The islands of The Bahamas are a tropical scorching spot and rank among the many finest vacation locations on the planet. Their magnificence, wonderful climate, and the truth that there are such a lot of islands (700 in complete) are a part of what makes this fashionable archipelago particular.
Image: Couple lounging over the Bahamian ocean at Sandals Royal Bahamian.
Even with their recognition, there are some belongings you won’t learn about The Bahamas with out having gone there your self, like the truth that you may swim with pigs at Massive Main Cay, or that the island has an intriguing pirate historical past. In the event you’re planning a visit to The Bahamas, know you’re in for a soothing keep.
On this article on the Sandals Weblog:
20 wonderful issues The Bahamas are identified for
Eight genuine Bahamian souvenirs to deliver house with you
Bonus: 5 attention-grabbing info about The Bahamas
20 wonderful issues The Bahamas are identified for
1. Pristine white sand seashores & turquoise waters
NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly famously known as The Bahamas “essentially the most lovely place from area”, and it’s simple to see why. With white sand seashores and an unimaginable palette of deep blue and turquoise waters, this tropical paradise stands out. Dwelling to a number of the world’s most lovely coasts, you’ll seemingly expertise seaside hopping like by no means earlier than. It’s the last word place for a tropical getaway.
Insider tip: There are such a lot of nice seashores in The Bahamas that it may be laborious to decide on only one. Fortunately, we’ve compiled an inventory of the finest seashores in The Bahamas. Be at liberty to seaside hop to your coronary heart’s content material!
2. The swimming pigs of Exuma
The Bahamas has essentially the most well-known swimming-with-pigs expertise within the Caribbean, which you’ll wish to try throughout your journey. For this tour, you’ll have to take a ship to Massive Main Cay, often known as Pig Island. When you get shut sufficient to the island, you’ll truly see a number of the pigs swimming out to your boat to greet you. This can be a family-friendly tour, however {couples} additionally benefit from the expertise and attending to know the swimming pigs of The Bahamas. Massive Main Cay is positioned about 82 miles southeast of Nassau. Other than the pigs and their caretakers throughout some elements of the day, the island is uninhabited.
3. The playground of the world’s wealthy & well-known
A handful of Caribbean islands are recognised for attracting the wealthy and well-known, and The Bahamas are excessive on that checklist. Famend for his or her gorgeous magnificence and seaside experiences, these picturesque islands have lengthy captivated rich travellers from throughout the globe. It is no surprise the ultra-rich have change into well-known for buying not solely estates however whole islands to name their very own. Throughout your keep, you might get a peek on the oceanfront villas of Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan and different celebrities.
4. Historical past of pirates
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The so-called “Golden Age of Piracy” is claimed to have been a time in the course of the 1600s and 1700s when pirates had a booming economic system within the Caribbean, significantly in The Bahamas. They focused and plundered service provider ships passing via the harbour. Their bounty included gold, salt and a wide range of different items. Their features attracted much more pirates, and among the many notorious figures within the area at the moment was Blackbeard. This chaotic state of affairs continued till 1718, when British captain Woodes Rogers was appointed Captain Basic and Governor in Chief of Nassau, marking the top of the Pirate Republic.
5. Improbable scuba diving & snorkelling
The Bahamas is a best choice for travellers with diving inspirations wishing to witness underwater life at its most spectacular. There are numerous diving spots for each snorkellers and scuba divers, together with the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the Andros blue holes, the Conception Island Wall in Lengthy Island, the Henry Ford Wreck within the Biminis, and the various reefs that may be present in The Abacos.
6. The primary touchdown of Christopher Columbus
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Image: First Touchdown of Christopher Columbus, by Frederick Kemmelmeyer, c. 1800-05.
A lot info is obtainable about Christopher Columbus’ journey via the Caribbean area, and The Bahamas is claimed to have been one of many first locations the place his crew made landfall. Because the story goes, Columbus “found” the brand new world, starting in both San Salvador, The Bahamas or Samana Cay in The Bahamas. The native Lucayan Taíno individuals could have already been current when he arrived. Nonetheless, after a number of years, the Taíno individuals vanished from the islands.
