| If you think about the Bahamas, the image that your mind
probably conjures up is of tropical beaches, cocktails and
relaxation, and you would be exactly right, the Bahamas is all that
but it’s also so much more... The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is a
collection of 29 beautiful islands in the North East of the
Caribbean Sea in the Atlantic Ocean. Although Columbus discovered
the Bahamas as part of the New World in 1492 the Spanish didn’t
actually settle there and the islands remained deserted until 1650,
when the British settled and colonized them. It was after the
American War of Independence that the Bahamas really began to be
shaped into the islands that you find today, with pro British
loyalists and freed slaves flocking to settle there. Today you’ll
find a self ruling Commonwealth and a thriving economy.
While tourist are attracted to the Bahamas by the beautiful
relaxing beach resorts, you’ll also find a wide range of active
tourists that are into sporting hobbies both sedate and high
adrenaline. The islands are a popular destination with golfers who
like to soak u a little sun while playing a round of golf. With a
wide range of courses to choose from islands like Paradise Island
which has three courses, The Abacos has two and the Grand Bahama
Island which also has three.
Diving is a major attraction for visitors to the Bahamas, with
clear waters insuring great visibility, wrecks, sharks and superb
coral reefs there is something for the beginner or the advanced
diver. Sharks are plentiful here due to the established feeding
areas, you can almost be guaranteed to have up close and personal
experiences with black tips, bull sharks, nurse sharks, tiger sharks
and the big daddy; great hammerhead sharks. The best islands for
these are Exuma Cays and New Providence. If you are not a diver then
you can always take a PADI course and benefit from doing all your
test dives in a wonderful environment, if going deep down under
isn’t your bag then the snorkeling in the Bahamas is great, so don’t
forget to pack yours.
Another ‘must do’ experience for those who love the water and
love nature is swimming with dolphins, this phenomenal experience is
one that dreams are made of and in the Bahamas your dreams can come
true. There are a number of islands that offer this activity
including Bimini, The Abacos and Grand Bahama Island. If you want
something a little ‘off the wall’ then how does swimming with pigs
sound? The pigs on the Exumas like nothing better than to take a dip
in the nice warm ocean, swim with a pig and you have got a great
story to tell when you get back home.
As great as sunbathing, golfing, diving, snorkeling and relaxing
are, there’s still more to the Bahamas. Apart from the opportunity
to indulge in Spa treatment, charter private sea planes or do a spot
of island hopping there is also a little Bahamas culture. The
Bahamas are the home of a number of historic forts, you can visit
cultural workshops and hear music of yesteryear.
As you can imagine the Bahamas are extremely popular so you do
have to book early to guarantee the island and resort of your
choice. So don’t delay, grab your suitcase and your passport and
take a trip to paradise today. |
