park, can walk into some of these underwater caves and see the amazing limestone stalactites and stalagmites.
Indeed, Bahamas is one of the favorite, hot and evergreen tourist spot. The charisma and the aura of the place are spell- binding. It seems that nature has given it all to this place with its 15 superb and exclusive islands, beaches, and the lovely people. The location of the place is such that it brings it nearest of all the Caribbean islands. Situated a few miles away from the tip of Florida, Bahamas has everything to mesmerize its visitors.
The two well known islands of this place are–The Out Island and the Nassau or Paradise Island. The Nassau is also the capital of Bahamas. The Out islands are a bunch of several islands like- the Abacos, the Acklins also known as the Crooked Island, the Andros, and several more. Then there are also breathtaking Brry islands, Bimni, Cat Island with the amazing landscapes, the Exumas famous for scuba dive, fish and the like. The rare West Indian Flamingos can be a treat to the eyes at the Inagua islands; the pulse of romance can be aggravated at the calm, quiet yet beautiful Mayaguana islands.
Besides the islands, there are horde of soft and sandy beaches with turquoise blue water that make you experience paradise on earth. The most vibrant, active and lively beach is the Cable beach Nassau where you and your kids can take up any activity from snorkeling, scuba diving to bouncing banana boats. The Guana Beach at the Abaco islands has eye catching corals in waters while the Pink Sands beach of Harbour islands are endowed with mystifying pink sand. Along with these are fine beaches at the Cat Islands, Taino Beach with outstanding oceans, water slides, restaurants at the Freeport.
Apart from the scenic splendor, Bahamas is also admired for its ecstatic nightlife. The casinos, discos, bars, restaurants all are meant to keep up your spirits even at night. The casinos on the islands of Nassau and Freeport like Atlantis Resort, Marriott Crystal Palace Resort or the Bahamas Princess casino offer you all types of gambling games. Be it slots, Caribbean stud poker, slot machines, roulette etc. the casinos have them all. There are games for kids too at the Atlantis casino situated at the Paradise Island.
There are two ways to reach this land of water. You can either take a plane or the sea route. You can choose amongst a private jet or a relaxing mailboat, which costs from $35 from Florida. Cruise liners are also a pleasant idea to reach Bahamas.
Once you reach the place you might not have problems in interacting for the language spoken there is English. The people are too keen to warmly and whole heartedly welcome their guests. The perfect time to go to Bahamas is between September and May when the temperature of the place is around 70 to 75 degrees. Bahamas has something different to offer like its dress codes which is a little strict in the capital but softer at the Out Islands. Most of the Bahamians are West Africans. They are amiable, gentle and generous people who are too social and fun loving. The people are warm and friendly. They love to share their special culture, heritage and laid-back life style with all who pay them a visit.
If you are looking for a tropical paradise vacation, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Bahamas is no doubt the perfect answer. Only 50 miles off the Florida coast, the island is the perfect place to be.
Sailing is one of the most popular warm water activities offered at the islands. Numerous sailing regattas and festivals draw large a large number of water sports lovers to these islands. Additionally, water sports such as wind surfing, parasailing and kayaking are readily on offer.
The other major tourist attraction is the myriad collection of underwater world of reefs and colorful fish life. A visit to the Bahamas is incomplete without snorkeling and scuba diving to feast the eyes with a collectors delight of about 5% of the world’s reefs and the amazing colored fish.
Interestingly, this archipelagic country made up of some 700 beautiful islands, is not in Caribbean but in the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, due to the magnificent Bahamas tourist attractions, the major source of income of this country is from tourism.
Paradise Island is one of the main Bahamas tourist attractions, and it is adjacent to Nassau, and situated at the off-shore of the city. Moreover, the Blue Lagoon Island is the home of many Dolphins where encountering these beautiful creatures is a lifetime opportunity. Also, the visitors can meet the amazing sea lions in this island. In addition, the Cabbage Beach is also one of the major Bahamas tourist attractions, which is located in the Paradise Island and visitors can enjoy water skiing, snorkeling and parasailing in this beautiful place. Also, Atlantis aquarium is a beautiful outdoor aquarium which is well worth a visit. Moreover, this huge aquarium is stocked with thousands of marine animals, too many to name.
