The islands of The Bahamas are a tropical scorching spot and rank among the many finest trip locations on the earth. Their magnificence, superb climate, and the truth that there are such a lot of islands (700 in complete) are a part of what makes this tropical archipelago special.
Image: A swim-up suite at Sandals Royal Bahamian.
Even with their reputation, there are some belongings you wouldn’t find out about The Bahamas with out having gone there your self; like the truth that you may swim with pigs at Big Major Cay, or that the island has an intriguing pirate historical past. For those who’re planning a visit to The Bahamas, know that you just’re in for a calming vacation.
On this article on the Sandals Weblog:
20 amazing things The Bahamas are known for
Eight authentic Bahamian souvenirs to bring home with you
Bonus: Five interesting facts about The Bahamas
20 superb issues The Bahamas are recognized for
1. Pristine white sand seashores and turquoise waters
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NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly famously referred to as The Bahamas “essentially the most lovely place from area”, and it’s simple to see why. With lovely white sand seashores, surrounded by an unimaginable palette of deep blue and turquoise waters, this tropical paradise positive stands out. Dwelling to a few of the world’s most lovely white sand seashores on the earth, you’re prone to expertise seaside hopping like by no means earlier than. It’s the last word place for a seaside trip!
Insider tip: There are such a lot of nice seashores in The Bahamas, that it may be onerous to decide on only one. Fortunately, we’ve mixed an inventory of the best beaches in The Bahamas. Be happy to seaside hop to your coronary heart’s content material!
2. The swimming pigs of Exuma
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The Bahamas has essentially the most well-known swimming with pigs’ expertise within the Caribbean, and it’s positively one thing you gained’t need to miss out on, throughout your trip within the islands. You’ll must take a ship out to Massive Main Cay, also referred to as Pig Island for this tour, and when you get shut sufficient to the island, you’ll really see a few of the pigs swimming out to your boat to greet you. It is a household pleasant tour, however {couples} additionally benefit from the expertise, and attending to know the swimming pigs of The Bahamas. Massive Main Cay is situated about 82 miles southeast of Nassau. Other than the pigs and their caretakers throughout some elements of the day, the island is uninhabited.
3. The playground of the world’s wealthy and well-known
There are a handful of islands within the Caribbean that are recognized to draw the wealthy and well-known, and The Bahamas are excessive up on that checklist. Tremendous rich vacationers from the world over trip in The Bahamas. The island nation even affords the uber wealthy alternatives to buy their very own personal islands. In The Bahamas, you can have a peek on the oceanfront villas of Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan and lots of different celebrities.
4. Historical past of pirates
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The ‘Golden Period’ or the ‘Golden Age’ is claimed to have been a time throughout the 1600s – 1700s, when pirates had a booming financial system within the Caribbean, notably in The Bahamas. They focused service provider ships travelling by the harbor and robbed them. Their bounty included gold, salt and lots of different items. Their good points attracted much more pirates, and among the many well-known pirates within the area at the moment was Blackbeard. This chaotic state of affairs continued till 1718, when British captain Woodes Rogers was appointed Captain Basic, and Governor in Chief of Nassau, marking the tip of the Pirate Republic.
5. Implausible scuba diving and snorkeling
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The Bahamas is a best choice for vacationers with diving inspirations, desirous of witnessing underwater life at its most spectacular. There are a lot of diving spots for each snorkelers and scuba divers, together with the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the Andros blue holes, The Conception Island Wall in Lengthy Island, The Henry Ford Wreck within the Biminis, and the numerous reefs that may be present in The Abacos.
6. The primary touchdown of Christopher Columbus
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Image: First Touchdown of Christopher Columbus, by Frederick Kemmelmeyer, c. 1800-05.
A number of data is accessible about Christopher Columbus’ journey by the Caribbean area, and The Bahamas is claimed to have been one of many first locations the place his crew made landfall. Because the story goes, Columbus “found” the brand new world, starting in both San Salvador, The Bahamas, or Samana Cay in The Bahamas. Additionally it is mentioned that when he bought there, the native Lucayan Taino folks have been already current. Over the course of a number of years, the Taino folks disappeared from the islands.
7. The Bahama Mama cocktail
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This tropical cocktail, with rum, coconut rum, grenadine, orange juice and pineapple juice as its fundamental substances, is well-known everywhere in the world and a must-try when visiting The Bahamas. Get your self a great spot on the seaside or swimming pool and calm down, whereas cooling your self down with this beverage. You gained’t be disillusioned. Whereas on the islands, give a few of the different native classics a try to order some Sky Juice or a Goombay Smash!
