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Bahamas

Bahamas

Continent

North America

Best States to Visit

  • Harbour Island
  • San salvador and Rum Cay
  • Freeport
  • Sandy Point
  • Ragged Island

Best Cities to Visit

  • Nassau
  • Freeport
  • West End
  • Coopers Town
  • Marsh Harbour

Size

13,878 KM2

Population

385,637

GDP

$12,803,000,000

Spending Budget

$476 - $2,410

Famous For

  • The Bahama Mama cocktail
  • The first landing of Christopher Columbus
  • Fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling
  • History of pirates
  • The playground of the world's rich and famous
  • The swimming pigs of Exuma
  • Pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters

Best Time to Visit

  • April
  • May
  • June

History

The Slave Trade Act 1807 abolished slave trading to British possessions, including the Bahamas. The United Kingdom pressured other slave-trading countries to also abolish slave-trading, and give the Royal Navy the right to intercept ships carrying slaves on the high seas. Thousands of Africans liberated from slave ships by the Royal Navy were resettled in the Bahamas. In the 1820s during the period of the Seminole Wars in Florida, hundreds of North American slaves and African Seminoles escaped from Cape Florida to The Bahamas. They settled mostly on northwest Andros Island, where they developed the village of Red Bays. From eyewitness accounts, 300 escaped in a mass flight in 1823, aided by Bahamians in 27 sloops, with others using canoes for the journey. This was commemorated in 2004 by a large sign at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Some of their descendants in Red Bays continue African Seminole traditions in basket making and grave marking. In 1818, the Home Office in London had ruled that "any slave brought to The Bahamas from outside the British West Indies would be manumitted." This led to a total of nearly 300 enslaved people owned by US nationals being freed from 1830 to 1835. The American slave ships Comet and Encomium used in the United States domestic coastwise slave trade, were wrecked off Abaco Island in December 1830 and February 1834, respectively. When wreckers took the masters, passengers and slaves into Nassau, customs officers seized the slaves and British colonial officials freed them, over the protests of the Americans. There were 165 slaves on the Comet and 48 on the Encomium. The United Kingdom finally paid an indemnity to the United States in those two cases in 1855, under the Treaty of Claims of 1853, which settled several compensation cases between the two countries. Slavery was abolished in the British Empire on 1 August 1834. After that British colonial officials freed 78 North American slaves from the Enterprise, which went into Bermuda in 1835; and 38 from the Hermosa, which wrecked off Abaco Island in 1840. The most notable case was that of the Creole in 1841: as a result of a slave revolt on board, the leaders ordered the US brig to Nassau. It was carrying 135 slaves from Virginia destined for sale in New Orleans. The Bahamian officials freed the 128 slaves who chose to stay in the islands. The Creole case has been described as the "most successful slave revolt in U.S. history". These incidents, in which a total of 447 enslaved people belonging to US nationals were freed from 1830 to 1842, increased tension between the United States and the United Kingdom. They had been co-operating in patrols to suppress the international slave trade. However, worried about the stability of its large domestic slave trade and its value, the United States argued that the United Kingdom should not treat its domestic ships that came to its colonial ports under duress as part of the international trade. The United States worried that the success of the Creole slaves in gaining freedom would encourage more slave revolts on merchant ships.

Present Day

Shortly after independence, The Bahamas joined the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank on 22 August 1973, and later the United Nations on 18 September 1973. Politically, the first two decades were dominated by Pindling's PLP, who went on to win a string of electoral victories. Allegations of corruption, links with drug cartels and financial malfeasance within the Bahamian government failed to dent Pindling's popularity. Meanwhile, the economy underwent a dramatic growth period fuelled by the twin pillars of tourism and offshore finance, significantly raising the standard of living on the islands. The Bahamas' booming economy led to it becoming a beacon for immigrants, most notably from Haiti. In 1992, Pindling was unseated by Hubert Ingraham of the FNM. Ingraham went on to win the 1997 Bahamian general election, before being defeated in 2002, when the PLP returned to power under Perry Christie. Ingraham returned to power from 2007 to 2012, followed by Christie again from 2012 to 2017. With economic growth faltering, Bahamians re-elected the FNM in 2017, with Hubert Minnis becoming the fourth prime minister. In September 2019, Hurricane Dorian struck the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama at Category 5 intensity, devastating the northwestern Bahamas. The storm inflicted at least US$7 billion in damages and killed more than 50 people, with 1,300 people still missing.

