bahamas.com ExploreTheBahamas @Explore_Bahamas @explore_bahamas Welcome to The Islands Of

Sixteen main islands stand out as jewels in this beautiful island chain, as does the laid-back rhythm of life, colourful traditions and rich culture to be found on each and every one. Discover your island treasures, whether on the best known islands and resorts of Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island or on an unfamiliar one just waiting to be explored. Each and every island just wants to share its stories for you to bring home.

Luxury five-star resorts, beautiful beachfront hotels and secluded tranquil retreats. It’s time for you to discover why It’s BETTER in The Bahamas.

Atlantis, Paradise Island Harborside Resort at Atlantis Sandals Royal Bahamian Best Western Bay View Suites Meliá Nassau Beach Resort Sunrise Beach Club & Villas Produced on behalf of The Bahamas Tourist Office · bahamas.com · email: [email protected] British Colonial Hilton Nassau One&Only Ocean Club The Cove Atlantis All rights reserved. No part of this guide may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any other means, electronic, mechanical, photographic, recording or otherwise without the prior written consent of the publisher. Comfort Suites Paradise Island Paradise Harbour Club & Marina The Reef Atlantis Advertising sales: GSTravel Publications Tel: 01795 599690 PUBLICATIONS Graycliff Hotel Paradise Island Beach Club Warwick Paradise Island Resort Photography: Courtesy of The Ministry of Tourism of The Bahamas. Cover dive image © John Bantin. Produced by GSTravel Publications Graphic design by GreenApple Graphics (GSTravel Publications & GreenApple Graphics are part of the Lightening Graphics Limited group of companies). Wises Oast, Wises Lane, Borden ME9 8LR Although every effort is made to ensure that the content, both editorial and advertising, is true and accurate at time of going to press neither the publisher Tel: +44 (0) 1795 599 690 nor the Bahamas Tourist Office can be held responsible for any claims made within this publication. [email protected]

3 Explore our World

Since the arrival in 1492 of the first European, Christopher Columbus, visitors to The Islands Of The Bahamas have been fascinated by our history and culture. Sightseeing isn’t only about landscapes and architecture, a fine introduction to local flavour is to join one of the food and history tours.

Discovering the warmth and humour of and sharing a part of their lives is a great way of getting to know the islands you visit. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism runs a ‘People-to-People’ programme matching up Bahamian volunteers with visitors of a similar age and compatible interests.

4 5 Activities

Beach Fishing Diving Golf Cruises Eco Adventures Blissful relaxation, The endless stretches The drama of deep-sea Dive in for a real Both serious and The major cruise lines More than 2 million a close encounter with of powder-soft sandy fishing and the thrills underwater adventure. casual golfers make bask in the glory of The acres are currently nature on every island exhilarating challenges beaches that you’ll find of reef, bottom and golfing memories in Islands Of The Bahamas, protected including and the range of eco and real once-in-a- on every island are some fly-fishing attract the The shark dives of The The Islands Of The many spending a day on marine and terrestrial tours includes hiking, lifetime adventures, of the most idyllic in the keenest anglers from Bahamas are real ‘bucket- Bahamas. International their own private islands. sites across over cycling, kayaking, you’ll find everything Caribbean. Once you around the world. It is list’ material; tiger sharks, tournaments are played The key ports of Nassau 30 National Parks walking, birdwatching you’re looking for in set foot on them or in said that the bonefish, hammerheads and bull across the excellent and Freeport on Grand throughout the and exploration of the The Islands Of The the astounding clarity tarpon and permit sharks all jostle for public and private Bahama Island offer archipelago. The most abundant marine life in the divers’ attention. Bahamas and the of the gently lapping to be found in the courses throughout the colourful quayside streets famous of which are on the phenomenally clear No place on earth can waters that surround sea, you will understand southern islands reach islands. Dramatic views, and duty free shopping the islands of Andros, waters that surround why these islands are fine old age as they are match The Islands Of provided by mother opportunities as well Grand Bahama Island the archipelago. them. worldwide award winners yet unchallenged by The Bahamas for sheer nature, and tricky holes, as a range of exciting and The . and even astronauts fisherman heading south. breath-taking diversity. created by top-class excursions. From dolphin You can experience are spellbound just by Wreck and reef dives, players and leading encounters to historical the sight of them from a wealth of shallow, clear international designers, and food tours, relaxing the atmosphere above. water sites for beginners make for some of the resort day passes to Friendly beach bars, and an incredible range most spectacular diving with sharks there a local nightly fish fry, of blue hole caverns courses in the world. is so much to do in your swimming or snorkelling and precipitous sponge- shore time. – you won’t actually need encrusted sea walls a reason to just be there for advanced divers and enjoy the wonderful ensure that everyone will beaches of The Bahamas. experience something utterly amazing.