7. The Bahama Mama cocktail
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This tropical cocktail, with rum, coconut rum, grenadine, orange and pineapple juice, is a must-try when visiting The Bahamas. Contemplate grabbing a great place on the seaside or by the swimming pool and stress-free with this alcoholic beverage. Whereas on the islands, strive a number of the different native classics, like Sky Juice or Goombay Smash. Want a non-alcoholic choice? Select the refreshing Fruit Punch, a preferred drink comprised of a scrumptious mix of tropical fruit juices.
Searching for a spot that provides limitless cocktails? Friends of the Sandals resorts in The Bahamas can order limitless cocktails (and different drinks) on the bars, on the seaside and within the swimming swimming pools — for no additional cost. It’s all included in your keep. Cocktails are blended by a number of the island’s finest bartenders and made with premium spirits and fruit juices.
8. A large number of islands you may go to
With over 700 islands ready to be explored, deciding the place to begin can really feel like a problem. Happily, there’s an effective way you may slender down your choices and plan your excellent island getaway.
For starters, many islands are uninhabited, making it simpler to resolve the place to go to. Contemplate scheduling island-hopping excursions, which let you discover a number of islands in a single journey. A few of the finest islands in The Bahamas embody New Windfall, Paradise Island, The Exumas, The Abacos, Andros, Bimini, The Berry Islands, Eleuthera and Harbour Island. The inhabitants of The Bahamas is slightly below 400,000 individuals, and round 70% of the inhabitants resides in New Windfall, house to Nassau, the Bahamas’ capital.
Most travellers fly into New Windfall, which makes it probably the most “taking place” locations in The Bahamas. Paradise Island is nice for households with youngsters and is linked to New Windfall by two bridges. All different islands are generally known as the ”Out Islands”, the place you’ll discover extra peace and quiet. Exuma is famed for having a number of the most gorgeous white-sand seashores and blue waters in all the Bahamas.
Searching for an all-inclusive resort in The Bahamas? Sandals Royal Bahamian is a energetic resort in Nassau that comes with a non-public offshore island. It’s an incredible place for scuba divers (you’ll be happy to know scuba diving is included in your keep). Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma is understood to be positioned on a phenomenal lengthy stretch of white sand seaside and comes with an 18-hole Championship golf course with gorgeous views over Exuma’s waters.
9. Scrumptious conch dishes & different seafood
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Give your style buds a brand new expertise in The Bahamas with contemporary seafood that’s as different as it’s scrumptious. Europe, Africa and South America encourage the meals throughout the islands in a manner that may depart you wanting extra. Whereas on any Bahamian island, strive every part a minimum of as soon as, from conch salad (conch ceviche), johnny muffins, baked crab, rock lobster, fried fish and extra. After your vacation, you’re sure to return house with a brand new favorite dish and, hopefully, a recipe to recreate.
10. Sport fishing & bonefishing
The Bahamas is an effective place to begin in the event you haven’t been sport fishing or bonefishing earlier than. In the event you’re a seasoned diver, nevertheless, you’ll take pleasure in this expertise much more, understanding earlier than you go that the waters of The Bahamas are full of marine life, which is bound to make your fishing expedition that rather more thrilling. For sport fishing, strive The Biminis, which has a popularity for having the very best sport fishing on the planet. Ernest Hemingway’s love for The Biminis is claimed to have put the 2 islands on the map for fishing and their gorgeous magnificence. The Biminis are positioned simply 50 miles from the Florida coast. Andros Island is understood for having the third-largest reef on the planet. The place bonefishing is worried, you may strive your luck on the coronary heart of the various unspoiled mangroves and shallow trenches that may be discovered alongside the island. Lengthy Island and New Windfall (Nassau) are additionally nice fishing spots.
11. Pink sand seashores
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The Bahamas is without doubt one of the solely locations on the planet the place you’ll find pink sand seashores, and Harbour Island, positioned to the northeast of Eleuthera, is without doubt one of the finest locations to seek out them. You’ll generally hear the island being known as “Briland” by locals, and it’ll most likely be love at first sight when you look upon the quaint Dunmore City, which is suffering from pastel-coloured cottages. Whereas on the island, take pleasure in sand bathing, diving or a fishing expedition. A go to to Harbour Island makes a fairly cool day journey, and you may get there through The Bahamas Quick Ferries Catamaran or by airplane from Nassau. Some resorts, like Sandals Royal Bahamian, provide day journeys.
