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Bahamas
 
  
  • Fishes
  • Pretty flowers
  • Atlantis by night
  • Bahamas colors
  • Glowy water
  • Lifeguard stand
  • Marlin release
  • Stringy flower
  • Tuna
  • Dive boat
  • Beaching
  • Shell belt

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Bahamas Travel Guide: Reviews, photos, & videos

An archipelago of over 700 islands stretching over 100,000 square miles, the word Bahamas comes from the Spanish words 'baja mar' which means shallow sea. It's pretty obvious why people visit the Bahamas. With five star resorts fit for a king and white sand beaches fit for the king's supermodel girlfriend, the Bahamas is the perfect exotic location for fun, sun, relaxation and escape in the Caribbean. With an estimated population of over 330,000, the Bahamas actually has the third highest per capita income in the western hemisphere after the United States and Canada. This is mostly due to the prominence of a little industry called tourism. Check out the Dolphin Discovery Center on Grand Bahamas Island and pal around in the warm water with the same dolphins that starred in the movie Cocoon.

Or venture over to the world famous Atlantis Hotel on Paradise Island and dine amongst Hammerhead sharks and giant sting rays within the translucent confines of the world’s largest natural aquarium; and for those lucky enough to spend their Christmas in the Bahamas make sure to check out Junkanoo – a popular street parade and musical celebration occurring on every Boxing Day (December 26th) and New Years Day. Since there is no public ferry system, it’s advised that visitor’s stretch their sea legs a bit and rent or hire out a boat to explore not just the main islands (Grand Bahama, New Providence Island, Paradise Island) but also some of the smaller Out Islands like Long Island (not in New York) or San Salvador (which may have been the first landfall of Christopher Columbus). And with a booming real estate market and plenty of wide open spaces, many wealthy celebrities ranging from P. Diddy to Sean Connery and Johnny Depp to Bill Gates have started snapping up their own sweet slice of Bahamas' bliss. The lack of income, corporate or capital gains taxes might also have something to do with that.

  • Beach, Caribbean, Island, Luxury, Night-life, Ocean, Relaxing, Romantic, Sailing, Scubadiving, Warm/tropical, Yachting
  • 91%

 
 
link25.7603197547-76.82739257817Bahamas
link25.0803388-77.3662353Junkanoo
link25.4985244-76.632607Harbour Island
link26.5667270591-78.5156822205Peterson Cay National Park
link25.066127-77.339025Straw Market
link26.6322683177-78.2856559753Lucayan National Park
link26.7149470667-78.2899475098Shark feeding at Shark Alley
link38.563278-76.0785598Eastern Shore, MD, USA
link25.7603197547-76.82739257817Bahamas
link25.0820230467-77.31233596813Paradise Island, Bahamas
link25.0308614104-77.409667968811New Providence Island, Bahamas (Nassau)
link26.4705730224-77.35473632819Abaco Islands, Bahamas
link26.6572776742-78.32153320319Grand Bahama, Bahamas
link25.7306325255-79.270820617712Bimini Islands, Bahamas
 
 
 
 

   

 Directions 

Estimated flight time – 45 minutes from Miami International Airport  
 
Major airports – Nassau International (NAS) – 10 miles west Nassau City  
 
Freeport International (FPO) – 3 miles from the city of Freeport  
 
 
The main airline in the Bahamas is Bahamasair (UP). Other airlines with regular flights to the Bahamas include American Airlines, Air Canada, Air Jamaica, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, British Airways and US Airways.  
 
A boat is usually required when partaking in island to island travel. The Bahamas does not have a public ferry system so it is up to the traveler to rent or hire out a boat.  

 

   

 Weather 

  • Current conditions

    Cond001

    Scattered showers. There is a 20% chance of precipitation. Cloudy. Mild. Temperature of 70.48°F. Winds W 15.18mph. Humidity will be 75% with a dewpoint of 62° and feels-like temperature of 70.48°F.
    Hi: 70° F, Low: 69° F.

  • Tomorrow's forecast

    Cond024
    Mostly cloudy. Mild. Temperature of 68.97°F. Winds WNW 12.74mph. Humidity will be 66% with a dewpoint of 57° and feels-like temperature of 68.97°F.
    Hi: 69° F, Low: 67° F.


    • Weatherbug's weather page.
 

   

 Attractions 

Add Attraction
Junkanoo
 
  
  • Junkanoo
  • Junkanoo
  • Junkanoo

Junkanoo

The day after Christmas can often times be depressing. The weather is cold and the excitement of the holiday season officially begins to wane. That's why the best bet to cure the post X-mas blues is to head down to the Bahamas to celebrate Junkanoo. What's Junkanoo? Well, it's sort of a hybrid mix between a massive street parade complete with dancing and a music and culture festival that happens every Boxing Day (December 26th) and New Years Day. A cultural expression derived from the Bahamians' ancestry, Junkanoo is a time where everyone gathers together to showcase the local culture in the three artistic forms: music, art and dance. For the curious tourist interested in experiencing a different, more authentic side of the Bahamas Junaknoo is the perfect avenue. SPECIAL NOTE: The largest Junkanoo parade is held in the capitol city of Nassau and goes from dusk till way past dawn. So, grab some Red Bull and your dancing shoes and get on down to Junaknoo!