6 7 Swimming Pigs swim in the shallows. The Islands Of The The pigs, though feral, Bahamas are the are exceptionally friendly, running from under the Food and Nightlife Spas official home of the shade of the almond Satisfy your appetite for Settling into the swimming pigs. trees to greet visitors all things Bahamian – new easy-going, laid back Visitors to the islands that bring them treats. food and drink walking Bahamian way of life is are happily embracing They are also fed by the tours give a delightful the easiest thing in the the unique and special crews of passing yachts taste of the islands. world after sampling experience of swimming and vessels. After sipping cocktails the blissful treatments with the pigs on the at a beach bar, enjoying on offer at our islands’ uninhabited island of It is unknown how the traditional delicacies at luxurious spas. Many Big Major’s Cay, which pigs originally came to a fish fry or dressing for offer treatments based is home to these live on Big Major’s Cay. dinner at world-class on locally grown special creatures and Popular lore suggests restaurants, you can ingredients, traditional affectionately called that the pigs were dance the night away to remedies include “Pig Island”. dropped off by a group the hypnotic rhythms of pineapple, coconut, of sailors who wanted local goombay or rake cascarilla bark, coffee They have become to come back and cook and scrape bands. beans, hibiscus, camomile increasingly popular and them, or that there was and sea salt. With some live freely on the sandy a nearby shipwreck and spas offering beach beach. After basking in the pigs swam to safety. side views or even an the sun for hours, they overwater spa this is true pampering for body and soul – just what a holiday is all about.

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Weddings Shopping Romantic settings for Nassau/Paradise Island your special day can be and Grand Bahama found on each and every Island are the obvious island. An idyllic tropical hunting grounds for cay, a picturesque chic boutiques and tax- Small Hope Bay Lodge, an all-inclusive resort on Andros Island, Bahamas. 14th-century French free designer brands, We have something �or eve��one! Cloister, glorious colours while the colourful of a -style straw markets such as ceremony or surrounded the famous one on Bay Enjoy an all - inclusive holiday on unspoiled, Andros Island, Bahamas. by aquamarine waters Street offer a fabulous That means beach front accommodation, all meals, beverages, and bar drinks, with your very own guest array of handmade crafts use of kayaks, bikes, paddleboards, and more – ALL INCLUDED IN YOUR DAILY RATE! dolphin, you couldn’t being sold by the artists wish for a more romantic themselves. Independent wedding venue. galleries are a great place to find local artwork to See the REAL Bahamas! visit our website www.smallhope.com take home.

8 9 Small Hope advert.indd 1 11/08/2015 16:11 JAMAICA • SAINT LUCIA • ANTIGUA • BAHAMAS • GRENADA • BARBADOS Junkanoo Bahamian Junkanoo is a Although the roots of With the costumes, truly unique experience. the Junkanoo parade dance and music inspired Goatskin drums offer remain subject to by a different theme up a pulsating beat as long and passionate each time, preparations dancers parade down debates, what is agreed for the Boxing Day, New the street in larger-than- is that, after centuries Year’s Day and summer life costumes. Junkanoo of practice, today’s time Junkanoo literally is enjoyed at full scale cultural extravaganzas take months and bring during the Christmas have become the most together men and women season, on Boxing Day entertaining street from all different walks AN EXOTIC and New Year’s Day. carnivals of not only of life. Year-round, there are The Bahamas, but also smaller “rush-outs” the world at large. at summer events on several of the islands. BAHAMIAN PARADISE

