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The
Islands of the Bahamas
ABACOS
At the top of the Bahamas chain is a cluster
of islands and cays stretching nearly 130
miles southeast. They are called the Abacos,
and they are approximately 175 miles east
of Palm Beach and 106 miles north of Nassau.
The two largest islands are Great and Little
Abaco, and are surrounded by smaller islets
such as Walker's Cay, Green Turtle Cay,
Treasure Cay, Man-O-War Cay, Elbow, and
Great Guana Cay. Famous for its beautiful
clear blue water, the Abacos have long been
a favorite of sailors and fisherman. A mixture
of old world charm and just a touch of modernization
makes all of these islands a welcome relief
from a hectic world.
There are three airports in the Abacos.
Walker's Cay in the north, Treasure Cay
in the middle and Marsh Harbor in the south.
A number of commercial flights are scheduled
to and fron Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and several
points within the Bahamas. While there are
ports of entry for those arriving by boat,
there is no commercial cruise ship travel
to the Abacos.
Accommodations in the Abacos are mainly
seaside getaways comprised of villas, smaller
hotels and Bed and Breakfast inns. Lacking
are the high-rise glitz and glamour of the
large casino hotels and chains. Activities
include diving, snorkeling, windsurfing,
fishing, relaxing on the beach, dining,
shopping, and hiking.
Transportation around the islands are by
taxi and ferry boat.
ANDROS
Located southeast of Miami and Bimini, and
only 35 miles from Nassau is Andros, one
of the most interesting of Bahamas Islands.
Andros is the largest island, stretching
over 100 miles from top to bottom, and 40
miles across. Yet it's 2300 square miles
has the smallest population of the inhabited
islands. it is also one of the least explored
of the islands. With numberous inlets and
lakes, Andros is effectively separated into
three sections called north, middle, and
south Andros.
Andros has three airports with service to
and from the mainland as well as other islands.
In the north is San Andros, in the middle
is Andros Town, and in the south in Congo
Town. There is no commercial cruise ship
service to Andros. During your stay, transportation
includes taxi and private transport provided
by some resorts.
Accommodations throughout Andros range from
seaside villas to all-inclusive resorts.
On Andros, you will not find high rise casinos
and hotels.
Activities include diving, snorkeling, windsurfing,
fishing (Andros is a mecca for bonefish
anglers), hiking, nice deserted beaches.
BIMINI
Long known for it's famous big game fishing,
Bimini provides excellent diving and is
the closest island to the United States.
Bimini is less than 50 miles from Miami
and a favorite trip for weekend getaways
for Floridians. Bimini is split into two
parts, North Bimini and South Bimini. In
all, it is only 7 1/2 miles long and covers
only 9 square miles. Most of the islands
1500 residents live in Alice Town on North
Bimini. This is the center of activity and
a famous haunt of Ernest Hemingway in days
past.
There is only one airport, located on South
Bimini. It is serviced by both the mainland
and inter-island commercial flights. Although
the island is bustling with boat traffic,
it does not accommodate cruise ships.
On island transportation is handled in two
ways. The Bimini Bus handles your transport
along the strip on North Bimini, while the
water taxi will get you between the two
islands.
Activities include diving, snokeling, fishing,
great beaches, nightlfe and shopping.
EXUMA
The Exumas are situated roughly in the middle
of the Bahamas, and consist of more than
350 little cays. The exceptions are Little
Exuma and Great Exuma which are connected
by a single lane bridge. Of the most interest
to divers is George Town on Great Exuma.
The beautiful surrounding waters and small
population make this a great laid back getaway.
Air service is available from Miami or Ft.
Lauderdale as well as via Nassau. Private
charters are also available. The airport
is located in George Town.
There is a good selection of accommodations
on Great Exuma in George Town. No glitz
and glamour, just beautiful smaller seaside
lodging.
Taxi service is reaily available between
airport and hotels in George Town.
GRAND BAHAMA
Grand Bahama, just 60 miles east of Palm
Beach, is a modern, commercial center and
the second most populated island in the
Bahamas with over 41,000 residents. Freeport/Lucaya
are bustling tourist areas about midway
down the 530 square mile island. Only two
other inhabited areas exist on the island.
West End on the western tip and McLeans
Town near the east end. Thick brush and
forest cover most of the island. Great nightlife
exists in the hotel areas with casinos,
shows, and entertainment on the wharf area,
where there are bands, dancing, shopping,
and watering holes.
The airport is located in Freeport and flights
are regular and numerous from the U.S. and
from throughout the islands.
Transportation is readily available by taxi,
bus service, and rental cars. A rental car
on Grand Bahama is nice as there are nice
scenic drives to get you away from the crowd.
LONG ISLAND
At 60 miles long and 400 square miles wide,
Long Island seems sparsely populated with
only 3500 residents. It is believed that
Long Island was Columbus' third stop in
the new world. If so, Columbus saw a beautiful
island with alternating flatlands and hills,
and white sand beaches as far as you can
see.
Airports are at Stella Maris and Deadman's
Cay and are serviced from Nassau on a regular
basis. Private charters are available direct
from Ft. Lauderdale to Stella Maris.
Taxi service is available to and from the
airports at Stella Maris and Deadman's Cay.
Activities include diving, snorkeling, relaxing
on beautiful deserted beaches, hiking, winsurfing.
Shopping and nightlife are limited, this
is an island for peace and quiet.
NEW PROVIDENCE
Usually just referred to as Nassau, New
Providence Island is also home to Cable
Beach and Paradise Island. Within it's 80
square miles are 172,000 residents, almost
two-thirds of the population of the Bahamas.
In adidtion to being the capital, Nassau
is also the center of commerce. Mail and
most imported shipments arrive in Nassau
and are then dispersed throughout the islands.
In addition to fantastic diving, Nassau
has casinos, shows, shopping and endless
activities.
Airports are located in Nassau and Paradise
Island. Flights are regular and numerous
from Florida, New York and Europe.
Transportation around New Providence is
by just about any mode imaginable. Taxis,
bus service, rental cars, scooters and bikes
are readily available.
Accommodations, like transportation, run
a full range. Small hotels, villas, American
hotel chains, and giant casino resorts.
If you want it, they got it.
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