| This group of 700 islands, beginning sixty miles east | | | | colorful Junkanoo tradition is tucked at wharf side in |
| of the Florida coast, is dazzling in its diversity. | | | | the ships' shadows. Tiny pubs and restaurants dot |
| Activities like golfing with your family, world class | | | | Nassau's narrow side streets. And a bustling straw |
| bone fishing, or just hanging out and relaxing at the | | | | market houses hundreds of vendors ready to bargain |
| beach. For diving and snorkling the Bahamas boast | | | | with souvenir merchandise. You can even catch a ride |
| the world's third longest barrier reef and visibility of | | | | on a horse drawn carriage. |
| over 200 feet. You can also explore the world's | | | | Cross the bridge to Paradise Island where beaches |
| longest underwater cave and cavern system at | | | | are first- class and the resort selection is excellent -- |
| Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama. Great | | | | from upscale chic on stately estate grounds, to a |
| shopping, and the resorts start at $33.00 dollars a | | | | yoga retreat, condo facilities (great for family |
| day up to $300 a day. | | | | vacations), and large luxury properties (one with a |
| The island of New Providence is divided into three | | | | glass tunnel for viewing marine life and a low-key |
| main tourist areas -- Nassau, Paradise Island and | | | | water park). Activity abounds at every turn. Paradise |
| Cable Beach. | | | | Island has an excellent golf course and its own small |
| Hotel complexes dominate expansive Cable Beach, | | | | airport. |
| which underwent a recent facelift, transforming it to | | | | Grand Bahama, with resort development at both |
| a mecca for visitors who prefer beachcombing with | | | | Freeport and Lucaya, has the same features on a |
| options for exercise and lively entertainment nearby. | | | | smaller scale. Golf, tennis, water sports and duty-free |
| Luxurious accommodations are offered in resorts of | | | | shopping are popular and plentiful. And the island |
| all sizes and types with gourmet food, world-class | | | | moves at a leisurely pace. |
| entertainment, sports facilities (including a golf course) | | | | Kick back further and visit the Out Islands, favored |
| and some large casinos never more than a few steps | | | | by explorers who prefer their island life quaint, quiet, |
| away. | | | | simple and barefoot. No rules here, just relaxation and |
| Nassau, the capital, adds a grand British undertone to | | | | recreation on land and sea when the spirit moves |
| island life. Pink government buildings at Rawson | | | | you. Interesting and excellent small and mid-sized |
| Square (actually a circle) face cruise ships whose | | | | hotels and family-run guest houses are interspersed |
| passengers are drawn to a day of duty-free | | | | with touches of history and hundreds of friendly |
| shopping downtown. A new museum interpreting the | | | | faces. |