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10 Dining Find Your Island

Many top restaurants is a delicacy, while side Desert island escapism throughout The Bahamas dishes such as peas’n’ and rich historical serve international , potato and experiences are the cuisine but there are fried plantain accompany backdrop to a wealth also fast food chains most main courses. of holiday adventures, available in Nassau/ For dessert, try coconut be they the gentle Nassau/Paradise Grand Bahama Island Acklins & Paradise Island and on pie, guava duff or discovery of the nature Island Home to Freeport, the Crooked Island Grand Bahama Island. pineapple tart. and marine life of the The capital city of second largest city of Two of the more remote The local cuisine is islands or physical Nassau is linked by the island chain, Grand islands of The Bahamas Award winning rum, triumphing, with a growth challenges such as bridges to neighbouring Bahama Island is also the have a little sister island produced by Bahamian in the wide variety of diving, sailing, fishing Paradise Island and the location of the Lucayan called Long Cay and distilleries AfroHead, venues and Fish Fry and golf. All combine to two destinations work National Park nature all three boast hidden John Watling’s and Ron experiences offering truly recharge your batteries together to give the reserve – complete coves, beautiful beaches Ricardo, is the base excellent local dishes and and make you yearn to finest array of resorts with creeks, and tiny colourful for most of the islands Bahamian cuisine with a return or visit more of and beaches, activities walking trails and the villages. It is said that the drinks, including local twist of other cultures. the islands to explore and shopping, eateries world’s longest known fish of Acklins & Crooked favourites with colourful their unique atmosphere and entertainment to underwater cave and Island die of old age... Much of the emphasis names such as Bahama and charms. be found anywhere cavern system. as these wonderful in traditional Bahamian Mama, Goombay Smash, in the region. Outdoor activities fishing grounds are some cuisine is on seafood, Guana Grabber and Contemporary glamour, abound with champion- of the islands best kept with being Yellow Bird. A new old world colonial charm ship golf courses, sugary secrets. A stay here the most popular fish, brewery specialising and chilled-out tropical white sand beaches, offers tranquillity and followed by snapper. in craft beers such style offer a winning top dive sites and seclusion, a real haven for Conch (pronounced the positively piratical combination and a warm exhilarating watersports recharging your batteries. konk), a tasty mollusk, Black Beer’d Stout is an local welcome to visitors as well as shopping and is the main ingredient in extra attraction for beer from all over the world, entertainment. Grand the most popular dishes. drinkers sampling the while also being the Bahama Island is where Conch specialities include local brews of Kalik and central hub from which all the unforgettable many different dishes Sands. to visit the other islands, experiences of The such as spicy conch by plane, ferry or boat. Bahamas come together. fritters, conch chowder, conch salad and cracked conch. Bahamian lobster

Accommodation

The range of dominate the holiday accommodation experiences available. throughout The Islands Fishing lodges and Of The Bahamas suits resorts with PGA golf every holiday style, courses often combine from small family their appeal with spas run guest houses to for those looking for intimate private island a wellness relaxation luxury all-inclusive of holiday. From seclusion just 10 rooms; some to bustling towns there larger traditional all- is scope for different inclusives with every types of holiday and entertainment and budget with a growing service are on a few range of villas and islands but don’t home-style properties.

