The Bahamas is an archipelago consisting of over 700 islands and cays in a crescent as long as Florida. Contrary to popular belief, the Bahamas is not in the Caribbean, but is in the Atlantic Ocean, just 50 miles off the coast of Florida. The Grand Bahamas Yacht Club is just a short half-day cruise from any South Florida port. The Bahamas is an independent country and a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The Bahamas economy is driven by tourism and financial services. The Bahamas is served by all air major carriers and is easily accessible from anywhere in North America.

For many people, the Bahamas is a dream vacation destination inviting travelers from all over with its white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. The Bahamas is a year-round destination and is a really fun place to go anytime, but because it's in the Atlantic and not the Caribbean, it can be a little cooler than many people expect in the winter. The Bahamas is one of the great sport fishing destinations of the world. Deep sea fishing in the Bahamas is the perfect mix of relaxation and exhilaration. And if fishing is not your thing, the nightlife scene in the Bahamas is interesting, exciting and active.

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas. Nassau is located on New Providence Island. Nassau offers a variety of experiences from non-stop excitement to peaceful relaxation. The city of Nassau is the largest in the Bahamas and is the Bahamas most popular vacation destination. Nassau is the undisputed resort Mecca of the Bahamas. There's no need to rent a car in Nassau. You can easily get about Nassau by taxi, or consider exploring Nassau by scooter or by renting a bicycle.

Nassau is the introductory destination that many cruisers experience on their first cruise from Florida. One of the big draws is duty free shopping, as well as the casino. Duty free shopping is available throughout Nassau and Paradise Island, and there is no sales tax in the Bahamas. Nassau makes a great introduction to the Bahamas and has been welcoming visitors at least since the days of the legendary pirate Blackbeard.

Paradise Island is connected by bridge to the north shore of New Providence Island and Nassau. The huge Atlantis Resort is a legendary lavish property on Paradise Island. Luxury hotels are in abundance on Paradise Island. If the Atlantis doesn't suit what you're looking for, try the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort on Paradise Island or the Comfort Suites Paradise Island, which has been rated Three-Diamonds by AAA. Villas in Paradise on Paradise Island offers one, two and three bedroom villas. Club Med on Paradise Island offers the full Club Med tropical experience just a quick flight from Florida. You can see the world's largest aquarium or the casinos of Cable Beach. You can also try your luck at one of the exciting games in the Atlantis Paradise Island Casino. Paradise Island also has a seaplane base (WZY) if you'd like to experience your airplane landing on the water - on purpose.

Freeport on Grand Bahama Island is a 230-square-mile free trade zone established in 1955 by the Government of The Bahamas. It's the location of the city of Freeport, which has grown to be the second most populated city in the Bahamas after the capital, Nassau. Imagine if you can a night in your ocean-side villa in the Bahamas, being serenaded by wild birds and the waves on the beaches. To reach your villa, fly into Freeport, which is easily accessible from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Seagrape Bed and Breakfast on Grand Bahama Island is located in the Lucayan Beach neighborhood of Freeport. Freeport Resort and Club is another great destination located in Freeport. You might also enjoy the Ocean Reef Yacht Club and Resort, which fronts the marina in Freeport, on the south shore of Grand Bahama Island, or try the Port Lucaya Resort and Yacht Club in Freeport, Bahamas.

A trip to the Bahamas is surely a treat for everyone. From the glittery Atlantis Resort to the dreamy views of blue sea and white sand, the Bahamas has something for everyone. The Bahamas is a place where you can go to relax and have fun - a perfect place to get away from it all on the white sandy beaches or to get into the middle of hot nightlife at the casinos. Whether diving in the warm, crystal-clear waters, exploring a lighthouse or beachcombing on a deserted island, the Bahamas is the perfect vacation destination.

By: Dave Hunt
Dave Hunt has shot landscape and scenic photos in almost all states of the US and in most countries in Europe and throughout the Caribbean. He is the author of numerous articles on photography, travel and recreation. You can find more articles and tips, along with the latest news and information on The Bahamas at: http://www.BahamasBeat.com. For tips on travel and vacation ideas and on travel photography, visit: DeskATravel.com and DigitalPhotographyGeek.com.

