Southern Bahamas

Southern Bahamas

Best of the Bahamas: Top 10 Bahamas Islands

For tropical vacations, the Bahamas are legendary. And with good reason. Even as one of the smallest countries in the world, the Bahamas archipelago, with its approximately 700 tiny islands and 2,000 tinier islets, offers a broad spectrum of topography, facilities and recreational opportunities, and gorgeous, pristine beaches besides. There are nearly 30 inhabited islands here, and of those more than a dozen hold tourist interest.

So, for those visiting the Bahamas for the first time, or even those revisiting, here are the 'Top 10' islands in the archipelago, which are also the ones most easily accessible to visitors.

1. New Providence

New Providence is the principal island in the Bahamas. It is by far the most populous, most popular, and literally a magnet for vacationers, particularly Americans. On it is located Nassau, the largest and best known Bahamian city, which claims more than 175,000 people and over 400 banks (oh, did we mention that the Bahamas is a tax haven? No? Well, it is!)! Accommodations, dining choices and other visitor facilities are plentiful here, as are other realtime tourist attractions. Besides its history-laden narrow streets and British-era forts, the chief draws here are the Atlantis International Resort and Casino and the Queen's Staircase, the latter a 65-step stone stairway, representing one step for each year of Queen Victoria's rule, which climbs 102 feet to Fort Fincastle. Popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing, diving, sport fishing, walking and bicycling.

2. Grand Bahama

Grand Bahama is the fourth largest island in the Bahamas. A travel brochure for the island describes it as "cosmopolitan glitz and glamour, coupled with miles of pristine beaches and endless turquoise seas." And that really sums it up. The island has a dozen or so good hotels, several excellent waterfront restaurants, outstanding shopping venues, two casinos, and miles and miles of sandy beaches. The main city here is Freeport, which is the second largest and most modern in the Bahamas, with a population of 50,000. The big draw on the island is the Lucayan National Park, an environmental happening of sorts.

3. The Abacos

The Abacos, or just Abaco, is a cluster of tiny islands, islets and outcroppings that forms a 100-mile-long archipelago of its own. This is the second largest such island group in the Bahamas, and the most visited among the Bahamian 'Out Islands'. Its capital city, Marsh Harbour, which is really a one-stop-light town, is the third largest in the Bahamas. There are other quaint towns and villages on the other Abacos islands as well, with pastel-colored clapboard houses, sun-drenched beaches, abundant tropical flora, quiet country lanes, and more than 50 species of wild tropical birds. Recreation in the Abacos includes all the warm-weather outdoor sports you can think of, while the amenities here can be described as modern.

4. Andros

Andros is by far the largest island in the Bahamas, 104 miles long and 40 miles wide, located  just north of the Abacos, with an island-wide population of 8,000. There are three main towns on Andros, Nicholl's Town, Fresh Creek and Kemp's Bay, all of them accessible by boat or direct flights from either Miami or Nassau. There are good visitor facilities here, including a wide selection of accommodations, ranging from full-fledged resorts to neat little guest houses. The island is particularly popular with divers.

5. Bimini

Bimini, just a stone's throw from Florida (okay, 50 miles) and made famous by the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey, is all about fishing, fishing, and fishing. It comprises two distinct islands, with a combined land mass of less than 10 square miles, and a population of around 1,600, most of whom live in Bailey Town in North Bimini. However, Alice Town, the other Bimini population center, is the primary tourist hub, with all the hotels, restaurants and fishing charter companies located there. Most visitors go to Bimini to fish, and the island, besides, is the locale of more than 20 well-known fishing tournaments.

6. Eleuthera

Eleuthera, which is perhaps the longest of the Bahamian islands, more than 110 miles long, and which lies 60 miles west of Nassau, is the playground of the rich and famous. It is consequently also one of the most accessible of the Bahamas islands, with daily flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Nassau. The island has a population of 10,800, and its principal towns are Spanish Wells, the wealthiest colony in the Bahamas; Harbour Island, a resort island with clear water and a pink-tinged beach; Gregory Town, the locale of the island's Pineapple Festival; Governor's Harbour, a typical tropical town with history and charm; and Tarpum Bay, an artists' community where, among others, artists Mal Flanders, an American, and MacMillan Hughes, a Scotsman, went to paint the scenery.