Lacayan National Park comprehends one of the longest underwater cave systems. Moreover, the enchanting journey of over six miles of caves, caverns and tunnels is the reason for it being one of the top Bahamas tourist attractions. In addition, the enthralling cave system represents the historical natural heritage of Bahamas. Apart from underwater caves, above ground, the park exhibits its wonderful vegetative zone. Moreover, the Epiphytic bromeliads and orchids blooms in the early summer whereas bonsai like Ming trees enrapt the visitors throughout the year. Indeed, beautiful Lacayan National Park is one of the most famous Bahamas tourist attractions for nature lovers.
The most extraordinary natural wonder of this country is Andros Islands. Moreover, amongst all the other Bahamas tourist attractions, Andros is most sparsely developed, and this is the largest island of the country which is popularly known as The King when it comes to rarefied natural experiences. In addition, this big island is a great place for a laid-back beach vacation, wedding or honeymoon. But, for nature lovers, bird watchers, and water sports lovers, this beautiful island is considered to be one of the ideal Bahamas tourist attractions.
Local cuisine is divine in the Bahamas. If you enjoy seafood you will appreciate the delicious culinary delights these small islands have to offer. The food is spicy and lively. While visiting the islands be sure to try some of the many ways conch meat is prepared since this is one of the islands specialty.
The Bahamas make a wonderful vacation destination where you can do just about anything your heart desires. The weather is almost always perfect and the water warm and pleasant. Contact your travel agent and ask about the many special packages and deals these beautiful islands have to offer. A trip to the Bahamas can be budget or luxury; it’s totally up to you. In all, the Bahamas is really a great vacation spot, fun, sun and resort options that simplify traveling.
10 places to see when visiting this island paradise.
1.) Beaches in Bahamas
These are the two most popular beaches in the Bahamas. More than two miles long, Cabbage beach is dotted with tropical trees such as coconut, casuarinas and sea grape. Paradise beach near Atlantis resort is also a great beach destination for tourists, especially for those staying at the hotel. Other popular beaches here are the Gold Rock Beach, Xanadu Beach and Lucaya Beach.
2.) Lucayan National Park
In this park, tourists can enjoy a myriad of activities. The activities include spelunking or cave exploration where you will see the interesting rock formations in the caves and kayaking down a mangrove lined creek. Swimming in the beaches lined with coral sands is, of course, the most popular.
3.) Andros Island
In this island, you can go snorkeling and diving to see the abundant and diverse marine life in its shores. In fact, the island boasts of one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. In this reef, you will see elkhorn corals and other coral formations stretching out more than 100 miles.
4.) Blue Lagoon Island
The Blue Lagoon Island located in Nassau showcases dolphins that you can swim with, play with or ride. For the less courageous, there are docks where you can relax while watching these wonderful animals. You also get to enjoy the beautiful scenery this offers.
5.) Paradise island Outdoor Aquarium
This popular tourist destination has 11 exhibit lagoons where tourists can see 200 species of different marine animals. The Acrylic tunnels that undermine the sea creatures’ habitat enable tourists to see piranhas, lobsters, jellyfish, green eels, sharks, giant groupers. You can see many other creatures as well in their natural habitats.
6.) Pirates of Nassau
Prepare to be enthralled and fascinated by the life of pirates in this venue located at the heart of downtown Nassau. Here, tourists are taken into an educational program that educates people about the life of pirates through interactive programs. This is a great way to get to know Bahamas’ culture more.
7.) Bahamas Historical Society Museum
This historical museum showcases exhibits that show the island’s history from the time of Columbus to the present. Here, you will see scores of Lucayan-Taino-Arawak artifacts. The artifacts here give tourists a glimpse of the lives of the people in the distant past.
8.) The Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation
This museum located in Vendue house was once the place where slave auctions and sales of goods from shipwrecks were held. Today, the place serves to educate people on the rich history and culture of the Bahamas. Artistic works of famous Bahamian artist Amos Ferguson is also showcased in this museum.
9.) Crystal Cay
This place is an aquarium and a zoo spanning the whole of New Providence Island. Here, you can view the fascinating animals either by going up the 100 feet high observation towers or go down a staircase for a view of the corals, tropical fishes, sponges and other marine life. You can reach this island through Nassau docks or through Arawak.
10.) Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte is a military site located in West Bay Street and Marcus Bethel Way in Nassau. It was built sometime in the late 18th century and was named after George the Third’s wife. Here, you can take a scroll and see the waterless moat, dungeons, drawbridge and ramparts.
Culled from: articlesfactory.com