Future

The economy of the Bahamas remains dependent on tourists, especially from the United States, and is therefore vulnerable to downturns in the prosperity of Americans. The government has started efforts to diversify the economy and the success of these initiatives will determine how badly the islands may suffer from future problems with the U.S. economy. The nation's dependency on tourism makes it vulnerable to competition from other destinations. The development and expansion of the tourist trade elsewhere in the Caribbean stands to have a negative effect on tourism in the Bahamas. The islands are also subject to disruption from hurricanes and other weather-related disasters. Efforts to develop a free trade area in the region will require a dramatic restructuring of the Bahamian economy since most of the government's revenue come from tariffs and duties on imported goods. Yet, the establishment of a free trade area could well attract more foreign businesses to the islands, since they would be able to use the Bahamas as a strategic base for economic interaction with the United States. The Bahamas would also be able to expand its international financial services sector as other islands in the Caribbean have done.
Must Visit Places ------------

Atlantis Paradise Island

Dominating the skyline on Paradise Island, this splashy, salmon-pink resort evocatively recreates the legend of Atlantis in a luxury hotel, entertainment complex, aquarium, and water park. It's one of the top resorts in the Bahamas. Guests at the hotel score free entry into the popular 141-acre Aquaventure. Spending a day at this whimsical waterscape is one of the most popular things to do in Paradise Island. Whiz down high-speed slides like the Leap of Faith, splash around in more than 20 swimming areas, or lie back and relax as you cruise along the Lazy River Ride. In the marine habitat at Atlantis Bahamas, hammerhead sharks and swordfish swim through sparkling open-air pools. You'll also find plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues here. The fantasy sea theme continues throughout all the Atlantic attractions, capturing the imagination of young and old alike.

Nassau

One of the most popular cruise ship ports in the Caribbean, Nassau, Bahamas still manages to charm visitors, despite the crowds of camera-toting tourists. When it comes to things to do in Nassau, you'll find plenty of options. Bask on the white sands of Cable Beach; explore the shops, restaurants, museums, and candy-colored colonial buildings of downtown and Bay Street; and shop for souvenirs at the Nassau Straw Market. A short catamaran ride away from Nassau, animal lovers can come face to face with dolphins on a day trip to Blue Lagoon Island, and Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Center is a fun place to visit for families, with endangered and threatened species amid four acres of tropical gardens. Paradise Island, home to the perennially popular Atlantis resort, shimmers on the horizon about five kilometers offshore from Nassau.

Clifton Heritage National Park

Clifton Heritage National Park offers a little something for everyone: history, culture, natural beauty - and tranquillity. Take a guided tour along the trails and soak up some history. Learn about the Lucayans, the Loyalists, and the Africans - three important cultures that make the Bahamas such a fascinating destination - and explore the remnants of villages, plantations, and slave quarters. You'll even find a medicinal garden here. Wander the winding trails through different tropical ecosystems, from coastal wetlands and rocky cliffs to dunes, coral reefs, and an inviting slice of beach. Along the way, keep a lookout for wading birds, seabirds, and songbirds. Better still, don your snorkel gear and get out in the water. You can follow an underwater snorkel trail, admire the coral reef sculpture garden, and even see sunken film wrecks - the park was the setting for Jaws and other films. Clifton Heritage National Park sits on the western tip of New Providence Island, about a 25-minute drive from Nassau. Many visitors book a guided tour here, but you can also visit on your own. Note, though, that there is an entry fee and a separate fee for snorkelling - bring your own snorkel gear if you want to save money renting it.