7. The Exumas

Situated 35 miles east of New Providence, the Exumas comprise a chain of roughly 350 islands and cays, strung out along some 95 miles of open ocean, all the way down to Long Island. There are about 3,500 inhabitants in the Exumas, the majority of whom live on Greater Exuma and Little Exuma, located in the southern part of the island chain, in the principal population centers of George Town and Williams Town, respectively. The Exumas are also well connected via daily flights to both Miami and Nassau. Boating, fishing, beachcombing and swimming are the main pursuits here, with good, modern amenities for vacationers.

8. Cat Island

For sheer natural beauty and solitude, Cat Island is the pick of the bunch. A 50-square-mile island, it offers a tranquil retreat with rolling hills, lush green forests and vast expanses of windswept beaches. There are few creature comforts here, and visitor activities typically center around swimming, hiking and poking through the ruins of the old, Colonial plantations. Sights on the island include the Hermitage, a miniature, hand-built abbey on Mount Alverina, the highest point on the island at 206 feet; and the ruins of the Deveaux Plantation at Port Howe, a veritable slice of local history in a spectacular setting.

9. The Inaguas

The third largest, remotest and most southerly in the Bahamas chain, the Inaguas are also the most sparsely populated. There are fewer than 1,200 inhabitants here, all of them on Great Inagua, with Little Inagua, just to the north, uninhabited. And while the Inaguas are hardly a top choice for tourists, the few who do venture this far south are well rewarded with miles and miles of unspoiled rocky shorelines and more wildlife than on any of the other islands. Walking, bicycling, fishing and bird-watching are the order of the day. Besides which, two places of particular interest here are the Inagua National Park, with its 280 miles of rocky shoreline, inland waters, saltwater flats, shrubland and jungle, populated with its famous flamingos and over 200 other species of birds; and the picturesque Matthew Town Lighthouse, standing at the southern tip of the Inaguas like a lone sentinel.

10. San Salvador

San Salvador, situated just to the northeast of the Bahamas' Long Island, is 12 miles long and 6 miles wide, with fewer than 600 people. The main population center here is Cockburn Town, the capital of both San Salvador and its smaller sister island to the west, Rum Cay. Virtually all of the island's residents live here, yet this is one of the smallest communities in the Bahamas Out Islands. Oh, and Club Med is here as well, just a couple of miles from Cockburn Town.

About the Author

Baljeet Sangwan is a globetrotter, travel editor and travel writer who has published 12 travel guidebooks. He is a co-publisher at iChiefTravel and contributor to The Bahamas, the Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Aruba travel guides.

Southern Bahamas $5.99 Frommer's ShortCuts give you exactly what you need for your trip to the Southern Bahamas--and no more. In this ebook, you'll get the same expert advice that you'll find in all Frommer's guides, from candid reviews and detailed maps to insider tips from our local authors. Plus, we've added planning and background information as well as our signature "Best of" features. This Frommer's ShortCuts to the Southern Bahamas includes: Cat Island, San Salvador, Long Island, Acklins Island, Crooked Island, Mayaguana Island, and Great Inagua. Search for more Frommer's ShortCuts. Mix and match the exact destinations you need for your trip, and create your own Frommer's ShortCuts collection.

Bahamas $54 Bahamas

AARP Southern Bahamas $5.99 AARP Digital Editions offer you practical tips, proven solutions, and expert guidance. Frommer's ShortCuts give you exactly what you need for your trip to the Southern Bahamas--and no more. In this ebook, you'll get the same expert advice that you'll find in all Frommer's guides, from candid reviews and detailed maps to insider tips from our local authors. Plus, we've added planning and background information as well as our signature "Best of" features. This Frommer's ShortCuts to the Southern Bahamas includes: Cat Island, San Salvador, Long Island, Acklins Island, Crooked Island, Mayaguana Island, and Great Inagua. Search for more Frommer's ShortCuts . Mix and match the exact destinations you need for your trip, and create your own Frommer's ShortCuts collection.