12. Junkanoo competition
Junkanoo is an actual Caribbean get together, if there ever was one. Junkanoo is an enormous occasion in The Bahamas, held on Christmas and New 12 months’s Day yearly. The celebration could be described because the Bahamian model of carnival. In the event you’ve by no means skilled a Caribbean carnival, anticipate costumes, stay bands, conventional devices, parades and plenty of pleasure.
Insider tip: In the event you plan to journey to The Bahamas for Junkanoo, you’ll should guide your flight a minimum of six months prematurely, as many inns and resorts are typically totally booked round this time.
13. The Bahamas featured in James Bond films
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Many well-known films had been filmed in The Bahamas, which isn’t stunning contemplating how lovely the islands are. Amongst these are the James Bond movies, Thunderball and By no means Say By no means Once more. Thunderball Grotto within the Exuma Cays is a good diving and snorkelling spot, and its title comes from the truth that it was a standout characteristic within the film Thunderball, significantly throughout an underwater combat scene. Divers love exploring the underwater cave, which some describe as intimidating at first however thrilling when you get into it. Excursions can be found from Sandals Emerald Bay.
14. The native dialect – “Talkin’ Bahamian”
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Islanders usually communicate a Creole dialect, and there are methods to study extra about their native language, which has African influences. Whereas on the islands, store round for native books which can assist you translate what you hear and even make it easier to throw out a phrase or two. English is extensively spoken in The Bahamas, so that you’re unlikely to have challenges with communication whether or not or not you’re accustomed to the native dialect.
Listed below are some widespread phrases you would possibly hear throughout your go to:
“Bey”
This could imply anybody, no matter gender. As an example, somebody could ask, “The place mah’bey go once more?”, which interprets to “The place did this individual go to?” That is one thing you’ll hear often.
“Properly mudda sick!”
That is an expression of shock or pleasure akin to the English variations of “You’re joking” or “Oh my goodness!”
“Mash up”
This can be a widespread Caribbean phrase which implies to interrupt or destroy one thing. For instance, “You simply mash up my guide” interprets to “You simply destroyed or broken my guide”. This phrase can also be used when an individual is drained, and “mash up” could describe how sick or exhausted they really feel.
“Potcake”
This time period often refers to a stray canine, and you might spot fairly a couple of “potcakes” throughout your journey to The Bahamas. Potcakes are thought-about blended breeds, and their nickname comes from the concept outdated Bahamians would prepare dinner every part in a single pot, the “potcake” being the combination of every part caught collectively on the backside of the pot after cooking.
“Dem”
This fashionable Caribbean time period typically refers to a bunch of individuals. For instance, you might hear somebody say, “You may catch a trip with Derek dem”, which implies, “You will get a elevate with Derek and the others.”
15. A historical past of colonial battle and slavery
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Image: Pompey Sq. is the positioning the place enslaved individuals had been unloaded from ships within the nineteenth century. Named after an enslaved one who, in 1830, led a revolt which led to the Emancipation Proclamation.
Caribbean historical past is full of colonial battle, and The Bahamas is not any exception. Discover out extra in regards to the historical past of The Bahamas whereas on the island by visiting locations just like the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation in downtown Nassau, Bimini Museum, Man-O-Warfare Heritage Museum in Abaco, The Dolphin Home in Alice City, Albert Lowe Museum in Abaco, The Bahamas Historic Society Museum in Nassau, Lengthy Island Library and Museum, Heritage Museum of The Bahamas in Nassau and others.
16. Pirate forts
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You may discover a number of forts in The Bahamas, together with Fort Charlotte, the biggest fort on the island of New Windfall, in Nassau. Lord Dunmore constructed Fort Charlotte in 1788-1789. It was named after Queen Saharia Charlotte, the spouse of King George III. The fort includes a drawbridge, dungeons, underground passages, 42 cannons and wonderful views.
Fort Fincastle, inbuilt 1793, is one other fashionable attraction that will get its title from British captain Lord Dunmore. His second title was Viscount Fincastle. As historical past tells it, Fincastle constructed the fort to assist hold the Nassau Harbour secure. It was additionally a helpful lookout level for pirates. Fort Fincastle is fabricated from reduce limestone.
