Bahamas Adventure Travel Guide

Introducing Bahamas (Continued...)

rom West Africa and wandering overseas explorers, such as Captain Cook, have all stepped on Bahamian sand at some point. The place tempts you to unwind with dazzling turquoise seas that lap gently against the brilliant golden sands and emerald tropical jungles that weave softly between colourful dwellings. Here the people move gracefully, in a soft manner that can only be described as, ‘holiday mode’. The Bahamas are the absolute epitome of beach paradise relaxation. The Bahamas lie in the north-west of the Atlantic Ocean. Her islands form part of an extensive chain that collectively makes up ‘the Caribbean’. South of the Bahamas are the nations of Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. South-east is the Turks and Caicos Islands, and north-west is the United States of America. The islands are the result of a drop in sea level millennia ago. The newly exposed coral reefs subsequently became dry land and eventually vegetation, people and wildlife found a home here. The islands are mostly flat with miles of white and pink sandy beaches. The highest point in the country is Mount Alvernia, on Cat Island, which is only 63 metres above sea level. Interestingly, there are only a handful of freshwater lakes and just one river (located on Andros Island) in the Bahamas - probably because they are so flat and predominantly made up of a porous limestone base. This porous foundation has its advantages though: some of the islands have fascinating, subterranean networks of limestone caves and ‘blue holes’ that attract cave divers from all over the world.
On the western fringes of Bahamian territory lies the largest of the islands, Andros. And just one mile off the beach is the sprawling Bahamas Barrier Reef, which stretches 140 miles and holds the title as the world’s third longest coral reef. South-east of Andros island is the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park – the first of its type in the world – and an important refuge for many marine species.
The climate in the Bahamas is classed as tropical and sub-tropical, with only two seasons. Summer extends from May to September, the temperatures are moderated by the cooling Atlantic trade winds; the average is around 26C. Winter is October to April and the average temperature would be about 16C. The rainy season is between May and October, and the island tranquillity may be interrupted by furious hurricanes between July and November.

Scuba Diving

Whether you want a rusty wreck, some spinning dolphins, myriad shoals of fish, wandering reef sharks, caves and blue holes or a stunning coral reef, you’ll get what you wished for on a Bahamian scuba trip! This island nation is renowned for its scuba and there are more than plenty operators willing to take you to some of their favourite spots. It’s big business here and for a very good reason, the dives sites are innumerable! If you have your PADI qualification then dive straight in; if you want to achieve your PADI certificate then that’s also possible. Alternatively, if you want to experience the underwater wonderland without a PADI certification, then guess what – that’s possible as well! In the waters off Nassau strange yellow pods of bubbling, one-man, mini submarines (similar to an underwater scooter with a water-tight head case) are perusing the reefs and checking out the fish! It’s a fantastic invention that provides everyone with the opportunity to plunge below the surface and come face to face with some alternative locals.

Kitesurfing

The Bahamas is a great place to learn to kitesurf or develop your existing skills. The island of New Providence offers shallow water that beams turquoise under the sun, warm sea temperatures, easily accessible beaches and excellent wind conditions. And, as with Scuba, you won’t be hard pushed to find an enthusiastic local operator to help you get started or teach you some tips. Alternatively, take a trip to the island of Great Exuma; head to Runaway Beach for intermediate and advanced level kitesurf conditions. The winter is best for kitesurfing in the Bahamas because of the healthy Atlantic trade winds - They conveniently blow after the hurricane season!

Sailing

Quite simply there is no better way to see the extensive paradise reaches of the Bahamas than by boat. The islands form a 100,000 square mile archipelago that extends over 500 miles in some of the clearest water in the world - so when you’re not speeding across the seas, tugging at the sails, with a tenacious trade wind at your back, you can hop over-board and have a refreshing swim. Discover unknown bays, historical smugglers’ caves, or weigh anchor and bob around on the glassy seas. Sailing holidays around the Bahamas are blissful, peaceful, restorative and at the same thrilling. All in all it will feel like a very special time of your life.

Horse Riding

How about riding a horse down a white, sandy beach in the early morning just before the sun gets too warm? You’ll likely find yourself at a local café where you can have your breakfast and tie your horse up outside, then afterwards hop back in the saddle and canter in to the surf to swim with your graceful equine friend in the sparkling blue seas? On the bigger islands of the Bahamas, such as New Providence, Grand Bahama and Paradise Island, the opportunity to fulfil such dreams is a reality. Beginners or more advanced riders are all catered for, so tack up and get down the beach for some horse riding fun.

Classic Itineraries

Fly in to Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas located on the island of New Providence. There’s plenty to keep you entertained here for weeks, but if you want a bit of tranquillity then jump aboard a sail boat and head off south-east to some of the more remote islands. On your journey around the archipelago try scuba, kitesurfing or kayaking to gain a unique picture of island beauty. Also, be sure to stop on the west of the country, at Andros Island, and the Bahama Barrier Reef for some colourful underwater investigations. Travel north, to the tip of the island chain at Gran Bahama and go horse riding on the beach or in the jungle. From Grand Bahama cruise back down the inner waters of the archipelago and back to New Providence.

Other Activities

With an abundance of water, beaches and coves the Bahamas is a great place to sea kayak, jet-ski, windsurf or snorkel. Or for a different perspective from above the ocean, try parasailing. On land there are interesting hikes or exciting cycling tours available all around the islands.