Searching for a spot that provides limitless cocktails? Company of the Sandals resorts in The Bahamas can order limitless cocktails (and different drinks) on the bars, on the seaside and within the swimming swimming pools – with out paying a cent. It’s all included in your keep. All cocktails are blended by the very best bartenders of the island and fabricated from premium liquors.
8. Having a large number of islands you may go to
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It may be onerous to determine the place to begin first with over 700 islands simply ready to be explored. Fortuitously, there’s a technique to the insanity. Lots of the islands are uninhabited, which narrows issues down considerably. The most effective islands in The Bahamas to go to embrace New Windfall island, Paradise Island, The Exumas, The Abacos, Andros, Bimini, The Berry Islands, the Southern Bahamian Islands, Eleuthera and Harbour Island. The inhabitants of The Bahamas is slightly below 400,000 folks, and 70% of that quantity reside on New Windfall island, residence of capital Nassau.
Most vacationers fly into New Windfall (Nassau), which makes it essentially the most ‘taking place’ place in The Bahamas. Paradise Island is nice for households with youngsters and related to New Windfall by 2 bridges. All different islands are referred to as the ‘Out Islands’, the place you’ll find a bit extra peace and quiet. Exuma is thought to be residence to a few of the most lovely white sand seashores and turquoise waters The Bahamas has on supply.
Searching for an all-inclusive resort in The Bahamas? Sandals Royal Bahamian is a energetic resort in Nassau that comes with a personal offshore island, it’s a tremendous place for scuba divers (scuba diving is included in our keep). Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma is thought to be situated on an attractive lengthy stretch of white sand seaside and comes with an 18-hole Championship golf course with gorgeous views over Exuma’s waters.
9. Scrumptious conch dishes & different seafood
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Give your style buds a brand new expertise in The Bahamas, with contemporary seafood that’s as diverse as it’s scrumptious. Europe, Africa, and South American inspiration permeate the meals throughout the islands in a approach that’s positive to go away you wanting extra. Whereas on any Bahamian island, attempt the whole lot not less than as soon as, from conch salad (conch ceviche), johnny muffins, baked crab, rock lobster, fried fish, and extra. After your trip, you’re sure to return residence with a brand new favourite dish, and hopefully a recipe to recreate at residence!
10. Sport fishing & bonefishing
For those who haven’t been sport fishing or bonefishing earlier than, The Bahamas is an effective place to begin. For those who’re a seasoned diver nevertheless, you’ll take pleasure in this expertise much more, figuring out earlier than you go, that the waters of The Bahamas are crammed with marine life, which is bound to make your fishing expedition that rather more thrilling. For sport fishing, attempt The Biminis, which has a status for having the very best sport fishing on the earth. In reality, Ernest Hemingway’s love for The Biminis is claimed to have put the 2 islands on the map; each for fishing, and for his or her gorgeous magnificence. The Biminis are situated simply 50 miles from the Florida coast. Andros Island is thought for having the third largest reef on the earth. The place bonefishing is anxious, you may attempt your luck on the coronary heart of the numerous unspoiled mangroves and shallow trenches that may be discovered alongside the island. Lengthy Island and New Windfall (Nassau) are additionally nice fishing spots.
11. Pink sand seashores
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The Bahamas is among the solely locations on the earth the place you’ll find pink sand seashores, and Harbour Island, situated to the northeast of Eleuthera, is among the finest locations to seek out them. You’ll generally hear the island being known as “Briland” by locals, and it’ll in all probability be love at first sight when you look upon the quaint Dunmore City, which is affected by pastel-colored cottages. Whereas on the island bask in a little bit of sand bathing, or go diving, or on a fishing expedition. A go to to Harbour Island makes a reasonably cool day journey, and you will get there by way of The Bahamas Quick Ferries Catamaran or by aircraft from Nassau. Some resorts, like Sandals Royal Bahamian, supply day journeys.
12. Junkanoo pageant
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Junkanoo is an actual Caribbean social gathering if there ever was one. Held on Christmas and New Yr’s Day yearly, Junkanoo is a giant occasion in The Bahamas. The celebration will be described because the Bahamian model of carnival. For those who’ve by no means skilled a Caribbean carnival, count on numerous music, costumes, reside bands, conventional devices, events, parades, floats, and plenty of pleasure.