12 13 EXPLORE BAHAMAS & get a

The Abacos Andros Bimini great deal with tropicalsky.co.uk Arriving from America in a crewed or bare boat Surrounded by legend Over the years, 1783, the first settlers on to experience just some and mystery, Andros is passionate sports The Abacos built their of the wonderful sailing an Eden-like paradise of fishermen including the award-winning Caribbean experts villages in the style of the The Bahamas has to sun-kissed white sand Ernest Hemingway, Martin homes they’d left behind offer. Perhaps going over beaches, lush green Luther King Jr, Howard and these attractive for the highlight of the foliage, vivid wild orchids, Hughes and former US clapboard houses, with sailing calendar, July’s spectacular tidal blue President Richard Nixon, their neat gardens and Regatta Time. The 40m holes and stunning coral have all been captivated quaint picket fences, high candy-striped Elbow reef - the third largest by Bimini’s Gulf Stream could easily be 18th Cay lighthouse is one barrier reef in the world. waters, which teem with century New England of just three manually The settlement of Red marlin, swordfish and infused with pastel operated lighthouses Bays produces some of giant tuna making Bimini colours and bright remaining in the islands the finest straw work the game fishing capital Bahamian sunshine. and the stunning views of of the islands while the of the world. Bimini is Sailors love The Abacos Hope Town from the top locally created Androsia easily reached by a short for the easy sailing from of the lighthouse are not batik fabric provides flight or a cruise ferry cay to cay along the to be missed. colourful linens and from the US and the island chain. You don’t clothing to bring home. smattering of small island need to own a boat, hotels and a casino resort you can charter offer a real contrast of island experience. Diving is popular here, and the real enthusiasts can tick diving with hammerhead sharks off their bucket list.

Cat Island Cat Island is the childhood home of Academy Award winner Sir Sidney Poitier. On the island you will find Mount Alvernia, the highest point of this low lying island (63mt) atop of which is The Hermitage. Built by Father Jerome in the early 1900s, this little stone ruin is a favourite for marrying couples. Taking its name from the notorious 17th century pirate, Arthur Catt, Cat Island is shrouded in colourful tales of undiscovered buried treasure and piracy. The As a friendly, family-run business with an emphasis on great service and expert kilometres of stunning pink and white sand advice, we strive to create holidays that provide you with the best value possible. beaches, lush rolling hills, We’re passionate about ensuring that every step of the booking process is guided rugged cliffs and world- and unhurried, and that you get the perfect holiday for you. class diving and fishing Talk to our Caribbean experts today. make it also a wonderful honeymoon destination. Family Holidays • Twin Centres • All Inclusive • Weddings & Honeymoons

