| The Bahamas is a magical string of 700 | | | | treasure in the numerous limestone caves |
| islands in the middle of the Caribbean that | | | | dotting the Bahamas or bury it somewhere on |
| has been a popular tourist destination for | | | | the miles of beaches. Rumors of treasure |
| decades, says AMT American Express Travel. | | | | still hidden in the Bahamas exist today. |
| The Bahamas is a world-renowned travel | | | | Pirate William Catt is supposed to have |
| destination with a rich history. In 1492, | | | | buried loot on his namesake, Cat Island. Sir |
| Christopher Columbus made his first landfall | | | | Henry Morgan, who preferred the island of |
| on the island of San Salvador in the eastern | | | | Andros, is said to have buried treasure |
| Bahamas. Columbus commented on the shallow | | | | throughout the many islands. Where rumors may |
| water of the sea surrounding the islands, | | | | be false, the Bahamas certainly offers a |
| calling the water "baja mar". It is from | | | | mystique that encourages its visitors to |
| these words that the name "Bahama" came. | | | | indulge in opportunities for adventure and |
| Since the Bahamas islands are located close | | | | seclusion. American Express Vacations is |
| to Florida they caught the attention of | | | | beginning to offer special tours for |
| explorers, settlers, invaders and traders. | | | | travelers interested in highlighting famous |
| Pirate History in the Bahamas One of the most | | | | pirate sites all over the islands of the |
| interesting things about the Bahamas is its | | | | Bahamas. Modern Day Fun, Rest and Relaxation |
| history with pirates. Black Beard, Calico | | | | The Bahamas of today is still full of |
| Jack and Captain Henry Morgan himself were | | | | adventure and excitement. The islands of the |
| known visitors to the Bahamian islands. 1680 | | | | Bahamas are some of the most popular |
| to 1730 was the golden age for Bahamian | | | | locations for travelers in the world. A big |
| pirates. These islands made an ideal home | | | | draw to most Caribbean tourists, the Bahamas |
| base for pirates because of the numerous | | | | cater to travelers on a moderate to high-end |
| islands and islets. These were great places | | | | budget. American Express Travel offers a |
| to hide their renegade ships and stolen | | | | number of moderate and high-end |
| treasure. The islands were also close to | | | | accommodations that give the best value for |
| well-traveled trading routes, creating the | | | | your money. There are no accommodations such |
| perfect opportunity to plunder merchant | | | | as hostels because the focus of the island is |
| ships. The battles fought between pirates, | | | | a luxury experience. But travel to the |
| merchants and other authorities often caused | | | | Bahamas is on most world traveler's to see |
| may casualties, especially ships. These ships | | | | list. |
| often sank off the coast of the Bahamas, | | | | |
| laden with gold, silver, and other | | | | Virginia Morgan writes tourism and travel |
| antiquities. Spanish galleons were easy prey | | | | articles for AMT American Express Travel, The |
| for pirates. These ships carried stolen | | | | Internet's premier resource for American |
| riches from the native peoples of South and | | | | Express Vacations. Serving customers online |
| Central America. Pirates would hide this | | | | since 1996. |