Harbour Island

Pretty Harbour Island sits northeast of its big sister, Eleuthera and has long been a hideaway for the rich and famous. Affectionately known by the locals as "Briland," it's one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas, as well as the site of the first Bahamian parliament. English Loyalists settled here in the 1700s, and their cute pastel-hued cottages evoke a bygone era in Dunmore Town, the island's only settlement, where golf carts rule the narrow streets. But Harbour Island offers more than cute cottages and a rich history. It's picturesque pink-sand beaches, are among the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and its chic resorts lure discerning travelers from around the world. Popular things to do include diving, snorkeling, fishing, and sunbathing along the rosy-hued shores. Harbour Island is a fun day trip out of Nassau on the Bahamas Fast Ferries Catamaran.

Grand Bahama Island

The northernmost of the Bahamian islands, Grand Bahama Island is a popular destination for package tourists and cruise ships. The capital, Freeport, is the second biggest city in the Bahamas, though Port Lucaya has now replaced it as the tourist hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Port Lucaya Marketplace sells jewelry and straw goods, as well as other souvenirs, and the marina is a social hot spot for tourists and boaters. Despite the island's large all-inclusive resorts and hotels, it's still possible to escape the crowds. Grand Bahama is home to one of the world's longest underwater cave systems. You can also wander the lush plantings of Garden of the Groves, and nature lovers can spot many native bird species in the three national parks or book a dolphin close encounter.

Diving and Fishing on Andros Island

The Bahama's largest landmass, Andros is a haven for anglers and divers. The island is home to the third largest barrier reef in the world, as well as many freshwater blue holes and underwater caves, creating an underwater wonderland for those who love to explore under the sea. Fly fishing is also big here - Andros is often called the bonefishing capital of the world, thanks to its ideal habitats for this prized catch. The island's vast wetlands create channels that are prime fishing and boating areas. Andros also has the largest protected area in the Bahamas, with five national parks. Nature lovers will appreciate the rich bird life in the mud flats, mangrove swamps, and forests, as well as the island's eco-resorts. Is shopping more your style? Stop by Androsia Hand Made Batik Factory, where you can buy brightly-colored fabrics featuring bold Bahamian motifs.

Treasure Cay Beach, Great Abaco Island

Skirting the eastern shore of Great Abaco, Treasure Cay Beach is often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This spectacular stretch of flour-soft sand and aqua water wows visitors who come here to bask on its creamy, crescent-shaped shore. The beach lies in the upscale resort community of Treasure Cay, which hosts one of the most popular fishing tournaments in the Bahamas. In 2019, Category 5 Hurricane Dorian devastated Great Abaco Island, including Treasure Cay. Check for the status of tourist amenities here before you visit.

Elbow Cay

Across the sheltered Sea of Abaco from the boating hub of Marsh Harbour, Elbow Cay in the Abacos exudes all the charm of a New England-style fishing village. Colorful cottages line the main streets of Hope Town, the island's principal settlement, and the center of town is off-limits to vehicles, lending a relaxed, village feel. Famous for its candy-striped lighthouse, Hope Town is home to a thriving expatriate community who appreciate the island's pretty palm-lined beaches; proximity to Marsh Harbour, the nation's third largest town; and the 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.

Green Turtle Cay

Strolling the streets of Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos feels like stepping back in time to the old Bahamas. East of Great Abaco, this peaceful, five-kilometer-long island is a much-loved hideaway for serenity seekers. Golf carts are the main mode of transport in the tiny settlement of New Plymouth, a sleepy village of picket-fenced pastel cottages, sprinkled with a few small shops and museums. Fishing boats bob in the harbor, and visitors can watch the locals haul in their catch of crawfish and conch. Bonefishing is also one of the popular things to do here. The island's beautiful reef-fringed beaches and crystal-clear waters offer excellent swimming, diving, snorkeling, and boating opportunities.

