Once shipping pirates paradise, the Bahamas have become more sophisticated, diversifying into hotels, casinos for the tourist trade and a financial refuge from (over) taxation. The tourists flock willingly to be ‘fleeced’ in the casinos and to enjoy the magnificent Island lifestyle.

Consisting of over 2000 cays and 700 islands, this tiny (British Commonwealth) nation has produced some of the world’s best men and women track and field athletes at the most recent (1996-2008) Olympic Games.  The geography of the Bahamas diverse and scattered islands lends itself to sailing as a major sport and economic necessity for fishermen.

Traditional foods have their annual festivals; The Pineapple fest and the Crab fest are some that have rural cultural roots. Boxing Day and New Years day are some of the most celebrated in streets of the capital of Nassau with Junjanoo (John Canoe) parades of exotic costume, dance and (goombay) music. Music by drums, cowbells, horns, conches, bugle, and more recently introduced brass instruments has its own unique sound complementing the foot shuffling dance routine of distant African origin. Dozens of Bands and Dance groups now compete for the numerous prizes in different categories, adding new spice and flavour to every event.

Presently the Bahamas have a highly sophisticated tourism industry, consisting of major hotels, casinos, travel agencies with events management, flights, vacation tours, car hire and shipping arrangements in and around major and minor islands in this archipelago.  Long Island alone has three distinct zones. In the north are the magnificent cays with panoramic sea views. In the central areas are the rocky outcrops with the sea foaming through. In the south are miles of unspoilt beachfront surrounded by verdant dune forest.

Grand Bahamas Island has fine resorts, national parks, international bazaar, golf, theme parks and the ports of Lucaya and Freeport.

New Providence Island is home to the major city of Nassau, with a natural harbour for cruise ships to the region. Major attractions are Parliament buildings, Fort Fincastle, Lighthouse, Atlantis Hotel  (on paradise island), Ardastra gardens Zoo, Flying Fish fountain, underwater Aquarium, Cloisters and Public Library, to name only a few.

Seven of the Outer Islands have their own groupings of satellite islands, each with its own attractions of national parks and reserves, villages, museums, bays, cays, features and islands to delight the adventurous visitor.

Summing up the Bahamas Islands in a few words is difficult. Tropical Islands of unsurpassed beauty and variety. World class Tourist orientated infrastructure. Facilities from luxurious best to go-it-alone enthusiasts. Own unique culture. The subtropical summer climate of hurricanes is best avoided and the winter months provide the best weather for enjoying the perfect island holiday.