The Bahamas Islands Guide
The Bahamas is an archipelago with around 2,000 islands and cays with over 100,000 square miles of ocean. The culturally diverse islands have something to offer to everyone. Known mostly for the mild weather, ranging from 70 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, every island in The Bahamas offers year-round serenity. The breathtaking clear waters are what most visitors are here to enjoy. Some say The Bahamas has the clearest ocean waters on Earth, with visibility reaching depths of up to 200 feet–a diver’s delight.
The tranquil, turquoise waters and soft sand beaches recognized as some of the best in the world, The Bahamas has established itself as the premier destination for visitors seeking fun in the sun and relaxation. Notable beaches include Treasure Cay Beach in Abaco, the Beach at Old Fort Bay and Cable Beach in Nassau. Other beaches that have received recognition are Gold Rock Beach on Grand Bahama, Cape Santa Maria Beach on Long Island and Harbour Island Beach, where you can wiggle your toes in the famous pink sand. Our shores are so beautiful, that pictures often don’t do them justice. You have to see The Bahamas and meet the friendly people to see how stunning our country actually is.
The government in the Bahamas was established after achieving independence from Britain on July 10, 1973, remaining closely modeled after the Westminster style to this day. As a Member of the Commonwealth of Nations, The Bahamas still recognizes Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as the Head of State.
Most Bahamians live on New Providence which is where our capital city, Nassau, is located. We are also very close in proximity to the United States of America and with over 32 ports of entry and international airports with direct flights from across the globe; we are also one of the most easily accessible tropical destinations in the World.
Cerulean waters, tranquil breezes and some of the most pristine beaches in the world are characteristics many would use to describe the beautiful Bahamas islands. While these natural amenities are among the top reasons people cite for traveling or moving to The Bahamas, these are only a few of the wonders that you’ll find when island-hopping or when looking for the ideal location for buying a second home or investment property in The Bahamas.
New Providence
Nassau (/ˈnæsɔː/) is the capital and commercial centre of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The city has an estimated population of 274,400 as of 2016, just over 70% of the population of the country (≈391,000).[3] Lynden Pindling International Airport, the major airport for the Bahamas, is located about 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) west of Nassau city centre, and has daily flights to major cities in Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and the United States. The city is located on the island of New Providence, which functions much like a business district. Nassau is the site of the House of Assembly and various judicial departments and was considered historically to be a stronghold of pirates.[4] The city was named in honour of William III of England, Prince of Orange-Nassau, deriving its name from Nassau, Germany.
Nassau's modern growth began in the late eighteenth century, with the influx of thousands of American Loyalists and their slaves to the Bahamas following the American War of Independence. Many of them settled in Nassau (then and still the commerce capital of the Bahamas) and eventually came to outnumber the original inhabitants.
The Abacos
The Abaco Islands lie in the northern Bahamas 180 miles (290 km) east of South Florida with similar weather with the exception of local patterns. They comprise the main islands of Great Abaco and Little Abaco, along with smaller barrier cays. The northernmost are Walker's Cay, and its sister island Grand Cay. To the south, the next inhabited islands are Spanish Cay and Green Turtle Cay, with its settlement of New Plymouth, Great Guana Cay, private Scotland Cay, Man-O-War Cay, and Elbow Cay, with its settlement of Hope Town. Southernmost are Tilloo Cay and Lubbers Quarters. Another of note off Abaco's western shore is onetime Gorda Cay, now a Disney Island and cruise ship stop and renamed Castaway Cay. Also in the vicinity is Moore's Island. On the Big Island of Abaco is Marsh Harbour, the Abacos' commercial hub and the Bahamas' third largest city, plus the resort area of Treasure Cay. Both have airports. A few mainland settlements of significance are Coopers Town and Fox Town in the north and Cherokee and Sandy Point in the south.[2] Administratively, the Abaco Islands constitute seven of the 31 Local Government Districts of the Bahamas: Grand Cay, North Abaco, Green Turtle Cay, Central Abaco, South Abaco, Moore's Island, and Hope Town.
Exuma Cays
Perhaps best known to tourists as the Bahamas island chain that is home to Pig Beach and the famous swimming pigs, the Exumas form a 90-mile chain of 365 islands and cays, and also includes some of the globe’s most stunning luxury resorts like Grand Isle Resort and Spa on Grand Exuma, Lumina Point Resort & Spa on Stocking Island and Sandals Emerald Bay. In addition to luxury resorts, the Exumas offer some of the most stunning private property available on the real estate market including Blue Island, Sampson Cay Saddleback Cay and Pipe Cay.
Andros
Andros Island is an archipelago within the Bahamas, the largest of the Bahamian Islands. Politically considered a single island, Andros in total has an area greater than all the other 700 Bahamian islands combined. The land area of Andros consists of hundreds of small islets and cays connected by mangrove estuaries and tidal swamplands, together with three major islands: North Andros, Mangrove Cay, and South Andros. The three main islands are separated by "bights", estuaries that trifurcate the island, connecting the island's east and west coasts. It is 104 miles (167 km) long by 40 miles (64 km) wide, at the widest point.
Eleuthera
Eleuthera (/ɪˈljuːθərə/) refers both to a single island in the archipelagic state of The Commonwealth of the Bahamas and to its associated group of smaller islands.[1] Eleuthera forms a part of the Great Bahama Bank.[1] The island of Eleuthera incorporates the smaller Harbour Island. "Eleuthera" derives from the feminine Greek adjective ἐλεύθερος (eleutheros), meaning "free".[2] Known in the 17th century as Cigateo, it lies 80 km (50 miles) east of Nassau. It is long and thin—180 km (110 miles) long and in places little more than 1.6 km (1.0 mile) wide. Its eastern side faces the Atlantic Ocean, and its western side faces the Great Bahama Bank. The topography of the island varies from wide rolling pink sand beaches to large outcrops of ancient coral reefs, and its population is approximately 11,000. The principal economy of the island is tourism.
How Close Are We?
- Miami – Bimini: 50 miles
- Florida Coast – Grand Bahama: 55 miles
- Florida Coast – Nassau: 179 miles
Living in paradise is only one click or call away – contact us here or call +1 (242) 427-0555 today!
Enjoy your time in The Bahamas!
Martina Reichardt
Martina Reichardt is a Licensed Estate Agent, Member of Bahamas Real Estate Association, awarded as Top Producer Exclusive Listings 2016 & 2017.