More than 700 islands, cays and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, just north of Cuba and southeast of Florida — famous as an ecological oasis with some of the clearest water on Earth, visibility past 200 feet.
The Bahamas is a country within the Lucayan Archipelago — more than 700 islands, cays and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, north of Cuba and southeast of Florida, not technically part of the Caribbean Sea but long treated as one of the region's own. View map →
An estimated 30,000 Lucayans, who arrived from Cuba and Hispaniola around the 11th century, lived here when Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492. The Spanish forced much of that population into slavery on Hispaniola, where most died of disease. The first permanent British settlements followed in 1648, and the islands later became a haven for pirates — including Blackbeard — until Britain made the Bahamas a crown colony in 1718.
Britain granted internal self-government in 1964, and the Bahamas became a fully independent nation on 10 July 1973. Today it's a Commonwealth realm, and tourism and offshore finance are the twin engines of its economy. Read the full fact sheet →
Nationality: Bahamian · Size: 13,878 sq km (5,358 sq mi)
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The Bahamas is comprised of 700 islands sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of ocean. The archipelago is an ecological oasis, boasting the clearest water on the planet.
★ Cool factor: Water visibility of over 200 feet Visit site
The Bahamas is a nation of islands with 95% of our territory underwater. Our economy, livelihoods, and culture are inextricably linked to the health of our oceans. BREEF is dedicated to educating Bahamians and visitors about protecting our coral reefs that protect us. We proudly reach over 3,500 students a year through our education programmes.
★ Cool factor: Anyone can adobt a coral Visit site
Stay Exuma Luxury Rentals consists of 3 brand new houses. All three houses have been designed with luxury in mind, and are situated on the beautiful Flamingo Bay beach! As soon as you enter any of these houses you will notice the amazing blue-sapphire water that is steps away. Put your bags down and get ready to enjoy one of the greatest vacations you will ever have.
★ Cool factor: Luxurious and Brand New Visit site
Coolest Carib promotes Caribbean Islands and their tourist services. Advertisers who benefit the most from our services include car rentals, catamaran tours, kitesurfing schools, water-sports rentals, scuba diving centers, beach resorts, hotels, restaurants, scooter rentals, boating excursions etc. The website is mostly viewed by Caribbean travelers and tourists. For more information about our rates and exposure scope view our advertising page.
★ Cool factor: We place your advertisement on 50+ Caribbean websites Visit site
gandor.tv specializes in creating, maintaining, hosting and promoting websites in the Caribbean. They are known for their customer service, maintenance packages, fast response, e-commerce, booking systems and social media magic and creation of advertisments.
★ Cool factor: They create, maintain, host and promote websites. Visit site
The Saffron House is an ocean front, bright and airy 3,000 sqft private luxury villa with an infinity pool and views of sunrises and sunsets second to none. You will have use of the entire villa: 3 bedrooms (1 King, 2 Queen), loft with a Queen pull-out couch, full kitchen and laundry. Enjoy walking along the soft white sand beach for miles or relax in a chair oceanside.
★ Cool factor: Located on a semi private beach Visit siteNo businesses in this category yet.
Real, lived-in advice from travellers and locals — trip reports, packing lists and the tips that make a Caribbean vacation go smoothly.
These Bahamas tours or activities are independently operated. After booking, the tour operator will contact you directly with your reservation details.
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The stories behind the postcard — a few things worth knowing before you go.
The Bahamas is famous for its pink sand beaches, especially on Harbour Island and Eleuthera — the color comes from foraminifera, tiny marine organisms with pink shells that mix into the sand.
On the uninhabited Big Major Cay in the Exuma Cays, wild pigs swim freely in the crystal-clear water — a beloved (and very popular) tourist attraction.
On Grand Bahama Island, home to one of the world's longest underwater cave systems, plus mangroves, pine forests and beautiful beaches.
This mega-resort near Nassau is famous for its massive water park, luxurious accommodations and Atlantis-themed architecture — a major destination for families.
Eleuthera was historically known as the “Pineapple Capital of the World.” The industry has declined, but pineapple fields remain, and the fruit is still part of the island's heritage.
Ranked by locals — the Bahamas essentials.
See the island before you go.
“March On, Bahamaland”
An estimated 30,000 Lucayans — who had migrated from Cuba and Hispaniola around the 11th century — lived in the Bahamas when Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492. The Spanish forced much of that population into slavery on Hispaniola, where most died of disease and mistreatment.
The first permanent British settlements were established in 1648. In 1670, King Charles II granted the islands to the Carolinas in North America, with rights to trade, tax and appoint governors. The Bahamas became a haven for pirates, including Blackbeard, until Britain made it a crown colony in 1718 to suppress piracy — afterward resettling thousands of Loyalists and their enslaved people, and later thousands of Africans freed after Britain abolished the slave trade in 1807.
The Duke of Windsor served as Governor in the 1940s, followed by the rise of political parties in the 1950s and internal self-government granted by Britain in 1964.
The Bahamas became a fully independent nation on 10 July 1973, and remains part of the Commonwealth of Nations, the IMF, the World Bank and the United Nations. Tourism and offshore finance have driven the economy since the 1950s, alongside ongoing challenges in education, health care, housing and immigration.
Named after the country's most famous street festival, minutes from downtown Nassau — a favorite among cruise passengers and locals alike, with Bahamian food right on site.
On Harbour Island, Eleuthera — a reef-protected 5km (3-mile) stretch of genuinely pink sand, some of the safest swimming in the Bahamas, lined with low-rise hotels and private villas.
Near George Town on Great Exuma, reachable by boat — powdery white sand plus blue holes, coral gardens and undersea caves in crystal-clear water.
On Elbow Cay in the Abacos — pristine and private, reached only by foot, bike or boat charter from Hope Town.
On New Providence Island — a busy 6.5km (4-mile) stretch with quick access to shops, casinos, restaurants, watersports and bars.
Tips by Liz Strauss, an experienced traveler and piano entertainer. www.lizpiano.com · Disclosure
The CoolestCarib Directory is your portal to the enchanting world of the Caribbean Islands and their array of tourist services, spanning a network of over 60 Caribbean tourist websites. At CoolestCarib.com, you can book tours & activities and browse articles on Caribbean vacation planning. We also champion Caribbean businesses, offering a comprehensive package for revealing their services to Caribbean tourists.
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