"Roaming around Nassau" The Bahamas by seagoingJLW

The Bahamas Travel Guide: 2,568 reviews and 4,329 photos

History

The Bahamas were Christopher Columbus' first New World discovery. In 1492 he went ashore on an island originally called Guanahani and renamed it San Salvador. The native Arawak Indians were sent by the Spaniards to work in the sugar mills of Cuba and Hispaniola. Since the Spaniards did not settle here, King Charles I of England granted the islands to Sir Robert Heath.

The Eleutherian Adventurers, a group of English merchants and pioneers came here seeking religious freedom, but were soon overrrun by pirates such as Blackbeard and Avery who were finally routed in 1718 by Capt. Woodes Rogers, the first royal governor.

After the American Revolution, Loyalists fled here with their slaves.

Not only were the Bahamas a hideout for pirates, but they were exploited by Confederate blockade runners during the Civil War and bootleggers during the Prohibition era.

Spain captured the islands from the British in 1782, but the Treaty of Versailles returned them to Britain in 1783. From 1718 to 1969 the governor was appointed by the British Crown; after 1969 it was made in consultation with the Bahamas Government. It became an independent nation on July 10, 1973.

Miscellaneous Information

The Bahamas is a coral archipelago consisting of about 700 islands and 2,000 cays. The total area of the islands is about 5,400 square miles (13,940 sq km).

The archipelago extends for about 600 miles from the Mantanilla Shoal off the coast of Florida to 50 miles north of Haiti.

The weather can be pleasant in the winter season although there are occasional north winds accompanied by heavy rain and surprisingly low temperatures. The summer months are hot, humid and windless with frequent thunderstorms.

About 15 island areas have been developed. They have a population of about 287,000 which is 85% black and 15% white. the major religions are: Baptist (32%), Anglican (20%), Roman Catholic (19%), Methodist (6%), Church of God (6%), other Protestant (12%), none or unknown (3%), and other (2%).

English is the main language, but Haitian immigrants speak Creole.

We strolled through the streets of Nassau. You see the same stores everywhere in the Caribbean. Sometimes I think you see the same people. Do they fly them around to meet you at every port?

Information about the Islands

The Abaco Islands are for sailing and boating.
Andros Island is the largest and least explored.
The Bimini Islands are known for big game fishing
Eleuthera/Harbour Island are known for pink and white sand beaches.
The Exuma Islands are a collection of 305 cays and islands stetching over 120 miles.
Grand Bahama Island is an ecological wonder.
Nassau/Pardise Island is the jewel of the Bahamas. It is the cultural, social, political and economic center of the islands.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Excellent shoppins and vacation destination
Cons:Too many tourists
In a nutshell:There's much to see and do.

Last visit to The Bahamas: Dec 1997
Intro Updated Apr 4, 2004
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Reviews (11)

Here is a map of the most... Transportation (2)

Here is a map of the most popular area of Nassau and Paradise iIsland. more travel advice

The Atlantis Resort and Casino... Nightlife (2)

The Atlantis Resort and Casino and the Crystal Palace Casino both offer free gaming lessons and allow casual attire (but... more travel advice

Junkanoo Nightlife (2)

Junkanoo music is the Bahamian music of choice. more travel advice

Seafood is Dominant Restaurants (1)

Most dishes center around seafood like conch or rock lobster. Crayfish is what passes for lobster. Grouper is widely... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
The Atlantis Resort and Casino...
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Travelogues (1)

Written Feb 8, 2003

18 photos

Nassau in the Bahamas

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Comments (14)

scrooge1947 Jun 4, 2003 at 11:51 AM Report Abuse

I would love a cruise, cant quite talk the wife into it, you have wet my appetite again.
rachel_sun Jan 24, 2002 at 8:08 AM Report Abuse

you found paradise
slaybelle Nov 2, 2001 at 12:48 PM Report Abuse

wow well done presentation
AndreasK Sep 23, 2001 at 12:46 PM Report Abuse

This page brings back memories...
jmarkoos Sep 23, 2001 at 8:00 AM Report Abuse

very nice page
Simonneeddy Sep 5, 2001 at 7:11 AM Report Abuse

I was here in 1942 for 3 months
laetitiad Aug 17, 2001 at 1:22 PM Report Abuse

I like it as well
JudyinPA Jul 3, 2001 at 1:39 PM Report Abuse

I would like this in the spring
RUTHWR Jul 1, 2001 at 2:42 PM Report Abuse

We also enjoyed the Bahamas. Your info is great. Thanks
Sharrie Jun 23, 2001 at 5:50 AM Report Abuse

Nice account of history! Marine Park sounds interesting!