The Bahamas is a coral-based archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Its 700-plus islands and cays range from uninhabited to packed with resorts.

The northernmost, Grand Bahama, and Paradise Island, home to many large-scale hotels, are among the best known.

BAHAMAS

Scuba diving and snorkeling sites include the massive Andros Barrier Reef, Thunderball Grotto (used in James Bond films) and the black-coral gardens off Bimini.

NASSAU

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas. It lies on the island of New Providence, with neighboring Paradise Island accessible via Nassau Harbor bridges.

 A popular cruise-ship stop, the city has a hilly landscape and is known for beaches as well as its offshore coral reefs, popular for diving and snorkeling. It retains many of its typical pastel-colored British colonial buildings, like the pink-hued Government House.

PARADISE ISLAND

Paradise Island sits just offshore from the island of New Providence in the Bahamas. Two bridges connect to the city of Nassau, over Nassau Harbour.

White-sand beaches include popular Cabbage Beach and Paradise Beach, both edging on the Atlantic Ocean. Dominating the island is the sprawling Atlantis resort, complete with a casino, the Aquaventure water park, and an extensive marine habitat.

 

GRAND BAHAMA

Grand Bahama is the northernmost island of the Bahamas archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for its beaches, reef-lined coves and mangrove swamps, as well as its all-inclusive resorts and golf courses.

Freeport, the largest city, is near popular beaches like Xanadu, and its International Bazaar offers duty-free shopping. Port Lucaya showcases Bahamian music and straw crafts at its Port Lucaya Marketplace.

 

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