Insider tip: For those who’re planning to journey to The Bahamas for Junkanoo, you’ll must e-book your flight not less than six months upfront, as many motels and resorts are typically absolutely booked round this time.
13. The Bahamas was featured in a number of James Bond motion pictures
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There are a lot of well-known motion pictures which have been filmed in The Bahamas, a indisputable fact that isn’t so stunning contemplating how lovely the islands are. Amongst these are ‘Thunderball’ and ‘By no means Say By no means Once more’, each James Bond flicks. Thunderball Grotto within the Exuma Cays is a good diving and snorkeling spot, and its title comes from the truth that it was a standout characteristic within the film Thunderball, notably throughout an underwater battle scene. Divers love exploring this underwater cave, which some describe as intimidating at first, however tremendous thrilling when you get into it. Excursions can be found from Sandals Emerald Bay.
14. The native dialect and slang – “Talkin’ Bahamian”
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Each vacation spot has its distinctive accent or dialect, and Bahamians have a really distinct approach of talking, notably when talkin’ Bahamian. Islanders converse a creole dialect that may be onerous for foreigners to know, however there are methods to study extra about their native creole, which has African influences. Whereas on the islands, store round for native books which might help you translate what you hear, and even show you how to throw out a phrase or two. English is extensively spoken in The Bahamas, so that you’re unlikely to have points with communication whether or not or not you’re aware of the native dialect. Listed below are a number of of the widespread phrases and phrases you would possibly hear throughout your go to:
‘Bey’
This may be anybody, no matter gender. As an example, somebody could ask ‘the place mah’bey go once more?’, which interprets to ‘the place did this particular person go to?’ That is one thing you’ll hear continuously.
‘Properly mudda sick!’
That is an expression of shock, or pleasure akin to the English variations of “you’re joking!’, or “Oh my goodness!”.
‘Mash up’
It is a widespread Caribbean phrase which suggests to interrupt or destroy one thing. For instance, ‘you simply mash up my e-book’, which interprets to “you simply destroyed or broken my e-book’. This phrase can be utilized in eventualities the place an individual is drained and would use ‘mash up’ to explain simply how sick, out of it or exhausted they actually really feel.
‘Potcake’
This time period often refers to a stray canine, and you could spot fairly a number of ‘potcakes’ throughout your trip in The Bahamas. Potcakes are thought of blended breeds, and their nickname comes from the concept that previous Bahamians used to cook dinner the whole lot in a single pot, and the ‘potcake’ being the combo of the whole lot caught collectively on the backside of the pot, after cooking.
‘Dem’
You… me, ‘dem’, or them. It is a well-liked Caribbean time period and extra typically refers to a gaggle of individuals. For instance, you could hear somebody say, ‘you may catch a trip with Derek dem’, which suggests ‘you will get a carry with Derek and the others’.
15. A historical past of colonial battle and slavery
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Image: Pompey Sq. is website the place slaves have been unloaded from ships in nineteenth century. Named after slave who, in 1830, led a revolt which result in Emancipation Proclamation.
Caribbean historical past is crammed with colonial battle, and The Bahamas isn’t an exception on this regard. Discover out extra concerning the historical past of The Bahamas whereas on the island by visiting locations just like the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation in downtown Nassau, Bimini Museum, Man-O-Warfare Heritage Museum in Abaco, The Dolphin Home in Alice City, Albert Lowe Museum in Abaco, The Bahamas Historic Society Museum in Nassau, Lengthy Island Library and Museum, Heritage Museum of The Bahamas in Nassau, and others.
16. Pirate Forts
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There are a number of forts you may discover whereas in The Bahamas, together with Fort Charlotte, the most important fort on the island of New Windfall, situated in Nassau. Fort Charlotte was constructed by Lord Dunmore in 1788-1789. It was named after Queen Saharia Charlotte, the spouse of King George the III. The fort incorporates a drawbridge, dungeons, underground passages, 42 cannons, and superb views.
Fort Fincastle inbuilt 1793 is one other well-liked attraction, that will get its title from British captain Lord Dunmore. His second title was Viscount Fincastle. As historical past tells it, Fincastle constructed the fort to assist preserve the Nassau Harbor protected. It was additionally a helpful look out level for pirates. Fort Fincastle is fabricated from reduce limestone.
