From the Biminis in the northwest to Great Inagua in the southeast, The Bahamas is a blissfully tropical stretch of about 700 islands and cays in the Atlantic Ocean. The tropical and subtropical paradise is quite literally a vacationer’s every dream all within the single sovereign country of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Catch your airfare to the Bahamas and dive into the resort life or island hop to adventure this season!

Travel to the Bahamas is quite simple due to its proximity to the U.S. coast of Florida. Airfare to the Bahamas is most common through Miami International Airport, although many major airlines now fly direct to Nassau. From there you can catch an island jumper to any of the Bahamian islands. Travel within the Bahamas is just that easy; for excursions from Nassau you may jump on a ferry to any of the outlying and far more peaceful islets.

White Sand, White Sails, Why Not?

The Bahamas is quite possibly the quintessential getaway for most of the United States, Canada, Europe and South America. The booming cruise ship industry makes a large portion of its voyages to the islands, typically leaving port from either Miami or Fort Lauderdale and stopping on New Providence and a small handful of other islands. For more of a land-based stay, book yourself an all-inclusive week in one of the many luxurious resorts.

The island of San Salvador offers several secluded retreats catering to the romantics, as well as its own slice of famous history. Often referred to as Columbus Isle, this is the first piece of New World upon which Christopher Columbus dropped his anchor. Though this may not be a celebrated moment among the locals, it is still historically significant. Crooked Island is also a wonderfully wild stop in the Bahamas. Rugged coastline gives way to thick greenery rich with endangered birds, butterflies and even some flamingoes. The island also boasts ‘the world’s largest swimming pool,’ in the form of the crystal clear shallows of Bathing Beach.

Speaking of the pink creatures, make a trip to Inagua National Park to view the largest breeding colony of West Indian flamingoes in the world. The park is centered about Lake Rosa, where hundreds of exotic birds dominate the shimmering waters. For even more adventure, discover the limestone openings to the longest underwater cave system in the world against a picturesque backdrop of golden dunes and turquoise waves on Grand Bahama’s Lucayan National Park.

Bahamian Bon Voyage

The unique wonders of the Bahamas are seemingly countless. Although most travelers stay resort and beach bound, it is clearly worth anyone’s while to explore the natural gifts and cultural diversity of these islands. From world-class divers to professional deep sea fishermen, the Bahamas is not short of sport and recreation. While the capital of Nassau offers all major city amenities, the towns of the southeast islands are far more intimate and socially diverse, rich with Caribbean fare and regional specialties. Get your feet in some white sand this year. Bon Voyage!