Garmin / Garmin VUS029R - Southern Bahamas - SD Card / 010-C0730-00 $265.56 Garmin - Garmin VUS029R - Southern Bahamas - SD Card - 010-C0730-00

Garmin VUS029R - Southern Bahamas - SD Card $321.42 VUS029R Covers: FEATURING DATA FROM EXPLORER CHARTS FOR THE BAHAMAS! Detailed coverage from Eleuthera Island, Bahamas to the Dominican Republic, including the Bahamian islands of Great Exuma, Great Inagua, Mayaguana, and many others. Also includes detailed coverage of the Jamaican, Haitian, and Dominican coasts in their entirety, the easternmost quarter of Cuba, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Garmin 010C073020 Bluechart G2 HXUS029R Southern Bahamas Micro SD SD $197.42 HXUS029R Covers:FEATURING DATA FROM EXPLORER CHARTS FOR THE BAHAMAS Detailed coverage from Eleuthera Island Bahamas to the Dominican Republic including the Bahamian islands of Great Exuma Great Inagua Mayaguana and many others. Also includes detailed coverage of the Jamaican Haitian and Dominican coasts in their entirety the easternmost quarter of Cuba and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Product : GARMIN BLUECHART G2 HXUS029R SOUTHERN BAHAMAS MICROSD amp; Manufacturer : GARMIN CHARTS Manufacturer Part No : 010C073020 UPC : 753759089320

Garmin / Garmin Bluechart G2 - HXUS029R - Southern Bahamas Micro SD & SD / 010-C0730-20 $140.91 Garmin - Garmin Bluechart G2 - HXUS029R - Southern Bahamas Micro SD & SD - 010-C0730-20

Garmin 010-C0730-10 Garmin Bluechart G2 - HUS029R - Southern Bahamas - $139.95 "Garmin Bluechart g2 HUS029R, Southern Bahamas Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, Product # 010-C0730-20 (microSD Card) Product # 010-C0730-10 (Datacard) The Garmin Bluechart g2 HUS029R navigation software contains information of Southern Bahamas covering from Eleuthera Island, Bahamas to the Dominican Republic, Bahamian islands of Great Exuma, Great Inagua and Mayaguana. It also includes detailed coverage of Jamaican, Haitian, and Dominican coasts. With BlueChart g2 card, you'll have access to detailed mapping capabilities which include standardized depth contours, smooth data transition between zoom levels, harmonious transition across chart borders, and reduction of chart discontinuities. Bluechart g2 HUS029R Features: Southern Bahamas Digital Map, Covers Eleuthera Island, Bahamas To The Dominican Republic, Bahamian Is. Of Great Exuma, Great Inagua, Mayaguana, Jamaican, Haitian & Dominican Coasts, Safety Shading, Intertidal Zones, Spot Soundings, Smooth Data Transition Between Zoom Levels, Fishing Charts, Harmonious Chart Borders Transition, Reduced Chart Discontinuities, 2-D Direct Overhead View, 3-D Over-the-Bow View, Port Plans, Tides, Wrecks, Restricted Areas & Anchorages"

Garmin 010-C0730-20 Garmin Bluechart G2 - HUS029R - Southern Bahamas - $139.95 "Garmin Bluechart g2 HUS029R, Southern Bahamas Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, Product # 010-C0730-20 (microSD Card) Product # 010-C0730-10 (Datacard) The Garmin Bluechart g2 HUS029R navigation software contains information of Southern Bahamas covering from Eleuthera Island, Bahamas to the Dominican Republic, Bahamian islands of Great Exuma, Great Inagua and Mayaguana. It also includes detailed coverage of Jamaican, Haitian, and Dominican coasts. With BlueChart g2 card, you'll have access to detailed mapping capabilities which include standardized depth contours, smooth data transition between zoom levels, harmonious transition across chart borders, and reduction of chart discontinuities. Bluechart g2 HUS029R Features: Southern Bahamas Digital Map, Covers Eleuthera Island, Bahamas To The Dominican Republic, Bahamian Is. Of Great Exuma, Great Inagua, Mayaguana, Jamaican, Haitian & Dominican Coasts, Safety Shading, Intertidal Zones, Spot Soundings, Smooth Data Transition Between Zoom Levels, Fishing Charts, Harmonious Chart Borders Transition, Reduced Chart Discontinuities, 2-D Direct Overhead View, 3-D Over-the-Bow View, Port Plans, Tides, Wrecks, Restricted Areas & Anchorages"

