"Whatever your pleasure - there is an island for you in the Bahamas!"
The Bahamas is conveniently located 50 miles off the coast of West Palm Beach, Florida and has an ideal climate averaging a little over 75 degrees
The Bahamas is a country of 700 different islands and cays, stretching southeast off the Florida coast. Islands are circled by cays (pronounced “keys”). Some cays are surrounded by uninhabited rocks. 14 main islands serve as hubs for the remaining 686 islands. With 700 islands sprinkled out over 100,000 sq. miles of the clearest water in the world, The Bahamas offers the largest assortment of vacation spots of any tropical destination.
The Bahamas has the world's third longest barrier reef and about 14. 5% of the world's coral can be found in our waters. The islands are made entirely of calcium carbonate, which is mainly produced or precipitated by the organisms of coral reefs. This means that the Bahamas have the clearest waters in the world with visibility to over 200 ft. There are no rivers in The Bahamas.
14 main Islands are completely different from one another with food, dialect and social rituals that are very diverse The islands differ physically with pine forests, white sandy beaches, limestone caves, lush plantations, bonefishing flats and the world's third largest barrier reef.
They differ historically: Indigenous Arawak Indians, Seminole Indians from Florida, Eleutheran adventurers from England looking for religious freedom, post-Revolutionary planters from Carolina and pirates all settled here. Even Columbus paid a visit in 1492.
And because each island retains its individual character, each has something unique and unexpected to contribute to your island vacation. From secluded islands to islands where everything swings from casino to golf course. Islands for the country-club set, where tennis overlooks mile-long beaches. Islands bustling with colonial charm. Islands for frogman and islands for fisherman. Even our islands have islands- a Sunfish sail from nearly any beach can become a voyage of discovery.
Vacationers looking for an active holiday will find a myriad of choices for sports - from sailing, windsurfing, fishing and scuba diving to golf, biking and hiking on land.
The Islands Of The Bahamas is rich in history and culture on display in museums, in communities and in live performances.
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas became an independent nation/state on July 10, 1973 and has a population of approximately 250,000 people
The Bahamian dollar is the national currency and is equivalent to, and interchangeable with, the American dollar.
Electricity is Standard North American l20volt, 60cycle.
Climate
Average Temp.: Jan. - 70, Feb. - 70, Mar. - 72, April - 75, May - 77, June - 80, July - 81, Aug. - 82, Sept. - 81, Oct. - 78, Nov. - 75, Dec. -70
Relative humidity is fairly high averaging 65% yearly.
There are two seasons: summer which is from May thru September and winter which is from October thru April (cooler with less humidity). The rainy season last from May thru October with most of the precipitation occurring during brief summer showers. The hurricane season spans from the end of June through the end of November.
Shopping The Bahamas is a shopper’s paradise with duty-free opportunities and local crafts at reasonable prices. Some of the best buys include deals on watches and jewelry; perfume at greatly discounted prices; crystal and china; leather goods; cameras from around the world and paintings. The famous Straw Market (there's usually one on each island) has stacks of local handmade produce at tempting prices.
Getting there: By Air: There are approximately 57 airports throughout The Bahamas, including three International airports (Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, and The Exumas); 24 of these airports are official ports of entry to The Islands Of The Bahamas.
By Sea: There are countless government and private Marinas throughout The Bahamas; 29 of the marinas are official ports of entry to The Islands Of The Bahamas.
Getting Around: Ferries are a common mode of transportation in The Bahamas for locals and travelers. The Fast Ferry service is designed to help you island hop between designated main islands, while local ferries serve as water taxis that take you and locals to and from neighboring cays of a main island.
Jitney service (bus service) is available on several of the major islands, such as Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. Service is generally from early morning until about 7:00 p.m. Fares vary, depending on the route, and exact change is required.
Rental cars, equipped for left-hand driving, are available on every island. Rental car facilities are often located at major hotels and at airports. Renting a car is a convenient way for you and a group of your friends or family to explore more of the island on your own time.
Taxis - To experience knowledgeable, professional Bahamian hospitality, look for the Bahamahost decal in the taxi cab window.
You can call a taxi or flag one down on the street. Taxi stands are also conveniently placed at most large hotels. Although metered rates vary by island, they are reasonable and are fixed by law.
Surcharges often apply for more than two persons and extra luggage.
Things To Do: Each Island offers many different activities and you can be as active or laid back as you choose (see individual islands).
Watersports - with an average water temperature of 80 degrees and crystal clear waters the Bahamas is ideal for all water sports.
Fishing - the Bahamas has produced over 50 records. Anglers from beginners to sportsfishing enthusiasts will enjoy deep sea fishing, big game tournaments and bonefishing
Casinos - World class casinos offer slots, table games and entertainment.
Golfing - Championship courses offer a challenging game in idyllic locations.
Boating and Sailing - over 700 islands to explore, uninhibited cays, regattas and modern marinas make sailing a dream.
Beaches - islands made primarily from calcium carbonate produce breathtakingly beautiful white and pink sand beaches. Meander along endless and secluded miles of sand or play on a tropical beach featuring every type of beach activity.
Diving - the Bahamas present a variety of diving experiences for beginners to experts. On each island you will find professional and experienced dive shops. Shipwrecks, blue holes, caves and coral reefs ensure a playground for divers.
Tours - You’ll find guided tours on almost all of The Islands Of The Bahamas. And you’ll be able to select one that suits your interests exactly, ranging from shopping sprees, historical tours, to ecological adventures among the birds and island wildlife.
