11 Best Tourist Attractions Destination in the Bahamas - Bahamas Travel Guide
The Bahamas is spread over 700 islands and 2,500
Cays, where you can explore coral reefs while scuba diving and snorkeling and
walking through the mangrove forests. Nassau, the capital of the nation, has
plenty of beaches and resorts that keep the tourist center on the waterfront.
The Bahamas music culture includes traditional goombay and household rake' n'
scrape.
When the beach lover dreams of the perfect stretch
of powdery sand in sublime blue shades, they probably dream of the Bahamas.
This tropical paradise, comprising 700 islands and more than 2,000 small cays
across the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, is only 80 kilometers from
Florida at its closest point. The islands, once a haven for pirates and
loyalists, are now a playground for the rich and famous and all those who enjoy
world-class fishing, boating, diving, snorkeling and sailing.
Nassau, the nation's capital, attracts the most
tourists on New Providence Island. This lively cruise port is a combination of
mega resorts, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. The Grand Bahama is
second. The other islands, affectionately known as the Out Islands, are grouped
into groups, each with its own distinctive character. Slung like perls across
the shallow banks of Bahama, the Abacos and Exumas offer some of the best
boating and sailing waters in the world. These peaceful islands are dotted with
sleepy fishing villages and secluded beaches, and many of the shores of
flourishing coral reefs. All the other islands offer something for reliable travelers.
From the big game fishing of Bimini, and the pink sand beaches of Harbour
Island, to bonefishing, regattas, and uncrowned outer cays, it's hard to beat
the Bahamas. For those visiting around the New Year, don't miss the throbbing
drums and kaleidoscopic costumes of Junkanoo, the nation's most popular
festival.
01. Atlantis
Paradise Island
This splashy, salmon-pink resort, dominating the
skyline on Paradise Island, evocatively recreates the legend of Atlantis in a
luxury hotel, entertainment complex, aquarium and water park. Guests have free
access to the popular 141-acre Aquaventure, a waterfront full of high-speed
slides, over 20 swimming areas and a long Lazy River Ride. Hammerhead sharks
and swordfish swim through sparkling open-air pools in the marine habitat. Many
shops, restaurants and entertainment venues can also be found in the hotel. The
fantasy theme of the sea continues, capturing young and old alike 's
imagination.
02. Nassau
Nassau, one of the most popular cruise ship ports in
the Caribbean, still charms visitors despite the crowds of cameramen. Visitors
come here to enjoy the white sands of Cable Beach; explore shops, restaurants,
museums and candy-colored downtown and Bay Street colonial buildings; and visit
the Nassau Straw Market souvenir shop. A short catamaran ride away from Nassau,
animal lovers can enjoy a day trip to Blue Lagoon Island with dolphins, while
the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center offers a slower pace with its
endangered and endangered species in the midst of four acres of tropical
gardens. Paradise Island, home to the perennially popular Atlantis resort,
shimmers on the horizon about five kilometers offshore from Nassau.
03. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
The Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park is a' no take
zone' and a marine protected area on the far eastern edge of the Bahamas, the
first of its kind in the Caribbean. The park boasts some of the most striking
seascapes in the Bahamas, with electric blues and bone-white sand in bright
water. The area is popular with divers and boaters who come here for anchorages
of quality, abundant marine life and crystal clear waters. Divers and
snorkelers can enjoy 30 meters of visibility on a good day. Most people visit
this marvelous underwater landscape on private boats or charters. Fishing or
shelling within the park borders is not permitted.
The Exuma Cays are also lovely. Some movie stars,
like Johnny Depp and David Copperfield, are home to some, while others have
exclusive resorts. Great Exuma, Exuma 's largest, Little Exuma, and Staniel Cay
are popular with boaters who come here to enjoy the friendly restaurants. Don't
miss the famous swimming pigs of Staniel Cay and the Thunderball Cave featured
in the film James Bond.
04. Harbour Island
Northeast of its big sister, Eleuthera, Pretty
Harbor Island is one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas and the site of
the first Bahamian parliament; English loyalists settled here in the 1700s.
Renowned for its pink sandy beaches and chic resorts, the island, known as
"Briland "by the locals, has long been a hideaway for the rich and
famous. Golf carts control the streets here, and visitors feel as if they have
traveled back in time, passing the cute, pastel-colored loyalist cottages on
the streets of Dunmore Town, the only settlement on the island. Popular things
to do include diving, snorkeling, fishing, and basking on the beautiful pink
sand beaches. Harbour Island is a fun day trip out of Nassau on the Bahamas
Fast Ferries Catamaran.
05. Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama, the northernmost island of the Bahamian
islands, is a popular destination for tourists and cruise ships. The capital,
Freeport, is Bahamas ' second largest city, although Port Lucaya has now
replaced it as a tourist hub for shopping, dining and entertainment. Port
Lucaya Marketplace sells jewelry and straw products as well as other souvenirs,
and the marina is a popular tourist and boat destination. In spite of the large
all-inclusive resorts and hotels on the island, the crowds can still escape.
Grand Bahama is home to one of the longest underwater cave systems in the
world, and nature lovers can find many native species of birds in the three
national parks.
06. Andros Island
Andros, Bahamas ' largest landmass, has the world's
third largest barrier reef and many freshwater blue holes and underwater caves.
Therefore, it is not surprising that this is a popular destination for divers.
The vast wetlands of the island create channels that are the best boating and
fishing areas. Fly fishing is big here, and Andros is often referred to as the
world's bonefishing capital. Andros also has the largest protected area in the
Bahamas with five national parks. Nature lovers will appreciate the rich life
of birds in the mud flats, mangrove swamps, forests and eco-resorts of the
island. In addition to all these natural attractions, tourists can visit the
Androsia Hand Made Batik Factory, which sells brightly-colored fabrics featuring
bold Bahamian motifs.
07. Treasure Cay
Treasure Cay Beach, located on the east coast of
Great Abaco, is often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
This spectacular stretch of flour-soft sand and water brings visitors to its
creamy, crescent-shaped shore here. The beach is located in the Treasure Cay
resort community, which hosts one of the most popular Bahamas fishing
tournaments.
08. Elbow Cay
Elbow Cay in Abacos exudes all the charm of a New
England-style fishing village across the sheltered Sea of Abaco from the Marsh
Harbour boat hub. Colorful cottages line the main streets of Hope Town, the
main settlement of the island, and the city center offers vehicles a relaxed
village feel. Hope Town, famous for its candy lighthouse, is home to a thriving
expatriate community that appreciates the beautiful palm-lined beaches of the
island; proximity to Marsh Harbour, the third largest city in the country; and
excellent boating opportunities. Wyannie Malone Historical Museum is a must,
and nearby Guana Cay and the Tilloo Cay Reserve, an 11-acre bird habitat, are
popular day trips. Hope Town also boasts a well-developed marina. A ferry runs
regularly to Elbow Cay from Marsh Harbour.
09. Green Turtle
Cay
Strolling the Green Turtle Cay streets in the Abacos
feels like going back to old Bahamas in time. East of Great Abaco, this
peaceful island, five kilometers long, is a beloved hideaway for those who seek
serenity. Golf carts are the main mode of transport in the tiny village of New
Plymouth, a picket-filled pastel village sprinkled with a few small shops and
museums. Fishing boats bob in the port and visitors can watch the local people
travel in their crawfish and conch catch. The beautiful sandy beaches and
crystal clear waters of the island offer excellent opportunities for swimming,
diving, snorkeling and boating. Bonefishing is a popular activity too. The
island is a ten-minute ferry ride from Treasure Cay on Great Abaco.
10. Bimini
Bimini Island, known as the Big Game Fishing Capital
of the Bahamas, is the closest of the islands to the United States, about 88 km
east of Miami, Florida. The island cluster of fishhooks comprises North Bimini,
South Bimini and numerous cays from Pigeon Cay to South Cat Cay to the south.
Bimini hosts popular deep sea fishing tournaments from March to September and
there are plenty of opportunities for diving and snorkeling. In addition to the
popular dives for sharks and dolphins, the Rainbow Reef, Sapona Wreck and
Victory Reef are also worth mentioning. Ernest Hemingway stayed in Bimini for
several summers, finding inspiration for the novels The Old Man and the Sea and
the Stream Islands.
11. Long Island
Long Island, one of the most beautiful islands in
the Bahamas, is a bit off the beaten path in the southern part of the
archipelago. Almost 130 km long and no more than seven km wide, the island is a
land of contrasts, with sandy beaches on the west coast and steep, rocky cliffs
on the east. Long Island is a haven for fishing, diving and boating, with many
untapped beaches of pink and white sand. Dean's Blue Hole, the deepest
saltwater blue hole in the world, is also on the island. The Long Island
Regatta will be held in summer in Salt Pond. The access to the island is mainly
from Nassau by air or by ferry.
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