Bahamas

Quick Facts

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Capital

Nassau

Population

298,000

Government

Constitutional Parliamentary Democracy

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)

Languages

English, Creole

Calling Code

+1242

Nationality

Bahamian

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Introduction

Gun Cay Lighthouse

© All Rights Reserved bob-erika

With their pristine waters, picture-perfect beaches and classy resorts, the Bahama Islands remind you of a finely sculpted replica of paradise. Their waters are ideal for fishing, swimming with dolphins and scuba diving; their beaches are gorgeous and draw thousands of visitors to relax under the warm Caribbean sun; and the stylish capital, Nassau, is dotted with five star resorts. For visitors seeking a more private escape, one of the Bahamas' many uninhabited or sparsely populated islands offer a unique adventure. Indeed, it is no surprise that the Bahamas are widely considered one of the world's finest holiday destinations.

Brief History

Geography

The Bahamas is an archipelago in the Caribbean consisting of 2000 cays and 700 islands.

Regions

The Bahamas is divided into 31 districts. In the interest of brevity, only the most prominent islands and island groups are listed below.

• New Providence and Paradise Islands
• Grand Bahama
• Bimini
• The Berry Islands
• Andros
• The Abacos
• Eleuthera
• The Exuma Islands
• The Southern Bahamas

Cities

• Nassau (Bahamas) - The Capital
• Freeport
• Coopers Town
• Marsh Harbour
• Clarence Town
• Rock Sound
• Freetown

Sights and Activities

Inagua National Park

The Inagua National Park is a national park of about 750 square kilometers big. It is known as the world's largest breeding colony of West Indian (roseate) flamingos. Lake Rosa dominates the beautiful park and the sight of reflecting roseate spoonbills, reddish-pink egrets and beautifuly coloured Louisian hersons is just fantastic. To add, there are about 50,000 pink flamingos. You are not allowed to visit independently and visitors must take a tour led by a guide. Before that, you have to get in contact with the Bahamas National Trust office in Nassau to arrange and pay for your visit prior to leaving for Inagua. Visit the Bahamas National Trust Office webiste for more information.

Lucayan National Park

Lucayan National Park is a small park at just 16 hectares and is located at the island of Grand Bahama. In the northern parts of the park there are trails to a limestone plateau where you'll find caves that open to the longest underwater cave system in the world. There are options to walk along the boardwalks in a mangrove swamp. From here, you can reach Gold Rock Beach, a nice beache fringed by dunes.

Andros Island

Andros is the biggest island of the Bahamas but it is also one of the least discovered. The island has a rather wild landscape with small palmtrees, swamps and several other species of trees. The forests are very impressive and the locals believe mytical creatures, called 'chickcharneys' live in the woods. Andros is not really dedicated to mass tourism at all, but there are many people visiting the islands, especially those keen on diving, birdwatching and those wanting to enjoy some secluded beaches.

Crooked Island

Crooked Island is believed by experts to be the second New World landfall of Christopher Columbus. Nowadays, it still is a quiet and beautiful place. The island shoreline has deep inlets and pretty beaches.
Birdwatching is particularly rewarding here and species include herons, ospreys, egrets, mockingbirds, finches, wild canaries, hummingbirds and flamingos. To add, there are at least 28 endemic subspecies of butterflies. Other features include the Bird Rock Lighthouse, bat caves, the Great Hope House (which is abandoned) and the shallow waters of Bathing Beach. This latter one is referred to as the 'world's largest swimming pool'. Crooked Island also has history regarding its pirate and plantation past.

Other sights and activities

• Bimini Road - Archaeological site
• Bimini Island - particularly good for deepseafishing
• New Providence – Bacardi Distillery
• Paradise Island – Atlantis, unfortunately only accessible for guests of some posh resort
• Long Island - relatively quiet and great white sandy beaches and turquoise waters

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

Bahamasair is the national airlines of the Bahamas and is based at Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) near the capital Nassau. It doesn't have that many international services, but at least Havana, Florida and the Dominican Republic are served. Several airlines offer flights mainly to the United States and Canada as well as several islands in the Caribbean. British Airways has flights to and from London, as well as the Cayman Islands

By Boat

There are no international ferries anymore to and from the Bahamas. There used to be one between Fort Lauderdale in Florida and the islands, but it was suspended a while ago.

Getting Around

By Plane

Bahamasair has about a dozen domestic destinations, like Rock Sound and Crooked Island.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Bahamas Ferries .Bahamas Ferries has car and passenger services from the capital Nassau to destinations in Eleuthera, Exuma, Andros and Abaco. Fast daily ferry services travel between Nassau and North Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Governers Harbour. Other services include Cat Island - Nassau, Driggs Hill - Nassau,
Fresh Creek - Morgans Bluff, Fresh Creek - Nassau, George Town - Nassau, Sandy Point - Nassau and Spanish Wells - Nassau. It leaves Nassau at 8 am and arrives in Spanish Wells around 10am.

Red Tape

Money

Work

Study

Language

The official language of the Bahamas is English. Bahamas Creole is also widely spoken.

Eat

When eating out, the standard tip is 10%.

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

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