The Bahamas is a country consisting of more than 3,000 islands, cays, and islets. Its land area is 13,939 km2, with a population of 353,658. The capital is Nassau. In term of gross domestic product per capita, The Bahamas is one of the richest countries in the Western Hemisphere.

Diving in the Bahamas

The Bahamas has over 1,000 underwater sites which make it a good destination to dive. It offers something for every diver’s taste, from the Andros Barrier Reef and the famous blue holes to wrecks. You will find all types of diving: Blue holes and caves, historical wrecks and amazing reefs, soaring wall dives and thrilling shark diving.

The Bahamas is great for both the new or experienced diver. Moreover, Marine life is abundant and the waters are clear and warm most of the year. The Bahamas are truly a diver's paradise.

On Andros Island, you can find Alec’s Cavern, an incredible cavern dive featuring mature corals, cryptic sponges, squirrel fish and nurse sharks. UNEXSO Dolphin Dive provides a sure thing for everyone who is looking for that special dolphin experience. In Nassau, you can find James Bond Wrecks which were used to film Never Say Never Again and You Only Live Twice. Also used in two James Bond movies, Thunderball Grotto in Great Exuma is a must-see for divers and snorkelers.

History

The Bahamas were uninhabited by Europeans until the mid-17th century. However, recent research suggests that there may have been attempts to settle the islands by groups from Spain, France, and Britain. During the 18th century, The Bahamas became a haven for pirates. To suppress piracy, The Bahamas were made a British crown colony in 1718. The British made the islands internally self-governing in 1964. Based on the twin pillars of tourism and offshore finance, the Bahamian economy has prospered since the 1950s.

Culture

Bahamian culture is a hybrid of African, European, and other cultures. During the past thirty years the culture has become increasingly influenced by the Hip-Hop culture of United States. Moreover, Bahamian culture is related to other Creole cultures throughout the Caribbean Basin, but also to the Gullah culture in coastal South Carolina and Georgia in the United States. Many Gullah people were taken to the Bahamas after the American Revolutionary War.

How to get there

The Bahamas is very easy to access. This 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.

Climate

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.

What you should see

Gold Rock Beach at Lucayan National Park is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Bahamas. If you like Marine Park, you will have to go to Marine Habitat at Atlantis Paradise Island. This is the world’s largest marine park with more than 50,000 sea animals. Dolphin close encounter is a must-do in New Providence Island. Hiking up 63 meters mount Alvernia to The Hermitage, a small abbey, is a breathtaking trip. You will have a panoramic view of Cat Island. Another beautiful place is the Versailles gardens located next to a 12th century Augustine monastery in Paradise Island.

Other activities

There isn’t much that you can do on or in the water that you can’t do in The Bahamas: Snorkelling, sport fishing, windsurfing, sailing & boating. Once ashore, explore the natural beauty of these islands by plane or by bicycle. Or enjoy a round of golf, a set of tennis, or a visit to any of the island’s shopping arcades and casinos. You can also relax on a beautiful beach.