Welcome to the Bahamas!
It's not at all surprising that the Bahama Islands are one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Comprising 700 islands and about 2,500 cays, there's something here for everyone - from the excitement of casinos in Paradise Island to the quietude of a secluded beach on an uninhabited island.

This archipelago, located just southeast of Florida, includes approximately 700 islands and more than 2,500 cays, each unique in what they have to offer visitors.

One of the most popular islands is New Providence Island, which is home to the capital city, Nassau, and more than 170,000 people, over half the Bahamian population, and is a center of industry, commerce and
communication for the Bahama Islands.

Besides shopping and watersports,
there are plenty of activities unique to the island. Here you can visit the Ardastra Gardens & Zoo, which is made up of 5.5 acres of tropical gardens and a zoo that is home to several tropical species such as iguanas, monkeys, snakes and birds as well as the world-famous marching flamingos.
Also see the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation; originally used for slave auctions in the 18th century, the Vendue House is now a museum portraying the slavery and post-emancipation era of The Bahamas.

Grand Bahama Island is the second most popular tourist destination in the islands of the Bahamas, with such popular hotspots as Freeport and Lucaya. Besides strolling around the International Bazaar which has shops, restaurants and cafes representing several countries around the world,
visitors enjoy experiencing what it's like to swim with dolphins and touch sharks - with the aid of the Underwater Explorers Society.

But, if you're in the mood for a quiet, relaxing vacation without all the energy of busy ports and other tourists, you may want to stay on one of the less popular islands like Andros, Berry or Bimini. Here you can have all the pleasures of a tropical get-away and also explore sights like Morgan's Cave on Andros which is a wide system of subterranean limestone caves believed to be the hiding place of Sir Henry Morgan's buried treasure.

How to get there from the US:

• Air Canada
  800-776-3000
• Air Jamaica
  800-523-5585
• American
  800-433-7300
• Bahamas Air
  377-7377/377-5505
• Carnival
  377-6449/377-7971
• Cleare Air
  377-0341
• Continental
  377-2050/377-5486
• Delta/Comair
  800-221-1212
• Gulfstream Intl
  377-4314
• Paradise Island Airlines
  363-2845
• US Air
  800-423-7714

Photo courtesy Bahamas Tourist Office

Climate: Temperatures range from the lower 60s to the upper 80s Fahrenheit year-round.

Currency: The Bahamian dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar, so either will be readily accepted.

Language: English.

Population: Approximately 300,000, more than half of whom live in Nassau. Only 30 of the 70 islands are inhabited.

For more information to help you plan your trip, contact:

Canada

Chicago

Los Angeles

Miami

New York

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