The Bahamas

Bimini Islands

The Bimini group of islands in the Bahamas is 50 miles (80km) east of Miami and spans an area no larger than 10 square miles (26 sq km). The main island, North Bimini, is barely seven miles long (11km) and no more than 1,200ft (366m) across at its widest point. The islands are best known for the excellent fishing opportunities, with visitors from around the world coming here to test their skills and catch an array of fish including tuna, sailfish, mako shark, barracuda and, above all, blue marlin. Almost all the action happens in Alice Town, a laid-back town on the main island where fishermen gather to swap stories. During spring break in April the town becomes a little raucous with the arrival of enormous crowds of college students. Scuba divers are also lured by some mysterious stone blocks in the waters off North Bimini, which islanders claim are part of the Lost City of Atlantis.

Nassau

Nassau, the Bahamas' capital on New Providence Island, is a colonial Caribbean city with a distinctly modern American flavour. It is a mixture of first-world facilities and romantic old-world charm. In downtown Nassau many buildings date back to the 18th century, including the ancient Fort Fincastle, reached by the Queen's Staircase that was constructed by the labour of hundreds of slaves. Garden enthusiasts should visit the Royal Victorian Garden, which has more than 300 species of tropical plants and exotic creatures. Enthusiastic shoppers on the other hand would be well-advised to look out for great bargains at the Straw Market on Bay Street. Alternatively visitors can relax by spending an idle afternoon watching a cricket game at one of the many local sports grounds. Most tourists inhabit the spectacular resorts found on Paradise Island, connected by bridge and ferry to New Providence Island and the city.

Paradise Island

Connected to New Providence Island by a bridge, Paradise Island is one of the most popular destinations in the Bahamas. It offers a variety of beaches to suit a range of tastes. Most of the island's hotels and resorts are along Cable Beach, Paradise Beach or Cabbage Beach offering miles of white sand and outstanding watersport facilities. The Bahamas' capital city of Nassau is located here, or to escape the crowds one can head over to the secluded Caves Beach or Love Beach, a popular spot for snorkelling.

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

Fifty miles (80km) east of Miami, Grand Bahama is an idyllic island of white beaches and aquamarine seas beneath which the coral reefs teem with life. Most visitors stay in Freeport, a few miles inland, or at the seaside suburb of Lucaya on the south coast of the island. Here you can sail, play golf or simply relax by the pool at one of the many all-inclusive resorts. In town there are plenty of boutiques and bazaars to tempt shoppers, and evenings can be spent at one of the many restaurants, after which those travellers with cash left in their wallets can head to one of the island's casinos. There is also much to entice divers and snorkellers. Outside Freeport, between Sweeting's Cay and Pelican Point are seven blue holes inviting exploration, and a little further west is Deadman's Reef, accessible from the powdery white beach at Paradise Cove. East of Freeport is the Lucayan National Park, home to the largest underwater cave system in the world. Walkers can enjoy the island's natural flora and fauna or hire a kayak and explore the mangrove creeks.

Andros Island

Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas and is a favourite for scuba divers and fishermen. The island is largely undeveloped, so the atmosphere is very casual and hotels tend to be small and unpretentious. Much of the island is covered with palm savannas, primeval forest and huge mangrove wetlands, making it a bird-watchers paradise. However, it is the underwater life that really makes Andros unique; it has the world's third largest reef running along its east coast for 167 miles (269km). Andros' most famous attractions are the Blue Holes, a network of water-filled caves, both inland and in the ocean, that draw scuba divers from all over the world. The colourful and unique marine life that lies below the tranquil surface makes Andros a fantastic spot for divers, snorkellers, and fishermen alike.

Exumas Islands

The Exumas encompass a myriad of islands and cays that stretch for hundreds of miles. The largest, Great Exuma and Little Exuma, are home to the small community of several hundred island inhabitants, who farm the land and welcome tourists. Visitors usually arrive by yacht, as these islands offer legendary cruising opportunities, and if you come without sails, you will be tempted to hire a boat and make the most of the inviting waters. Most cays are edged with towering palm trees and expanses of white powdery beaches. The surrounding reefs have magical underwater gardens that draw scuba divers and snorkellers. The main destination for divers is the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a 176-square-mile (456 sq km) natural underwater preserve, that can only be reached by seaplane or boat (charters can be arranged through the hotels).

Long Island

One of the main events on the Bahamas yachting calendar is the Long Island Regatta, which takes place in the town of Salt Pond each May, drawing visitors from all around the world to one of the most beautiful and unspoilt islands of the Bahamas. The locals of Long Island still depend on fishing for their livelihood, while visitors revel in the shallow bays and white beaches of the western shore. The rugged windward coast features towering cliffs washed by wild waves. There are also some renowned offshore diving and snorkelling spots, and a spectacular view from the northern tip of the island at the site of a monument to Christopher Columbus, who enjoyed the vista when he came ashore in 1492. The island is also home to the deepest blue hole in the world, just north of Clarence Town.

Abacos Islands

The chain of tiny Abacos islands stretch for 200 miles (322km) and form the most northerly part of the Bahamas nation. Located only 200 miles (322km) from Miami, they are a popular holiday destination, and therefore fairly well developed for tourism. The two main islands, Great Abaco and neighbouring Little Abaco, are separated from each other by a narrow strait. They are often tagged the 'Loyalist Isles' because of the many Tory expatriates who fled there to avoid persecution after the American Revolution. The early Loyalist settlements are still much in evidence on the cays around Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco's main town. The accommodation on the island is fairly low-key and visitors are likely to stay in a small guesthouse by the beach or cottage near one of the many marinas. No glamorous resort complexes can be found here. The sheltered waters around the islands make it a hotspot for yachters, and islanders claim it is the cruising capital of the world. There are also coral reefs to entice divers and inland pine forests that provide wonderful bird-watching and walking opportunities.

