The Bahamas

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Beach sign, The Bahamas

Introducing The Bahamas

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Scattered like dabs of possibility on an adventurer’s palette, the Bahamas are ready-made for exploration. Just ask Christopher Columbus, he bumped against these limestone landscapes in 1492 and changed the course of history. But adventure didn’t end with the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. From pirates to blockade dodgers to rum smugglers, wily go-getters have converged and caroused on the country’s 700 islands and 2400 cays for centuries.

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So what’s in it for travelers? There’s sailing to Abacos. Diving Andros' blue holes. Kayaking the countless cays around Exumas. Lounging on Eleuthera's beaches. Pondering pirates in Nassau. Indeed, there’s a Bahamian island to match most every water-and-sand-based compulsion. Each of them framed by a backdrop of gorgeous, mesmerizing blue.

But every adventure has irritations, and here indifferent service, high prices and hungry no-see-ums take the lead. Nassau and Paradise Island are the prime troublemakers. But if casinos, Aquaventure and duty-free shopping don’t top your to-do list, consider dropping off the grid for a bit in the Out Islands. Prices remain high but there’s more bang for your Bahamian buck, with friendlier service, fewer crowds and, well, the pesky no-see-ums haven’t gotten the memo. But don’t wait long. Change is in the air and the Out Islands are blipping onto the radar screens of mega-developers and land grabbers the world over.

For now loaf, paddle, dive and après-snorkel. Paint your own adventure, the palette awaits.

Last updated: Jan 12, 2011

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. bahaman avatar
    Re: South Africans in Cuba

    by bahaman 12 September 2011

    Thank you for clarifying. Unless you absolutely want to go on half a cruise where you pay full price (I am baffled as to why you want…
  2. zimzot avatar
    Re: South Africans in Cuba

    by zimzot 12 September 2011

    Hi Guys, Sorry I might have worded this wrongly - we weren't intending to get off the cruise ship illegally or without advance notice…
  3. siemprepatty avatar
    RE: South Africans in Cuba

    by siemprepatty 11 September 2011

    The cruise ship line is responsible for you. There is no reason that they should not let you disembark in the Bahamas, BUT they must…

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  1. Nassau
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