14 visit www.tropicalsky.co.uk or call our specialists on 01342 88860815

Bahamas Ad A4 Ad 210x297 Sept 2016.indd 1 23/09/2016 10:28 Eleuthera & The Exumas Inagua Long Island Mayaguana Rum Cay San Salvador Harbour Island The Exumas are as much Inagua is the A wonderfully varied Uninhabited until 1812, The tranquil home of The exposed peak of The seemingly endless a naturalist’s paradise southernmost island terrain of cliffs that tower Mayaguana is one of the the Arawak Indians was a submerged mountain pink sand beach of as they are a film buff’s in The Bahamas and over its eastern shore few Bahamian islands Columbus’ second stop that plunges 5 km to the Harbour Island is dream; the cays are actually consists of two contrast dramatically to retain its original in 1492. ‘ Santa Maria ocean floor, San Salvador legendary, as are some often featured in films, separate islands, Great with a coastline of soft Arawak Indian name. de la Conception’, as is the most easterly of of the celebrity visitors advertising and image Inagua and Little Inagua. pink - and white - sand Even now the population he named his discovery, the Out Islands – and and homeowners who tweets. As much a firm Both are known for their beaches that gently slip is a mere 300, spread became Rum Cay, after Columbus’ very first have visited the island favourite of astronauts natural surroundings and into peaceful turquoise amongst three main the cargo of a wrecked landfall in the New World. over the years. Eleuthera looking down from act as great destinations waters, make Long Island settlements just 24 km freighter washed up With its spectacular dive has been a favourite of space as visitors stunned for ecotourists. one of the most scenic apart. Precious little on its shores. Known sites and fascinating British royalty and its by the ocean hues as Attracted by the saline tropical hideaways in else has changed here as a “sleeping beauty” archaeological remains, name comes from the they fly or boat along lagoons created by salt The Bahamas chain. either, which means because it’s considered today’s adventurers have Greek word for freedom, the island chain. The production on the island, Long Island is a haven the weekly mail boat one of the best-kept plenty to explore. a fitting name for this world’s first Land and Inagua is home to the for anglers, divers and remains the main form secrets in The Bahamas 180km island free from Sea Park, established in world’s largest breeding boaters, boasting world- of communication with southern region, Rum crowds. While the air of the Exuma Cays in 1958, colony of West Indian class bonefishing and the world and its arrival Cay is recognized for its casual sophistication and encompasses 500km2 of flamingoes - ‘fillymingos’ thrilling encounters with is celebrated as a grand historical ruins, vivid coral privacy has made the deep cobalt blue water, as they’re known locally. sea life. Long Island is occasion. Visitors looking reefs, miles of pure sand islands a favourite haunt endless jade and sapphire The 80,000 strong also home to Dean’s Blue for adventure can dive beaches and thrilling surf. Just offshore, in the of rock stars, actors shallows, reefs, sandbars colony of flamingoes, Hole, the deepest blue through sea caves at crystal-clear turquoise and celebrities, it is the and low rocky islands the national bird of hole in the world. Northwest Point, reel waters, is an abundance magnificent beaches that and is just one of over The Bahamas, are just in a bonefish or take a of vibrant marine life that draw photographers and 30 national parks in one of the species that guided tour of the three attracts fishermen, divers filmmakers. The Bahamas. The make Inagua a haven for settlements. and snorkelers from Exumas are also the birdwatchers. Birding all around with many official home to the enthusiasts will find here arriving by sea. famous swimming pigs. over 140 species of native and migratory birds.

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16 17 Useful Information

Climate Getting around Island Hopping Money matters Travel documents Green Turtle Cay

1 3 Treasure Cay Temperatures generally Car hire is available on You can travel to the The Bahamian dollar is All visitors are required to Freeport Port Lucaya Marsh Harbour reach 30˚C in summer and most of the islands: Out Islands on regularly pegged to the US dollar, have a passport, valid for 4 Hope Town around 25˚C in winter; it is remember, we drive on the scheduled flights with so you may receive either at least six months from slightly cooler in the NW left and our speed limit is Bahamasair, our national in your change. Banking the date of departure from Miami

2 25 Great Bahamas, (for example 30mph in settlements and airline (bahamasair.com), hours are Monday through The Bahamas, as well as Harbour A Cay T L A on Grand Bahama Island 45mph in highways. On or you can travel on one Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to return or onward ticket. Cat Cay 26 Harbour island N 10 T Chub I and in The Abacos). some of the Out Islands of the numerous local 3:00 p.m., and Friday from Cay C 5 Governor’s Harbour O Nicholl’s Town 11 C Stretching from off the the best way of getting airlines such as Abaco 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In Visa information E A 9 N east coast of Florida to around is by golf cart. Air, Flamingo Air, LeAir, Nassau/Paradise Island European Union passport 12 Rock Sound holders and Russian 6 just north of Cuba, our Boat hire for exploring Pineapple Air, Regional Air there are ATMs at Atlantis Andros Town island archipelago benefits the coast is very popular. Bahamas, Sky Bahamas, Paradise Island casino and passport holders do not 14 Mangrove Cay The Exuma Arthur’s Town from the Gulf Stream’s Motor scooters (for which Western Air, etc. You in commercial banks. On require a visa to enter 7 Cays 15 8 Congo Town 13 New Bight clear warm waters on the helmets are compulsory) can book these flights Grand Bahama Island they The Bahamas. Other Staniel Cay