Eleuthera Island

Bahama's Out Islands have no hotels, no cruise ships, and no large crowds. Eleuthera, which stretches for almost 100 miles (161km) but is at most two miles (3km) wide, is the most popular of the group. Eleuthera, and especially its satellite, Harbour Island, just a short water-taxi ride away, have long been the holiday haunts of the fashionable set, sporting luxury hotels and fine restaurants that cater for trendy and wealthy visitors. The main entertainment here is sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, shell-collecting and fishing. The scenery can be enjoyed through a meander along the coast, passing scenic headlands and wandering through villages dotted between dozens of pristine beaches.

Half Moon Cay

The resort is a private paradise, reserved for passengers who are tendered ashore to the pier from Holland America Line's cruise ships, and those who have paid for the pleasure will not be disappointed. Half Moon Cay (pronounced 'Key') is an island about 100 miles (161km) south of Nassau, capital of the Bahamas, and has been sensitively developed to preserve its natural assets and ecosystem, while ensuring it provides a fantastic day ashore for cruise passengers. The main attraction is the two-mile (3km) crescent of surreally beautiful beach, dotted with palm trees, adjacent to which are wonderful bird-watching opportunities in a well-preserved waterfowl nesting habitat. All the facilities at this pristine resort are connected by pathways, but those who prefer can catch a tram which runs continuously from the welcome centre to the food pavilion. Visitors wanting to cure their 'sea legs' can take some delightful walks along marked trails with descriptive signs pointing out the local trees, plants and birds.

Houses of Parliament

Built in the period between 1806 and 1816, the pink Parliament buildings are a fine example of colonial architecture in Nassau, right down to the marble statue of an enthroned Queen Victoria, installed in 1905, that dominates the square. The west building holds the House of Assembly, the oldest governing body in continuous session in the New World, and the central building is the Senate.

Hartley's Undersea Walk

Take a walk along the ocean floor in a rig reminiscent of the days before scuba technology. Divers need no experience as they wear an undersea botanical helmet that allows for normal breathing and dry hair. Visitors to this exotic corner of the world can enjoy exploring coral reefs and undersea creatures with an experienced guide. Charters are available for up to 4 divers or 6 guests.

Pirate Museum

The Pirate Museum takes visitors on an interactive tour through the heart of downtown Nassau, bringing them back to 1716 where they will board a replica of the pirate ship 'Revenge' and enter the world of bloodthirsty pirates. It is a must for all who are up for a swashbuckling good time.

Fort Fincastle

The small fort of Fincastle was built 1793 overlooking the city of Nassau. It served as a lighthouse until 1819 and was subsequently used as a signal tower. Reached by climbing the Queen's Staircase, the tower is New Providence's highest point. This fort's 'bow' is patterned like a Mississippi paddle-wheel steamer and was originally built to defend Nassau against invasion.

Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Center

Visit the Bahamas' only zoo and see the renowned marching flamingo shows. Visitors can even encounter Bahamian boa constrictors, raptors and parrots as their trainers walk them along pathways throughout the zoo. The natural setting of Ardastra Gardens allows many of the birds to roam freely and it is not uncommon to find parrots and peacocks at your feet. Other residents at the zoo include two jaguars, great horned owls, lemurs, monkeys and even a pot-bellied pig. The zoo is only a few minutes drive from Nassau on Paradise Island.

Pinetree Stables

Pinetree Stables takes people on a 2-hour Bahamian horseback ride from Freeport on the top of the island, through an endangered Pine Tree forest, past a castle, and eventually over the dunes and onto the beach where more experienced riders can canter through the lapping water at the edge of the sea. No horse-riding experience is necessary, but the minimum age allowed is eight-years-old. This fantastic activity is a must for the whole family. Reservations are recommended.

Aquaventure at Atlantis Paradise Island

Aquaventure in the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island is the world's largest waterpark, featuring dozens of thrilling water slides and a mile-long river ride with rapids incorporates special effects into the rides, adding to the experience. A unique feature of the 97-acre park is the interconnecting rides: guests can go from one attraction to the next on rivers, water escalators, and other systems without ever leaving their innertubes. The park is included in Atlantis resort rates and guests of the adjacent Comfort Inn have access as well, but day passes for other tourists are very expensive. You can get there on a ferry from Nassau that leaves every 30 minutes.

Dolphin Encounters

For all animal lovers, Dolphin Encounters is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Visitors will get the chance to swim with the bottlenose dolphins, get a kiss, or just watch from the side. Dolphin Encounters is based on Salt Cay, roughly 3 miles (4.8km) northeast of Paradise Island.

Tropikids

Located inside the Harbour Bay Shopping Centre, Tropikids is a kid's entertainment centre and a great place for the little ones to keep themselves occupied while parents do a spot of shopping, or even relax and unwind over a drink or cup of coffee. The 40,000-square foot (3716-square metre) entertainment centre provides day care, games and other entertainment.

Bahamas Historical Museum

Located in Nassau, the Bahamas Historical Museum features displays depicting the Bahamas history from pre-Columbian times to the present, spanning over 50 years of Bahamian history. Children will be dazzled at the historical artefacts on display. This museum is a must for all history buffs and slightly older children.