If you’re considering a Bahamas vacation, it’s never too early to do your research and learn about what the islands have to offer. The Caribbean offers many islands for a beautiful beach vacation, but if you’ve never been to the Bahamas, your experience can be as diverse as the people on the islands. Here are some facts that may tip the scales for your first Bahamas vacation.
The Bahamas is a 100,000-square-mile archipelago stretching from southeastern Florida to Haiti. The Bahamas has more than 700 main islands and many smaller cays (pronounced key) that cover more than an area of 5,382 square miles. Combining all the islands together, the landmass is roughly the size of Connecticut. About 20 of the Bahama Islands are inhabited.
The Tropic of Cancer runs through the chain of islands. The semi-tropical marine climate is moderated by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. And unsurprisingly, 5% of the world’s coral can be found in the waters of the Bahamas, including the world’s third-longest barrier reef, which is located off the coast of Andros Island. All the islands are relatively flat; the highest point of all the islands is 206 feet above sea level is Mount Alvernia on Cat Island.
The largest island in the Bahamas is Andros, which measures approximately 100 miles by 40 miles. Grand Bahamas Island is one of the larger islands and is home to two great vacation towns, Freeport and Lucaya. Grand Bahamas Island measures 80 miles wide by 16 miles at its widest point and covers 530 square miles of total land area; the highest point on the island is only 68 feet.
Each of the Bahamas Islands offers something a little special. If you’re looking for the quiet, less developed side of the islands, like Lucayan National Park Underwater Cave on Grand Bahamas Island or The End of the World Bar in Bimini. Perhaps you are interested in a mega-resort in Nassau or Paradise Island. Visit the outer islands, which are practically a world without changes from those days of Columbus. Some of these are so rustic that you’ll enjoy your time there without electricity.
Whether you are looking to relax sitting under the fronds of a large palm tree, snorkel or dive in the coral reefs or gamble in one of the casinos, the Bahamas can offer you a very special and unforgettable vacation. Be sure to consult with a qualified Bahamas travel advisor who can help you get the right vacation to match your dreams and your budget.