Bahamas - General Information
Capital: Nassau
Population: 300,000
Entry requirements: please refer to the official Bahamas tourism site - click on the link above
Area: 700 islands of 5,380 square miles (13,900 sq km)
Currency: Bahamian $; US$1=Ba$1
Language: English but major European languages spoken at tourist centres
Political status: independent nation; member of the Commonwealth
Religion: Traditional Christian denomination churches with Anglican and Roman Catholic the largest
Business: In Nassau, Paradise Island and Freeport/Lucaya, banks are open 9.30am-3pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am-5pm on Friday. Hours vary in the other islands. The main banks are Central Bank of The Bahamas, Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclays Bank International, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Chase Manhattan Bank, Citibank, and Royal Bank of Canada. Shops open 9am-5pm or later with early closing on one weekday afternoon. Major payment cards accepted.
Electricity: 120 volts AC, 60 cycles.
Telecommunications: the international dialling code for The Bahamas is +1 242 followed by seven digits. On the island, use the seven digits alone.
Time: GMT-5
One Of The World's Great Cruising Grounds
Once the home of swash buckling privateers, one of the world's great cruising areas is found in the clear, reef-protected waters of the spectacular Abacos. Easy air access from anywhere in North America makes this "the Caribbean that's close to home." And from all corners of the world visitors come to find warm sun, the most beautiful turquoise waters and hundreds of secluded beaches of soft white sand.
A Place, A Pace, And Plenty Of Space
Originally settled by the Arawak people, these laid-back islands are known for snorkeling, diving, and fishing, astonishing beaches, picturesque settlements and, above all, hospitality and genuine friendliness. One of the world's largest barrier reef systems surrounds these reef-and-cay sheltered waters, providing 100 miles of relaxed cruising in the relatively shallow safety of The Sea of Abaco.
A Chain Of Cays And Colorful Character
The central cruising area is comprised of Great Abaco and Little Abaco, along with a delightful string of sandy cays just to the east. Begin in the center at quaint Man-O-War Cay. The beach at Treasure Cay is one of National Geographic's Top 10! Great snorkeling and a Marine Park are the attractions at Fowl Cay. Cultural appeal is the calling card of Green Turtle Cay with its museum, sculpture gardens, and fine dining at the Green Turtle Club. Visible for miles is the historic lighthouse of Hope Town, a candy-striped sentinel on the southeastern reef. South to Pelican Cays National Park you'll be amazed by the vast collection of colorful coral and sea life. Giant starfish are scattered along the sandy bottom for miles. Sail The Abacos and you won't believe your eyes!
Florida
On the west coast of Florida, St. Petersburg offers quiet cruising with a good mix of city life. Under sail you’ll enjoy warm protected waters where dolphins play in natural harbors.
On the east coast of Florida, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Key Biscayne, the Keys, the Bahamas all offer great mix of cruising , city life, beaches, diving, and snorkeling.
Fort Lauderdale is a boating paradise, earning her well-deserved title as the "Yachting Capital of the World." With numerous marinas, resorts and shipyards, it's the perfect place to discover the yacht of your dreams. Shopping is delightful along Las Olas Boulevard, with sidewalk cafes and unique boutiques to explore for those days when you want to enjoy shoreside activities. Jazz enthusiasts might want to pop into O'Hara's where live music plays well into the night.
If an even faster pace is more your style, then Miami and sizzling South Beach couldn't possibly disappoint. Anything goes in this trendy haven! You might start with a cocktail in a retro Art Deco hotel, progress along Ocean Drive to a Cuban-inspired beat and end up with the pulsations of a top-ten dance tune at the "in-crowd's" newest club. As the paparazzi have proved, it's possible to catch a celebrity enjoying the moon over Miami.
Perhaps the Keys sound more enticing? Sprawling southward, the Florida Keys are a casual, comfortable step away from the pace of the city. Leaving from Key Biscayne in Miami, cruise toward Key Largo, the gateway to the Florida Keys. Fishing, snorkeling and diving abound as the crystalline warm waters beckon. Our charter agents can arrange for preferred dockage at Key Largo's exclusive Ocean Reef Club - where adults and children will enjoy being pampered by the amenities of this private resort.
There are numerous deserted keys further south to explore. If you have time to cruise all the way to Key West, the charms of the "Conch Republic" will have surely made their mark.
South of Key West lies the Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson, home of some of the best snorkeling in the world.
