The Bahamas Holidays Guide

The Caribbean

caribbean accommodation guide

The Bahamas, a limestonearchipelago in the Caribbean, is an incredible700 islands and 2,500 cays covering 259,000 km² of clearturquoise seas. Each island offersits own distinctgeography and heritage, as well as a haven for sun-worshippers, beauty for underwater enthusiasts, and first-class hospitality. The Bahamas has a unique program, called "People to People," that offers visitors a friendly island ambassador—at no charge. These pre-screened, outgoing volunteers represent what is best about the Bahamas, giving you the singular opportunity to experience many of the islands (New Providence Island, The Abacos, North Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera/Harbour Island, The Exumas, and Grand Bahama Island) through the eyes of locals. The Ministry of Tourism oversees the programme, and insures you are paired with an ambassador who shares your interests and understands your needs

The Bahamas Highlights

The Bahamas Holidays Planner

Given the number of islands to choose from, it's no surprise that everyone finds a place or three to love in the Bahamas. From the quaint but busy capital city of Nassau, located on New Providence Island and home to about 70 percent of the country's population, to the solitude of some of the more remote Out Islands, every flavour of holiday wish can be accommodated. Grand Bahama Island exudes historic charm, contemporary attractions and conveniences, and ecological grandeur without quite the level of crowds found in Nassau; and Paradise Island, just a short water taxi ride from Nassau, boasts the world-famous Atlantis Resort with its enormous aquariums, glitzy casino, and mountainous water-slide. Under the crystal-clear seas are fabulous corals, grottos and caves,andcolourful fish; inland you can explore historic plantations and forts, try exotic Bahamian delicacies, including conch and bone fish;and enjoy championship golf courses.

Places to Visit

The Bahamas Accommodation Guide

In the Bahamas you will often find high prices and bothersome no-see-ums, but if you can look past these minor annoyances (and remember to take bug spray), you can have a magical experience. Wander through colonial forts, old plantations, and any number of small, remote villages. Go caving, take a Bahama Mama boose cruise, check out the "The Fountain Of Youth," photograph the endangered Bahamas parrot, explore the Pirates of Nassau museum, watch the many massive yachts sail in and out of the numerous island harbours, and shop for hand-crafted baskets in Nassau's Straw Market. The selection of accommodations in The Bahamas ranges from charming inns at the low-cost end of the scale, to fabulously decadent and luxurious resorts costing around USD$ 1,000/night. Most of the inhabited islands have at least a few places to stay, as well as having an air strip of some sort to accommodate island-hopping.

Travel Facts

Each island has something unique about it. On Abaco you’ll find the remnants of a herd of wild horses galloping through the pine forest, now accepted by the Horse of The Americas Registry as “Abaco Barbs,” descendants of horses brought over during Columbus’ travels; it is believed that this is the purest strain of these critically endangered horses in existence today. Andros has the Andros Iguana, the largest native land creature in The Bahamas. The Andros Iguana is more than 50” long and is the only iguana in the world that deposits its eggs in termite mounds, then sits there to guard the nest. Bird watchers enjoy catalogingthe 109 species of bird, including 28 species of Bahamian birds not seen in the U.S., Canada or Europe. Whether you prefer high energy water sports or relaxing sightseeing, you will find an island in the Bahamas perfectly suited to your holiday plans.

The Bahamas Holiday Tips
The Bahamas Travel Info
The two largest airports are Nassau International Airport and Grand Bahama International Airport. Most of the other islands have at least one airport or airstrip (Andros boasts four!), and interisland flights are readily available. Getting from island to island is quite easy, as there are water taxis and ferries between most of them; in fact, sometimes getting there is more than half the fun, as most of the pilots are also happy to share information on their home. On the islands you can hire a car, jeep or even golf cart, but there is always a taxi in hailing distance.