One other well-known fort in The Bahamas is Fort Montague, additionally fabricated from native limestone. It’s the oldest fort in existence on New Windfall island and is on the east finish of the Nassau Harbor. Fort Montague’s historical past goes way back to 1725, however its current type has been in place since 1741-1742, when it was utilized by the British to maintain Spanish invaders away. The location additionally has a historical past of being utilized by america navy in 1776.
Blackbeard’s Tower is a bit tougher to seek out, however it’s believed to have been utilized by Blackbeard himself, as a lookout level within the 1700s. Because the ‘Pirates Golden Period’, the tower has deteriorated, however remains to be a historic landmark in The Bahamas.
17. Cave diving
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A few years in the past, hundreds in reality, the waters round The Bahamas have been greater than 100 ft decrease than they’re right now. With rising sea ranges, some caves on the island that are largely fabricated from limestone have been submerged. This has led to The Bahamas being acknowledged as top-of-the-line locations on the earth to cave dive, one thing it’s best to take into account attempting in your vacation within the islands!
18. Monitor and area Olympians
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The Bahamas has 14 Olympic medals to indicate for itself, a lot due to the efforts of athletes together with sprinters Pauline Davis-Thompson, Tonique Williams-Darling and Shaunae Miller. All of the island’s Olympic medals have been secured in athletics and crusing. Notably, the 14-medal determine equates to a price of 33.9 per million residents (spectacular contemplating the Bahamian inhabitants is just about 385,340). Finland, Sweden and Hungary are the one international locations which high Bahamas’ per capita strike price.
19. Luxurious items purchasing
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Yow will discover some nice purchasing alternatives in The Bahamas, which isn’t one thing many islands within the area can boast. Whether or not you’re in search of souvenirs or high-end objects, you’re prone to discover a store or native market providing one thing to fit your price range. Nassau and Paradise Island are each nice choices for jewellery purchasing, in addition to discovering model title trend together with Louis Vuitton and Gucci. If you need artwork or different distinctive items, attempt heading to a craft middle downtown (Nassau) and cut price for a superb worth.
20. Historic lighthouses
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Lighthouses have a sure intrigue about them, and there are a number of notable lighthouses that you could try whereas within the Caribbean. Elbow Reef Lighthouse, also referred to as the Hope City Lighthouse in Elbow Cay Bahamas, is among the many most visited. Hope City is already fairly charming, and this 89-foot lighthouse provides to its attraction. The Elbow Reef Lighthouse was constructed within the 1860s, an period when lighthouses could be used to warn or information ships at sea and it has survived to deliver a little bit of the previous into the longer term. Superb views can be found from the highest, which makes climbing the 101 steps value it. The Hog Island Lighthouse on the western tip of Paradise Island is the oldest and best-known lighthouse in The Bahamas and was inbuilt 1817.
Eight genuine Bahamian souvenirs to deliver residence with you
1. Pirate Doubloon jewellery
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Contemplating The Bahamas has a wealthy pirate historical past, it’s solely pure that you just would possibly gravitate to jewellery impressed by this aspect of the islands’ previous. At Coin of the Realm in downtown Nassau, you’ll discover Bahamian gold and silver, historical Greek and Roman cash, and different treasures. Collectors can choose up proof units of the Bahamian gold and silver cash, whereas consumers simply hoping to choose up one thing fascinating could discover earrings, pendants, and rings accessible right here value their whereas.
2. Conch shell merchandise/jewellery
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Attention-grabbing objects fabricated from the gorgeous conch shell are a straightforward discover in The Bahamas, particularly with regards to jewellery, and even cutlery and bowls. Yow will discover these and extra at native craft markets, and so they’ll make the proper reward for pals or household.
3. Domestically made artwork and handicrafts
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You possibly can’t go incorrect with native artwork and craft when deciding on souvenirs to deliver again residence. Attempt Bahama Artwork & Handicrafts which is situated simply outdoors downtown Nassau, the place you’ll find a wide range of one-of-a-kind items. Gadgets vary from sea glass and watercolor work, to wooden carvings, jams, scorching sauces, and extra.
4. Pirate Republic craft beer
Convey residence some Pirate Republic craft beer for the beer lover again residence. Yow will discover the brewery and pub downtown Nassau close to the cruise port and have a tasting of the completely different beers on supply. You gained’t be disillusioned attempting out The Bahamas’ solely craft beer!