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Nowhere in the world is swimming freely with dolphins an easier and more exciting adventure than in The Bahamas. It is where countless visitors travel to relax on unspoiled beaches, take in stunning scenery, enjoy warm people, and of course, swim in the wild with dolphins. It has become a popular attraction in Great Exuma Bahamas. Numerous diving programs are offered throughout The Bahamas, making swimming with dolphins a comfortable and wonderful activity for tourists and locals alike. Part of the amazement lies in observing them in their natural habitat, as you dive into open waters along coral reefs.

Swimming with Dolphins
Thirty years ago, swimming with dolphins was less common an event than it is today. At the time, a diver would spot one, maybe two, dolphins. Now, the experience can include an entire family unit. Dolphin encounters take place around the globe, but The Bahamas is recognized as one of the great centers where swimming with dolphins is possible. Much can be attributed to the natural beauty of the countless islands and cays in The Bahamas. Wild dolphin encounters occur regularly in Bimini, Grand Bahama, the Abacos and Great Exuma Bahamas, just to name a few. You can touch, interact, and even hand-feed these amazing mammals in their natural habitat. But before you start swimming with dolphins, you might want to learn some facts about them.

Dolphin 101


- Most dolphins have acute eyesight

- They have a sense of hearing superior to that of humans

- They have a well-developed sense of touch

- They range in length from 1.2 m (4 ft) to 9.5 m (30 ft)

- They can weigh anywhere from 40 kg (88 lb) to ten tons

- They are social, living in pods (also called "schools") of up to a dozen mammals

- They are found mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves

- They are carnivores that eat mostly fish and squid

- They use their sonar to communicate with each other

- There are almost forty species of dolphin worldwide

Dolphins and Humans
Dolphins are often regarded as one of Earth's most intelligent species. Numerous stories are told of dolphins protecting shipwrecked sailors against sharks by swimming circles around them. In many cultures, spotting dolphins during a sea voyage is considered a good omen. Swimming with dolphins is the closest encounter one can experience with these fascinating creatures. On your next trip to Great Exuma Bahamas, be sure to consider this once in a lifetime opportunity, an adventure that will create memories you will treasure forever.

By: Fred Coolridge
Fred Coolridge is the content manager and author for the website Great Exuma Island, Bahamas - exumabahamas.org.

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Many destinations claim to have the top beaches, the most laid-back vibes and better-than-average history, culture and diversions. Obviously not every island paradise or beachside resort can be the best of the best, but some certainly outshine others. Take Abaco, for instance. This cluster of islands in the northeast Bahamas certainly warrants the attention it receives as a hot spot for all things leisurely, but feel free to check it out for yourself.

The Bahamas aren’t exactly a land of mystery due to their popularity and image as a vacation safe bet, but you’d be surprised at the way the Abaco Islands feel like their own little world. Bland beaches or the same scene as southern Florida are not on the itinerary here; rather, it’s quite possible to find a deserted stretch of shoreline, the perfect boat for a solo sea adventure, or a unique eatery serving up a dish that really hits the spot.

Wandering around this archipelago with an open mind tends to lead to good things. Abaco is known for being a great place to sail, and several boat shops will set visitors up with all they need to embark on a mini-journey. Deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and island hopping all capitalize on the white sandy beaches and ideal blue sky and sunshine combinations, so stay active in order to view the stunning scenery from every point of view possible. Underwater, on the water, in the water…try them all.

Staying on the land isn’t such a bad idea, either. Marsh Harbor is the closest thing to a buzzing metropolis that the Abaco Islands has, but it’s far from the congested cityscape you may be used to. The marina district is a fun place to stop in, and the array of boutiques, galleries, shops and restaurants make it possible to pass a pleasant and leisurely day in the blink of an eye.

Also of note are the outer cays, which complete the spectrum of island activities most people tend to daydream about in their landlocked lives and claustrophobic cubicles. Guana Cay is a large and lovely island with a happening social calendar and many lodging options. It represents all that is attractive about Abaco in its interplay of free-spiritedness and steady growth. Hope Town is famous for its red and white lighthouse and protected harbor, and Man-O-War Cay is the boat-building capital of the region. All in all, the different and distinctive islands of Abaco come together beautifully to create a stellar and very whole picture of vacation perfection.

