The Bahamas
Travel Tips & Information

Geographically the Bahamas may not be part of the Caribbean, but you'd never know it by their gorgeous beaches and beautiful waters. (See Bahamas Weddings Planners)

And with some islands only 50 miles off the U.S. east coast, the Bahamas have become the Caribbean for many Floridians, especially on weekends, and Europeans looking for cheap holiday deals because of convenient flights. (See Bahamas Water Temperatures)

New Providence is the showcase island and where the majority of tourists stay. At one time New Providence was most famous for its city of Nassau, now overshadowed by the hotels of adjacent Cable Beach and the Atlantis fantasy mega-resort at Paradise Island. (See Nassau Things To Do)

The biggest event of the year is the New Year's Junkanoo Parade (see photo gallery).

But New Providence no longer is the exclusive focus. After several false starts, Grand Bahama Island finally is going to offer some serious competition. The massive Our Lucaya at Port Lucaya can match anything Nassau offers.

Moreover, Grand Bahama has a new international airport terminal and expanding the passenger shuttle boat service between it and Florida, only 50 miles away. Grand Bahama is more accessible than it ever has been.

There is a region of the Bahamas still without much glitz and glitter. These are the Family Islands, once called the Out Islands, which actually make up most of the Bahamas. (See Bahamas map)

They are less developed, slightly remote landfalls, remain the way Nassau and Grand Bahama were before mass tourism.

In a capsule, they are quiet, peaceful, relaxed, uncrowded and unspoiled. The islanders themselves appreciate those features and reciprocate by being more open and friendly than their compatriots living in the hustle and bustle of the big resort towns.

Heavyweights like marlin and tuna have made the Bahamas' fishing world famous, but they are just a sampling of the list that's every angler's dream: barracuda, bonefish, bonito, sailfish, mackerel, dolphin, grouper, wahoo, tuna, shark and swordfish all roam the Bahamas' crystal clear waters.

See what good uses all this seafood is put to at ABC's of Bahamas Cuisine.

Bahamas Diving is as good and as varied as the fishing.

Do you know these interesting facts about the Bahamas?

Tours you can book on all the islands:

Best Time to Visit the Bahamas
Not every season is the same

Bahamas Water Temperatures
Not always pleasant in winter

Bahamas Arrival Briefing
What you need to know if you go

Getting Married in the Bahamas
Marriage license requirements

Bahamas Wedding Planners
Most are located on New Providence

ABC's of Bahamas Cuisine
What to eat and where

Nassau Cruise Port Information
What to expect when you arrive

One Day in Nassau
Hints & tips on what to choose

Nassau-Paradise Island Things To Do
Name says it all

Andros Island Bonefishing
Catch big fish up to 18 pounds

Atlantis Restaurant Recipes
For you to try at home

Bahamas Diving Overview
Many underwater sequences were filmed here, for good reason

Bahamas Fishing Overview
Which islands are tops for fishing

Family Islands
They make up most of the country

Grand Bahama Island
Posed to rival Nassau in popularity?

Nassau
Where Bahamas tourism began

Paradise Island
Home of Atlantis,
the amazing fantasy resort

Web www.GuideToCaribbeanVacations.com