Discover Bahamas
Blessed with sparkling blue beaches of silvery sand, evocative windswept
panoramas and countless opportunities for diving, snorkelling and fishing,
the islands of the Bahamas are well established as one of the world's top
draws for both intrepid explorers and casual vacationers. An island chain
beginning a mere 55 miles east of Miami, Florida, the Bahamas offer an array
of tourist hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and even rustic lodges, making
staying there a relatively simple endeavour. Indeed, more than three million
travellers each year choose the islands as their prime destination for
outdoor sports, sun worship, casino gambling and, on some of the slightly
more remote spots, eco-tourism.
In total, the Bahamas include around seven hundred islands, no more than
thirty of which are inhabited, as well as smaller cays (pronounced "keys")
and rocks - an impressive arc stretching from just beyond the Atlantic coast
of Florida to the outlying waters of Cuba, where Great Inagua lies only
sixty miles offshore. Although deeper oceanic troughs surround some of the
islands, most are encircled by shallow, crystalline water that reflects a
light turquoise hue during the day and glows with purple luminescence at
night. This combination of shallow and deep water makes diving and
snorkelling both challenging and intriguing, with numerous reefs waiting to
be explored just beyond the shores of the gorgeous, uncrowded beaches.
Getting There
Easy access to The Bahamas is one reason for its long-standing popularity
as a winter holiday destination. Only a few miles from the south Florida
coast, in fact closer than Caribbean destinations, the islands can be
reached quickly either by air or by sea.
By Air
There are approximately 57 airports throughout The Bahamas, including three
International airports (Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, and The
Exumas). 24 of these airports are official ports of entry to The Islands Of
The Bahamas.
By Sea
There are countless government and private Marinas throughout The Bahamas.
29 of the marinas are official ports of entry to The Islands Of The Bahamas
