From its gorgeous white sands to its turquoise waters, the Bahamas, a collection of 700 islands and thousands of small cays stuck out in the ocean embodies the traditional image of desert islands, acting as a major draw for sun-seekers, sailors and divers alike. The Bahamas has become a leading destination for US holidaymakers thanks to its proximity to the US coastline and as a port for cruise ships. As such it is americanised in many areas though there are also strong British vibes emanating from its architecture and culture. It has become an offshore banking and financial centre, but on the outer islands you can experience a more authentic taste of an island paradise. The weather is traditionally hot all year round, though the trade winds keep temperatures mild and there is a long rainy season which makes December-April the best times to visit. There are many small airports dotted throughout the Bahamas, but flights from the UK generally land at Nassau airport, which takes around nine hours to reach.
The Bahamas embody the image of traditional desert islands and with 700 to explore there's something for everyone…
As a beach holiday destination with all-year round sunshine, the Bahamas can satisfy most tastes. With lots of comparatively deserted islands and cays, it's an ideal romantic getaway as you can be easily transported to one of these secluded spots and enjoy long, relaxing days there. The more heavily populated islands are good for families as the beaches are full of activities including watersports and horse riding as well as eco-friendly walking trails and there are excellent facilities and amenities. This is a rounded holiday destination, and with the vast number of diverse islands there is something for everyone in the Bahamas.
With so much choice and variation in the Bahamas it would be tough to know where to begin, but the capital, Nassau, is probably the best place to start. The area no longer represents an authentic island, but instead offers a real slice of Americana as it is heavily weighted for tourists. There are many casinos on offer and numerous fast food outlets, along with international restaurants offering everything from Chinese to Italian. However, Nassau also has some of the leading attractions in all of the Bahamas including the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Park, which offers more than 50 species of birds and animals, along with Government House, the official residence of the Bahamas governor-general. You can also experience remnants of Nassau's past at the Pirates of Nassau, which is an interactive museum featuring a Pirate's bar and a gift store.
There are numerous lesser-known islands to discover such as Andros, a wild island with eerie forests that proves attractive to birdwatchers and divers; Bimini Baby where you can find Bimini Road, a strange underwater formation; and Crooked Island, which is believed to be the place where Christopher Columbus landed. Many of the paradise island beach resort complexes are tied in with a cruise service with many effectively having their own island that they sail to on a regular basis.
The real selling point of the Bahamas is that you can always escape to another shore as is shown on the Biminis, a collection of islands with real variety with fishing popular during the day, but where college students supply a lively nightlife when the dusk falls. George Town by contrast is generally used for business rather than pleasure but it does boast some of the best restaurants in the Bahamas as well as some luxurious hotels, and the Seven Mile Beach, which is a great place to catch the sun's rays. Paradise Island also personifies the diversity on offer with resorts including Cable Beach, Paradise Beach and the more secluded Caves and Love Beach.
Grand Bahama is one of the most popular areas for tourists. It's one of the leading islands for family getaways as there are many all-inclusive packages available with plenty of good restaurants and shops, particularly in the neighbouring Port Lucaya. Day trips to Lightbourne Cay will allow you to discover a deserted palm-island that brings out the brilliance of the sun, sea and sand. However, if it's scenery you want then head to Long Island, which has shallow bays, shelving sands and lots of snorkelling and scuba diving to be enjoyed. The Bahamas is also known as the sailing capital of the world with yachts, catamarans and motor yachts to enjoy.
