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Buzzing Bahamas

15:37 Mon 24th May 2010 |

From splashing in the crystal clear waters to dancing in the moonlight, the vast number of islands in the Bahamas offers something for everyone to enjoy and remember forever. The moment your toes touch the beautiful white sandy beach and your gaze meets the shimmering water, you know you’re in The Islands of the Bahamas.

Why visit the Bahamas?

The beaches in the Bahamas are boasted as some of the most beautiful on Earth. The sand ranges from a clean, fresh white to a subtle soft pink. You should spend at least one full day at the beach doing nothing but lying in the sun, soaking up the rays and all that the stunning views have to offer. Many say the best beaches are on Grand Bahamas Island and Eleuthera- so grab your sunscreen and start sunbathing.

It’s clear that there is much natural beauty in the islands, but what about underneath? Observing the beauty of underwater can be easily achieved by grabbing a mask and snorkel and swimming out from any beach on most islands- You are guaranteed to see something truly special, whether it’s a small fish or a sting ray. You could opt to take an organised snorkelling trip by boat to go further afield to specific snorkeling and diving hot spots. When visiting a reef, (like the San Jacinto wreck off the Abacos,) expect to see lots of tropical fish, turtles, coral and sharks- so get your cameras at the ready.

The Bahamas are composed of hundreds of islands, rich with palm and pine trees and laced with mangrove marshes. While embarking on a hike into the unknown yet beautiful landscape you are likely to come across some of natures true beauty’s, including many varieties of flowers as well as horses, raccoons and reptiles like turtles and iguanas. If you feel safer being lead by an organised tour guide then you can choose The Bimini Nature Hiking Trail, which offers guided tours so you can sit back (well stroll along) and relaxe in the enriching activity- which is totally free.

Plenty to do:

For a change of pace, head to one of the islands' bustling straw markets to haggle over spices, ceramics, handicrafts and local art. Enjoy diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and parasailing or take to the fairways of a variety of world-class ocean-facing golf courses- so you can enjoy the scenic surroundings at the same time as a game of golf.

With unlimited attractions you may miss out on something spectacular so you should take time to discover the many facets of the Grand Bahamas Island, from the lavish resorts, boutiques and clubs of Freeport to the world’s largest underwater cave system at Lucaya. Also worth a visit are the Lucayan National Park and the Garden of the Groves to see tropical birds and exotic flowers.

The largest city on New Providence Island, Nassau has become the undisputed resort Mecca of the Bahamas. The capital city conjures up images of white sand beaches, turquoise water, outdoor straw markets and quaint historic sites. Nassau blends old world charm with modern sophistication, providing the perfect setting for a day of exploring the charms and beauty on offer. Luxurious resorts, a thriving nightlife and a tropical year-round climate attract countless visitors every year.

When selecting where you want to spend the evening you need to take into account that Nassau and Freeport have vibrant and lively night life scenes, whereas on the Out islands the evening is very quiet and barely, at times, even visible at all. New Province tends to have the Bahamas best nightlife. Charlie's on the Beach is one of the oldest and most well known bars in Nassau and a centre for much of the Bahamas night club action that happens there. Bahamas night clubs on Paradise Island tend to begin and end at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Casino. So if you’re looking to stay in one place then get comfy and enjoy the centre of the nightlife action.

It’s the comfortable ease and the instant sense of belonging that these islands boast that makes you feel like you’re finding that your departure from everyday life is also your arrival at an extraordinary place within yourself as well as the utterly extraordinary place called the Bahamas.

- K.J.N -

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