Bicycling the paths, collecting seashells, dining on fine Bahamian cuisine or playing a round of golf on a spectacular, professionally-designed course could round out any day, as could just plain kicking back on a serene stretch of beach. Abaco is known for its friendly people, too, so whether you encounter locals or other deeply relaxed tourists, you’ll feel welcomed and at ease.

Another aspect of visiting Abaco that will breed the utmost contentment is the fact that it is brimming with vacation rentals. All along the various islands are properties that are brightly decorated, conveniently located to the beach, and delightfully filled with amenities that will make your stay run smoothly. A trip to the Bahamas might as well be taken to the limits of comfort, and by most measures a vacation home is the best way to succeed at this goal.

You don’t have to be rich or famous to deserve a spacious home on the beach for a few days or a couple weeks. Most people are surprised to realize that prices aren’t unreasonable, especially when considering all the extras that come as part of the package. Big patios, lots of beds, ample closet space, kitchen appliances and a generally homey atmosphere that’s hard to assign to just one thing all make Abaco Vacation Rentals the way to go.

Decide for yourself if Abaco is the best; it’s likely you’ll have fun putting it to the test, especially if a vacation villa, condo or beach house is part of the master plan.

By: Caitlin Moore
Visit HomeAway.com to peruse the vast array of vacation rental listings in this location and in many others across the world.

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If you have not vacationed in the Bahamas, you are missing out on one of the best vacation destinations that could be chosen. The islands of the Bahamas have some major destination and tourist spots, which offer a traveler a unique vacation experience. Taking a vacation in the Bahamas is a dream come true for most people, whether business or pleasure or even a combination of those, and it does not need to be as expensive as you might think.

The two main islands are New Providence Island and Grand Bahama Island, although the smaller islands of Abacos, Acklins, Andros, The Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, The Exumas, Inagua, Mayaguana, and San Salvador also offer prime vacation spots. Crystal clear turquoise waters, endless white sand beaches, perfect temperate weather all add up to a vacation that is as good as it gets.

You can fly into the Bahamas via commercial airlines which is only a very short flight from Florida, or you can take a cruise to the Bahamas, where Nassau is a very popular cruise ship stopover with most of the major cruise ships. A passport and visa aren't usually required, but verify with your travel agent exactly what paperwork you should bring to stay out of trouble.

Your opportunities for relaxation are limited only by your imagination. If you like beaches, the sands of the beaches here are second to none, and end in the crystal aqua waters of the ocean. Sun bathers can always find a section of beach in which to gather some rays and enjoy some peace and quiet. If golf is your thing, the Bahamas offers several world-class golf courses. And if you need a bit of diversion, there are some casinos here that offer casino action and slot machines that are on a par with the best that would be found in Las Vegas.

You will find the locals are friendly and welcoming of visitors. The shopping along the main streets and shopping district offer many deals and unique items, many of which will not be found in your normal shopping centers back home. Language is not a problem here, since English is the language of choice in the Bahamas.

A discussion about the Bahamas would not be complete without mentioning the world-class resort of Atlantis. The Atlantis is a truly breath-taking resort and is also home to one of the largest casinos in the islands. The grounds of the Atlantis are impeccably kept with hardly a single blade of grass out of place. As a result of all of this, the Atlantis is home to many conferences and conventions, and can accommodate even large conferences of several thousand attendees.

If you have never been to the Bahamas, you owe it to yourself to visit there and experience it. If you have been there already, you already understand this, but there is almost certainly new aspects of the Bahamas that you have not yet experienced. Take the time to treat yourself to a Bahamas vacation, you will not regret it.

Jon is a computer engineer who maintains web sites on a variety of topics based on his knowledge and experience. You can read more about a Bahamas Vacation at his web site at Bahamas Vacation.

By: Jon Arnold
Jon is a computer engineer who maintains web sites on a variety of topics based on his knowledge and experience. You can read more about a Bahamas Vacation at his web site at Bahamas Vacation.

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