Bahamas

Travel To The Bahamas – The Caribbean 

Flag of Bahamas

Facts About The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a chain of 700 islands and about 2,000 cays (low islands or reefs of sand or coral). However, only about 29 of the islands are inhabited. When Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492 on San Salvador, The Islands Of The Bahamas were inhabited by Lucayans, a subgroup of Arawak indians. Slavery, disease and other hardships wiped out the entire tribe within 25 years of Columbus’ arrival. British settlement in The Bahamas was established in 1647 by a group of English settlers in search for religious freedom. Today The Bahamas has become one of the world’s foremost vacation resorts. Nassau is the political capital and the commercial hub of The Bahamas. Tourism and international banking and investment management accounts for more than 55% of the country’s gross domestic product.

Eighty-five percent of the Bahamian population is of African heritage. About two-thirds of the population resides on New Providence Island (the location of Nassau). Many ancestors arrived in The Bahamas when the islands served as a staging area for the slave trade in the early 1800s. Others accompanied thousands of British loyalists who fled the American colonies during the Revolutionary War. Haitians form the largest immigrant community in The Bahamas.

English is the official language, with Bahamian dialect.

The climate of The Bahamas is subtropical to tropical, and is moderated significantly by the waters of the Gulf Stream, particularly in winter. Conversely, this often proves very dangerous in the summer and autumn, when hurricanes pass near or through the islands.

Tourist Attractions

Nassau/Paradise Island: Discover a wealth of acclaimed Bahamas attractions – climb to the top of Queens Staircase, admire tropical underwater life with snorkeling. For a sampling of local culture, get in the swing of things at a world-class golf course. In the evening, savor the spicy local dishes of many charming restaurants. Whether you prefer historic architecture, exciting water sports, or pirate exhibits, you’ll never be bored on this mesmerizing, tropical island.

Freeport/Grand Bahama Island: You can find the best of the Bahamas in Freeport. Located on the Grand Bahama island, it is the entry point to great shallow reefs and sandbars, which provide a safe haven for innumerable species of fish and coral reefs — a fantastic seascape for you to dive in and explore. Wildly popular with families, this island offers the best hiking, the most incredible scuba diving experiences and the finest sandy beaches of the Bahamas. In land, festivals, bazaars and national parks offer a wide range of activities to enjoy at all ages. When those aren’t enough, there is a variety of activities in the plentiful casinos and fine restaurants that offer round-the-clock entertainment at a great price.

Location of the Bahamas

The Bahamas is in the North Atlantic Ocean on the eastern edge of the Caribbean, just 72 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of Florida. The Bahamas extends 760 miles from the coast of Florida on the north-west, and almost to Haiti on the south-east. The largest city in the nation is Nassau, the capital, and the second largest is Freeport. Click here to see a map of the Bahamas.

Currency

The Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is the national currency. It Is equivalent to, and interchangeable with, the American dollar. For actual conversion rates, visit Oanda.com and perform a conversion for the ‘Bahamian Dollar.’

Requirements for Entry

A passport is required.