Big-Game Fishing in the Biminis

Bimini is known as the "Big Game Fishing Capital of The Bahamas," and for good reason. The island hosts popular deep-sea fishing tournaments from March to September, and its proximity to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream lure a dazzling diversity of marine life, including everything from marlin to mahi-mahi and manta rays. Bimini also once lured the likes of Ernest Hemingway with the promise of big catches. He spent several summers in Bimini, fishing and finding inspiration for his novels The Old Man and the Sea and Islands in the Stream. The fishhook-shaped cluster of islands includes North Bimini, South Bimini, and numerous cays extending south from Pigeon Cay to South Cat Cay. Bimini Island is the closest of the islands to the United States, lying approximately 88 kilometers east of Miami, Florida. Bimini's fish-rich waters also offer excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling. Besides the popular shark and dolphin dives, highlights include Rainbow Reef, Sapona Wreck, and Victory Reef.

Long Island

One of the most beautiful islands in the Bahamas, Long Island lies a little off the beaten path, in the southern half of the archipelago. If you love untouched nature, you'll love Long Island. Almost 130 kilometers long and no more than seven kilometers wide, the island is a land of contrasts, with sandy beaches on the west coast and steep, rocky cliffs along the east. Long Island is a haven for fishing, diving, and boating. Beach lovers can also bask on its many beautiful, unspoiled pink- and white-sand beaches. The island is also home to Dean's Blue Hole, the deepest known saltwater blue hole in the world. The Long Island Regatta takes place at Salt Pond in the summer.

Blue Lagoon Island

Dolphin encounters, sea lions, inflatable fun parks, a beautiful white-sand beach - you'll find all this and more on Blue Lagoon Island. A visit to this attraction-packed private island, also known as Salt Cay, is one of the most popular things to do in the Bahamas on a cruise. It's only about five kilometers by boat from Nassau. This is a great spot to hang out with the entire family. Kids will love swimming in the turquoise water, playing on the inflatable water park, and kayaking in the lagoon. Parents can relax under swaying palms on a double hammock, and animal lovers will enjoy the sea lion and dolphin encounters. A delicious grilled lunch and tropical drinks top off all the fun.

Cable Beach

Despite all the resorts lining this iconic stretch of coastline, Cable Beach still manages to conjure the feel of a classic Caribbean beach. Soft white sand stretches to turquoise water, and sun loungers beckon along the shore, making this one of the top places to visit in Nassau. The clear waters are also safe for swimming. Staying at one of the resorts here puts you steps from the freshly-raked sand - the Meliá Nassau Beach Hotel, Breezes, and Sandals Royal Bahamian all rim the sun-splashed shore. But even if you're not staying at one of the resorts, the beach is open to the public, so you can still spend a day here relaxing by the sea.

Paradise Island

Formerly called Hog Island, Paradise Island is a tourist hot spot. It's home to the massive Atlantis resort, as well as numerous other hotels, private homes, gorgeous beaches, and a golf course. No wonder cruise ship visitors make a beeline for this buzzing hub. Besides the Aquaventure water park at Atlantis, prime attractions here include Marina Village, packed with shops, restaurants, and megayachts, and the considerably more peaceful Versailles Gardens and French Cloister, extending from The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas. If basking on the beach is more your style, head to Cabbage Beach. Here, you'll find an idyllic slice of silky, white sand and crystal-clear water. Don your snorkel gear, and you can see schools of tropical fish in the shallows. And if you're looking for more adventurous things to do, try water-skiing or parasailing. Sun loungers and umbrellas are also available to rent. Connected to the mainland by two bridges, Paradise Island runs parallel to the northern edge of New Providence Island and forms the harbour at Nassau. While you're here, try to snap a photo of Hog Island Lighthouse, marking the entrance to the harbour at the western tip of the island. It was constructed in 1817 and is one of the best-known lighthouses in the Bahamas.