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Harbour Island
 
  
  • Harbour in Harbour Island
  • Afternoon stroll
  • Lizard
  • Harbour Island
  • Harbour Island
  • Beach n'fluff

Harbour Island

Pink has always been somewhat of a divisive color. Most men won't wear pink for fear of being seen as too feminine and any time someone receives a "pink slip" it's usually bad news. Thankfully, Harbour Island has given us a reason to celebrate pink. Famous for its three and a half miles of pristine pink sand beaches, Harbour Island is one of the top tourist destinations of the Bahamas. Plus it was recently rated as one of "the Best Bahamas Beaches" by the Travel Channel. And there's definitely more to do than just stare at the pretty pink sand! Snorkel, scuba dive or just swim in the warm, azure waters above the outlying reefs or – for those with fatter wallets - rent a boat for some serious fishing action. And with delicious local restaurants and quaint New England-style buildings lining the streets of the town, Harbour Island is definitely more than just a beach town. Pink just became cool again!

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Peterson Cay National Park
 
  
  • Peterson's Cay National Park
  • Peterson Cay - aerial view
  • Peterson's Cay National Park
  • Peterson's Cay National Park
  • Peterson's Cay National Park
  • Peterson's Cay National Park
  • Peterson's Cay National Park

Peterson Cay National Park

  • Category: National Park

    Bahamas, Caribbean
    Peterson Cay National Park, Grand Bahama Island Bahamas
     

Any national park that has the motto – "Take only pictures, leave only footprints" – must be amazing. And Peterson Cay National Park is definitely amazing. Located about a mile off the southern shore of Grand Bahama Island, Peterson Cay is a 1.5 acre national park – the smallest in the Bahamas – protected and managed by the Bahamas National Trust organization. Perfect for a romantic get away or a simple day trip, the park itself features shallow bars and coral reefs that make for excellent snorkeling and diving. Gazing down into the clear waters, curious swimmers can see schools of tropical fish, multi-colored soft coral and maybe even a manta ray or barracuda. SPECIAL NOTE: Access to the park is by boat only and boaters can only anchor in sandy areas away from the reefs.

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Straw Market
 
  
  • Straw market
  • Straw market
  • Straw market

Straw Market

  • Category: Flea / Street market

    Nassau, Bahamas, Caribbean
    Woods Rogers Walk, Nassau Bahamas

    Visiting Details
    Most markets are open from 9 to 5.

     

What's the best part about shopping in a bustling market place in a foreign country? Is it the fantastic local merchandise? Is it the thrilling sensation of a new experience? It's the bargaining! And the Straw Market – with the original location in Nassau and various others located in Cable Beach, Paradise Island and a number of The Family Islands - is home to some of the best bargaining in the world. But what is a Straw Market? Well, after the sponge industry collapsed in the 1940's, Bahamian women began plaiting and decorating dried palm and sisal plant leaves in order to craft items like baskets, purses and dolls. As tourists began flocking to the Bahamas in the 60's these straw items became hot property that in turn created a viable source of income and a unique industry for the locals. But that still doesn't mean the vendors aren't willing to engage in a friendly barter session. And for those who might not be a fan of items made of straw, many vendors also sell unique woodcarvings, statues, jewelry, sea shells and – of course – hair braiding (which is almost an industry in and of itself in the Bahamas).

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Lucayan National Park
 
  
  • Burial mound - Lucayan National Park
  • Gold rock beach at Lucayan National Park
  • Ben's Cave at Lucayan National Park
  • undefined
  • Burial mound
  • Lucayan National Park sign
  • Lucayan National Park swamp view
  • Lucayan National Park - Grand Bahamas
  • Caves at the Grand Lucayan National Park
  • Caves Lucayan National Park - Bahamas

Lucayan National Park

  • Category: National Park

    Bahamas, Caribbean
    Lucayan National Park, Grand Bahama Island Bahamas
     

Most people visit the Bahamas hoping to spend some time in the sun. However, most people don't know that there's shade - grand shade in the Bahamas. Enter Lucayan National Park. Home to huge pine forests, sprawling caves dotted with dripping stalagmites, and the occasional plum tree. Located about 25 miles east of Freeport, LNC is a 40-acre park established in the early 80's that provides not only an unexpected diversion from the typical beach bum fare, but also showcases the fascinating complexities of the Bahamian ecosystem. Gaze your eyes upon the multi-colored array mangroves, ferns and rare species of orchids while you traipse through the dense pine foliage; or take a walk – or a swim rather – on the wild side while scuba diving in one of the world's longest underwater cave systems. See – it is possible to have fun in the Bahamas' without getting sunburned!