5. Junkanoo Artwork
Missed out on Junkanoo? You possibly can nonetheless take a chunk of this cultural carnival residence with you by selecting up junkanoo impressed jewellery, work, ornaments and extra. In a approach, this makes up for lacking out on the parade, and is a chance to deliver elements of the pageant residence with you!
6. Straw items
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The Nassau Straw Market and the Port Lucaya Market Place are nice selections when you’re in search of customized made straw merchandise. Gadgets accessible for buy embrace hats, baskets, purses, and different trinkets. Some sellers will be fairly persistent, but when you realize what you need, and the way a lot you’re prepared to pay for it, it’s best to have clean and enjoyable purchasing expertise.
7. Do-it-yourself jams and jellies
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So far as jams and jellies are involved, it’s value attempting guava jelly, pineapple jam, or any of the opposite fruity varieties accessible throughout your go to to The Bahamas. You possibly can even choose up a pair to take the candy style of The Bahamas residence with you.
8. Coconut sculptures
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Coconuts anybody? Properly, if not the actual type, then a sculpture. Take one among this stuff fabricated from coconut husk residence with you to set in stone your superb Bahamian trip. You may get a wide range of sculptures from most craft locations on the island, within the type of animals, sea creatures, and extra.
Bonus: 5 fascinating information about The Bahamas
1. It snowed in The Bahamas… as soon as
Not many Caribbean islands can declare this feat, however The Bahamas had a wintery expertise one chilly January day, on the seventeenth of the month, in 1977 to be exact. Chilly climate from southern Florida swept proper all the way down to the islands, and for the primary time ever, it snowed in The Bahamas. Although there was no precise snow pile up resulting in seashores and different areas being lined in slush, there have been flurries aplenty within the metropolis of Freeport, Grand Bahama.
2. The world’s second deepest blue gap is in The Bahamas
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So far as blue holes go, you’ll discover one of many deepest on the earth in The Bahamas. With a drop off of 660 ft, Dean’s Blue Gap on Lengthy Island in The Bahamas is the stuff world data are fabricated from. In reality, a great deal of divers select this spot exactly for the chance of they themselves setting world data there. There are different extra well-known underwater sights of an identical nature, like The Nice Blue Gap in Belize’s Nice Barrier Reef, however Dean’s Blue Gap is loads deeper, and the drop off is near shore!
3. The very best level in The Bahamas isn’t so excessive
With the best level within the islands being simply over 200ft, The Bahamas isn’t recognized to be a land of towering mountains. In reality, it ranks as quantity 5 for international locations with the bottom “highest level” on the earth. The Gambia, The Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and the Maldives are the international locations which fall in an identical class with The Bahamas because it pertains to “excessive factors”. The low-lying state of The Bahamas has to do with the truth that virtually all land within the islands is fabricated from sandbars or raised coral reefs.
4. The Bahamas is technically not a part of the Caribbean
Geographically talking, The Bahamas that are situated to the north of the Caribbean, should not thought of in all spheres to be a part of that area. A notable level continuously made is that the islands not like most of the Caribbean islands have been not shaped by a volcanic course of, and their positioning takes them even additional away from the Caribbean grouping. However, The Bahamas owns the Caribbean identification, a lot attributable to similarities in local weather, historical past, and different points as in comparison with the opposite islands of the area. Moreover, the nation of The Bahamas is carefully tied to many Caribbean associations and nations of the Caribbean Group (CARICOM).
5. The primary Inhabitants of The Bahamas have been Taino Indians
The Taino Indians, indigenous individuals who settled in islands together with Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Hispaniola, and the Northern Lesser Antilles have been the primary recognized folks to inhabit the islands of The Bahamas. Extra particularly, the Lucayan folks of Taino descent had a stable presence within the islands lengthy earlier than voyages and different famed discoveries, together with these of Christopher Columbus. The Lucayans have been taken into captivity the years after Columbus’ arrival, altering the face of the island ceaselessly. By 1520, there have been no Taino Indians left in The Bahamas.
Image: Sandals Royal Bahamian‘s personal offshore island, Barefoot Cay.
Like another vacation spot, there’s a lot to find out about The Bahamas as a customer. Whether or not you select to spend as a lot time as attainable enjoyable on a white sand seaside otherwise you need to discover the pirate historical past of The Bahamas firsthand, you’ll discover many issues to do within the islands, as you get higher acquainted with all of the issues The Bahamas is thought for.
