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