One other well-known fort in The Bahamas is Fort Montague, additionally fabricated from native limestone. It’s the oldest fort on New Windfall island and is on the east finish of the Nassau Harbour. Fort Montague’s historical past goes way back to 1725, however its current kind has existed since 1741–1742, when the British used it to maintain Spanish invaders away. The location additionally has a historical past of being utilized by the USA army in 1776.
Blackbeard’s Tower is a bit tougher to seek out, however it’s believed to have been utilized by Blackbeard himself as a lookout level within the 1700s. For the reason that “Golden Age of Piracy”, the tower has deteriorated however remains to be a historic landmark in The Bahamas.
17. Cave diving
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A few years in the past, 1000’s in reality, the waters round The Bahamas had been greater than 100 toes decrease than they’re at present. With rising sea ranges, some caves on the island, largely fabricated from limestone, had been submerged. This has led to The Bahamas being recognised as among the finest locations on the planet to cave dive, one thing it’s best to contemplate attempting in your vacation within the islands.
18. Olympic champions
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The Bahamas has 14 Olympic medals to point out for itself, because of athletes’ efforts, together with sprinters Pauline Davis-Thompson, Tonique Williams-Darling and Shaunae Miller. All of the islands’ Olympic medals had been secured in athletics and crusing. Notably, the 14-medal determine equates to a price of 33.9 per million residents (spectacular contemplating the Bahamian inhabitants is just about 385,340). Finland, Sweden, and Hungary are the one international locations that high The Bahamas’ per capita strike price.
19. Luxurious items purchasing
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You will discover some nice purchasing alternatives in The Bahamas, which few islands within the area can boast. Whether or not you’re in search of souvenirs or high-end objects, you’ll seemingly discover a store or native market providing one thing to fit your funds. Nassau and Paradise Island are nice choices for jewelry purchasing, in addition to discovering brand-name vogue, like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. In order for you artwork or different distinctive items, strive heading to a craft centre downtown (Nassau) and discount for value.
20. Historic lighthouses
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Lighthouses have a sure intrigue about them, and there are a couple of notable lighthouses you may try whereas within the Caribbean. Elbow Reef Lighthouse, often known as the Hope City Lighthouse in Elbow Cay Bahamas, is among the many most visited. Hope City is charming, and this 89-foot lighthouse provides to its enchantment. The Elbow Reef Lighthouse was constructed within the 1860s, an period when lighthouses helped to warn or information ships at sea, and it has survived to deliver a little bit of the previous into the long run. Wonderful views can be found from the highest, which makes climbing the 101 steps price it. The Hog Island Lighthouse on the western tip of Paradise Island is the oldest and best-known lighthouse in The Bahamas and was inbuilt 1817.
Eight genuine Bahamian souvenirs to deliver house with you
1. Pirate Doubloon jewelry
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Contemplating The Bahamas has a wealthy pirate historical past, it’s solely pure that you simply would possibly gravitate to jewelry impressed by this aspect of the islands’ previous. At Coin of the Realm in downtown Nassau, you’ll discover Bahamian gold and silver, historic Greek and Roman cash, and different treasures. Collectors can decide up units of Bahamian gold and silver cash, whereas consumers hoping to choose up one thing attention-grabbing could discover the right earrings, pendants or rings to go well with their type.
2. Conch shell objects
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Attention-grabbing objects fabricated from the gorgeous conch shell are simple to seek out within the Bahamas, particularly for jewelry, cutlery and bowls. You will discover loads of conch shell creations at native craft markets, they usually’ll make the right present for family and friends.
3. Regionally made arts & crafts
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You may’t go mistaken with native arts and crafts when choosing souvenirs to deliver again house. Strive Bahama Artwork & Handicrafts, positioned simply outdoors downtown Nassau, the place you’ll find a wide range of distinctive items. Gadgets vary from sea glass and watercolour work to wooden carvings, jams, scorching sauces and extra.
4. Pirate Republic craft beer
Purchase some Pirate Republic craft beer for the beer lover again house. You will discover the brewery and pub downtown Nassau close to the cruise port and style the totally different beers on provide. You received’t be disillusioned attempting out The Bahamas’ solely craft beer!