visitors, please check 19 western shores and balmy and bicycles are also through Majestic Holidays can be found at major Cockburn Town southeastern trade winds. available for hire. In the (majesticholidays.com) banks, the casino and in whether you need a visa T R O P I C O F C A N C E R Port Nelson Night temperatures rarely day time hop on a jitney and BahamaGo Port Lucaya. On The Out with The Bahamas High George Town 17 16 drop below 16˚C or rise (minibus) that travels (bahamago.com). Islands ATMs are at banks Commission in London Deadman’s Cay above 32˚C during the all over Nassau and on all of the major islands. (www.bahamashclondon. 18 day. There are occasional Grand Bahama Island for For four or more people it Most are equipped with net; +44 207 408 4488) Samana Cays rainfalls during the summer speedy and convenient could be more convenient +PLUS and Cirrus ATM or with your nearest Jumentos Cays 21 Pitt’s Town and brief, refreshing transportation at just and economical to charter systems. Bahamas Tourist Office. Spring Point Plana Cays showers that usually end $1.25. Taxis are available a plane. You can also get Visa applications are to 22 Main Airports 20 23 from Nassau/Paradise Duncan Town soon after they begin. Our throughout The Bahamas Time difference be made in person at Abraham’s Bay 1 Freeport International (FPO) 2 North Bimini (NSB) beautiful crystal waters can with most drivers keen to Island to the Out Islands GMT -5 any Bahamian consular 3 Treasure Cay (TCB) 4 Marsh Harbour (MHH) by mailboat. and fast ferry Western Europe -6 5 San Andros (SAQ) 6 Andros Town (ASD) be enjoyed all year round. share their local knowledge mission. 7 Mangrove Cay (MAY) 8 South Andros (TZN) service (bahamasferries. 9 Nassau International (NAS) 10 North Eleuthera (ELH) to help you enjoy your stay. 11 Governor’s Harbour (GHB) 12 Rock Sound (RSD) com). Tipping 13 Staniel Cay Airport (TYM) 14 Arthur’s Town (ATC) Electricity In Nassau/Paradise Island, What to wear 15 New Bight (TBI) 16 George Town (GGT) For porters, the expected 17 Stella Maris (SML) 18 Deadman’s Cay (LGI) The Bahamas runs on Grand Bahama Island Lightweight, tropical 19 San Salvador (ZSA) 20 Duncan Town Airport (DCT) American Airlines, Delta, tip is $1-$2 per bag. 24 120 volts/60 cycles as in and certain Out Islands clothing is ideal 21 Crooked Island (CRI) 22 Spring Point (AXP) Matthew Town Jet Blue, Southern Air, Most restaurants include 23 Mayaguana Airport (MYG) 24 Inagua (IGA) 25 Great Harbour Cay Airport (GHC) 26 Chub Cay Airport (CCZ) America, so you need to you can also use the throughout the year. Some CUBA United, Southwest and a service charge of 15%. take a flat two-pin adaptor services of a Bahamahost, hotels may require men to Silver Air also feature links If not, it’s customary to with you. a qualified guide who wear a jacket and tie for to the islands via US hubs. tip this amount. offers informative tours dinner and beachwear is at fixed prices. inappropriate in downtown Nassau, churches, restaurants and casinos. A light sweater or wrap is suggested for the evening during winter months or if the a/c is a little cool.

18 19 TiamoAd-BahamasDive2015_TiamoAd-BahamasDive2015 01/10/2015 17:05 Page 1

Welcome to Tiamo, an exclusive slice of paradise in the heart of the Caribbean

With crystal clear waters and the world’s third-largest barrier is simply breath-taking. The waters of these parts of reef right on our doorstep, Tiamo also offers some fantastic The Bahamas have featured in some famous movies too, diving thanks to the on-site PADI Dive Centre. The reef runs including a number of films in the James Bond series, and parallel to the coast of Andros for 225 km and access to its evidence of these shoots can be found underwater in the edge is only a 10-minute boat ride from our resort. The form of wrecks formed from props. You can explore all of eastern side of the reef wall spectacularly drops down about this under the careful guidance of our fully qualified PADI 9656 km into the Tongue of the Ocean between Andros and dive master, who will help you get the most out of your Nassau and some of the marine life that divers will encounter time in the amazing underwater world of The Bahamas.