Garmin VUS029R Southern Bahamas SD Card $389 VUS029R Covers:FEATURING DATA FROM EXPLORER CHARTS FOR THE BAHAMAS Detailed coverage from Eleuthera Island Bahamas to the Dominican Republic including the Bahamian islands of Great Exuma Great Inagua Mayaguana and many others. Also includes detailed coverage of the Jamaican Haitian and Dominican coasts in their entirety the easternmost quarter of Cuba and the Turks and Caicos Islands.BlueChart g2 VisionWhat is Bluechartreg; g2 Vision?Plug an optional BlueChart g2 Vision SD card into your new Garmin chartplotter and tremendously expand its capabilities. By adding a BlueChartreg; g2 Vision card to your compatible chartplotter you ll have access to premium mapping features such as true 3Dview detailed mapping capabilities (both above and below the waterline) plus helpful Auto Guidance highresolution imagery and real picture aerial photos of ports harbors marinas waterways navigation landmarks and other points of interest. BlueChart g2 Vision Features:BlueChart g2 Vision SD cards enhance the preloaded maps on your chartplotter and add a whole new dimension of exceptional features such as:High resolution satellite imagery when overlaid on the chart provides the mariner with unparalleled situational awareness. Aerial reference photography provides real world photos of ports harbors marinas waterways navigation landmarks and other points of interest offering the mariner another powerful tool for navigating unfamiliar waters. Mariner#39;s Eye View perspective provides a bird#39;s eye view from behind the boat showing the chart information for a quick reliable and easy position fix. Fish Eye View 3D perspective provides an underwater view that visually represents the sea floor according to the chart#39;s information. Auto Guidance technology searches chart data to suggest the best passage to a destination. Fishing charts allow the mariner to hide navigation data from the SD card while leaving the bottom contours and depth soundings for their next fishing adventure.

Sailing in the Bahamas, Bahamas $24.99 Greg Johnston Sailing in the Bahamas, Bahamas - Photographic Print

Bahamas - Pink Strat $24.67 Disc 1:Lonely LovesHockey TeethSouthern DrawlFor Good ReasonYou`re Bored, I`m OldSunshine BluesAlready YoursWhat`s WorseLet the Good Times RollTry, Tried, Tryin`Til the MorningWhole Wide World

Southern Boating $22.95 Cruising and fishing destinations are showcased each issue. The South's largest boating magazine covers the boating waters from the southeastern and southwestern U.S. to the Bahamas and Caribbean.Southern Boating is part of the Boating family of magazines. It is generally sold to individuals and businesses and quite often can be found in a reception room or waiting room of a company or a professional office like a dentist, doctor, health club, gym, or beauty and hair salon. A full year magazine subscription to Southern Boating includes issues delivered right to your mailbox.

The Bahamas $19.45 No Synopsis Available

Dolphins, Bahamas $31.99 Dale Sanders Dolphins, Bahamas - Art Print

Aerial of the Bahamas $34.99 Kenneth Garrett Aerial of the Bahamas - Photographic Print

Exumas, Bahamas $29.99 Michael DeFreitas Exumas, Bahamas - Photographic Print

Bahamas Beach $39.99 Maria Athanasiou Bahamas Beach - Giclee Print

C-Map NT NA-C306 - The Bahamas - C-Card $207.29 NA-C306 The Bahamas

Bahamas Flag $2.49 Bahamas Flag Vinyl Sticker Bahamas Flag, can be applied to autos, RVs, windows or anything. For indoor or outdoor use.