5. Junkanoo artwork
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Missed out on Junkanoo? You may nonetheless take a chunk of this cultural carnival house by choosing up Junkanoo-inspired jewelry, work, ornaments and extra. In a manner, this makes up for lacking out on the parade and is a chance to deliver elements of the competition house with you.
6. Straw items
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The Nassau Straw Market and the Port Lucaya Market are nice decisions in the event you’re in search of custom-made straw merchandise. There’s a lot on provide — suppose hats, baskets, purses and different trinkets — so that you’re positive to seek out one thing good. Some sellers could be fairly persistent, but when you already know what you need and the way a lot you’re prepared to pay for it, it’s best to have a easy and enjoyable purchasing expertise.
7. Do-it-yourself jams & jellies
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So far as jams and jellies are involved, it’s price attempting guava jelly, pineapple jam or another fruity varieties accessible throughout your go to to The Bahamas. You may even decide up a pair to take the candy style of The Bahamas house with you.
8. Coconut sculptures
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Coconuts anybody? Properly, if not the actual type, then a sculpture. Select a coconut husk merchandise to recollect your unforgettable Bahamian getaway. Most artisan retailers on the island promote a spread of sculptures depicting animals, sea creatures and extra.
Bonus: 5 attention-grabbing info about The Bahamas
1. It as soon as snowed in The Bahamas
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Not many Caribbean islands can declare this feat, however The Bahamas had a wintery expertise one chilly January day, on the seventeenth of the month, in 1977, to be exact. Chilly climate from southern Florida swept right down to the islands, and it snowed in The Bahamas for the primary time ever. Although there was no snow pile-up resulting in seashores and different areas being coated in slush, there have been loads of flurries within the metropolis of Freeport, Grand Bahama.
2. The world’s second deepest blue gap is in The Bahamas
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So far as blue holes go, you’ll discover one of many deepest on the planet in The Bahamas. With a drop off of 660 ft, Dean’s Blue Gap on Lengthy Island in The Bahamas is actually newsworthy. Many divers select this location particularly as a result of they hope to realize world information. There are different extra well-known underwater points of interest of the same type, akin to The Nice Blue Gap on Belize’s Nice Barrier Reef, however Dean’s Blue Gap is considerably deeper and has a drop-off near shore.
3. The best level in The Bahamas will not be so excessive
The Bahamas will not be identified for its towering mountains, with the best level reaching somewhat over 200 toes. The truth is, it ranks fifth amongst international locations with the bottom “highest level” on the planet. The Gambia, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and the Maldives are the international locations that fall in the same class with The Bahamas by way of “highest level”. The Bahamas are low-lying as a result of practically all the islands’ land is shaped of elevated coral reefs or sandbars.
4. The Bahamas is technically not a part of the Caribbean
Geographically, not everybody agrees that The Bahamas, that are positioned to the north of the Caribbean, are part of that space. It’s mentioned that the islands weren’t produced by a volcanic course of, in distinction to many Caribbean islands. Their positioning additional distances them from the Caribbean area. The Bahamas, nevertheless, actually contribute to the Caribbean id, principally due to their shared historical past, local weather and different traits with the opposite islands within the space. Plus, The Bahamas has robust ties to different Caribbean associations and nations throughout the Caribbean Neighborhood (CARICOM).
5. The primary inhabitants of The Bahamas had been Taíno individuals
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The Taíno indigenous individuals who settled within the islands, together with Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Hispaniola and the Northern Lesser Antilles, had been the primary identified individuals to inhabit The Bahamas. Extra particularly, the Lucayan individuals of Taíno descent had a stable presence within the islands lengthy earlier than voyages and different famed discoveries, together with these of Christopher Columbus. The Lucayans had been taken into captivity the years after Columbus’ arrival, altering the face of the island endlessly. By 1520, there have been no Taíno individuals left in The Bahamas.
Like another vacation spot, there’s a lot to find out about The Bahamas as a customer. Whether or not you spend as a lot time as attainable stress-free on a white sand seaside or exploring the pirate historical past of The Bahamas firsthand, you’ll discover many issues to do on the islands as you get higher acquainted with all of the issues The Bahamas is understood for.