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Shark feeding at Shark Alley
 
  
  • They're here!
  • Shark feeding
  • Shark feeding

Shark feeding at Shark Alley

  • Category: Animal Park

    Bahamas, Caribbean
    Shark Alley, Grand Bahama Island Bahamas
     

Hand feeding in full suits is the name of the game off the south coast of Grand Bahama, where the Underwater Explorers Society (UNEXSO) and Xanadu Undersea Adventures conduct their feedings at a site alternately called Shark Junction or Shark Alley. The feedings take place in about 40 feet of water, with an old recompression chamber as the backdrop, and the dive is nonstop shark action from start to finish. Watching the sharks eat is amazing, but even seeing them cruise by at arm's length is incredible. While a handful of the sharks are jockeying for position when the bait comes out, the rest are swimming slow circles around the area, including around the line-up of divers watching the show.

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 Reviews(Average Rating: 91% for 3 reviews) 

  • wooddell
    wooddellReviews: 2
    Posts: 0

    No Worries

    05/23/2009

    87%

    Bahamas

    Cant go wrong traveling to the lovely bahamas! Just thinking about dipping your toes into the refreshing see straight to the bottom oceans can send a shiver up your spine. The no worry attitude of the people shows in their constant smiles and laid back mentality. You truly can leave you cares behind and lay back and relax with a refreshing fruity drink in one hand, and a cone of coconut ice cream in the other. Relax, smile, and enjoy

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  • lwiedemer
    lwiedemer
    • Top member
    Reviews: 14
    Posts: 29

    My Time on Island Time

    03/12/2009

    95%

    Bahamas

    We purchased a package deal which included our flight, hotel and airport transfer to the hotel on Grand Bahama Island. Our driver ignoring the prescribed tourist route which is beautifully landscaped with palm trees and copious amounts of flowers took us through a typical neighborhood (a shortcut?) which was not green and lush, but run down, dusty and poor. I’m fairly certain that the Bahamian Visitors Bureau would prefer to maintain a tropical resort image for their visiting tourists, but on retrospect I’m glad that we were briefly exposed to a more honest picture of Bahamian life. The resort was of course gorgeous and within walking distance to the colorful, outdoor, straw market where we shopped the local handcrafts. Lunch in an English style pub consisted of yet another bowl of conch chowder and a pint of ale. I ordered the conch chowder in every restaurant in which we ate on the island, and though I tried to love it, I have to say that sadly, I just don’t get it. The next day we spent at the beach where we swam (rather inadvertently) with sting rays. Ever since that whole Steve Erwin episode, I’m a little leery of any and all marine critters, but we minded our business and thankfully, they minded theirs. There is nothing like a relaxing day at the beach just lying around watching the para-gliders, jet skiers and marine life doing their thing. Yah mon, I’m ready to go back.

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    My Time on Island Time
     
      
    • Perfume Factory
  • YogaBum23
    YogaBum23Reviews: 1
    Posts: 0

    Bahamas = Paradise!

    07/30/2008

    90%

    Bahamas

    After an extremely tolerable flight my fiance and I landed on Paradise Island, Bahamas. Upon exiting the airport the intense sun shocked my hibernating Minnesotan eyes and just a hint of humidity lingered in the air. On the ride to our hotel the taxi driver proudly gave us the run down of all the American celebs that own Bahamian real estate "Michael Jordan comes here often. Oprah too.... she has a grand houe and she loves it here." he boasted. He continued to talk up the island's attractions as I half-listened and gazed out the window at the impressive oceanfront homes, plethora of restaurants, and bustling designer boutiques. By the time we arrived at the resort I had very high expectations for my trip and I can assuredly say I wasn't let down. The food was simply amazing everywhere I went.... the fresh conch fritters, juicy island fruit, and the coconut rum cake were among my favorite indulgences . Hint: If you don't mind a bit of a surprise, ask for the "Chef's Selection" when ordering and you'll find the freshest catch of the day on your plate. The Bahamian beaches are similarily wonderful; soft white sand, gorgeous turquois and azure waters, and swaying palm trees make it the epitome of what an island vacation should be. Hint: Pack the SPF 40 'cause you don't want to look like your lobster dinner after a day in the powerful Bahamian sun! If that isn't enough to make you wanna book a flight right now, I have to mention how great the Bahamian people are. They are so proud of their islands and they want you to enjoy yourself soooo much that they'll go to great lengths to make your trip memorable. An example of this: I was walking along the beach when I was approached my a man selling jet ski rentals. I explained to him that I didn't take any money with on my walk and he said "No problem, take a test run for free." So I did and had a blast. Okay, so maybe he was just trying to lure me into coming back for a second turn, but I thought it was a sweet gesture. Sun, sand, gorgeous waters, fantastic food, and even better people= Bahamas. Bahamas= Paradise.

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 Top reviewers 

  1. YogaBum23
  2. lwiedemer
  3. wooddell
 

   

 Top bookmarkers 

  1. VacationHmQueen
 
 
 
 
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