white river national forest camping In a nation completely surrounded by the clearest waters in the world, there are plenty of waterspor

In a nation completely surrounded by the clearest waters in the world, there are plenty of watersports. And while the great outdoors is where most people want to be, there s a lot to do here beyond the beach and the ocean. The shops and the nightlife of New Providence Island and Grand Bahama Island provide diversions that allow you to have a great vacation.

Far away from the bustling streets and tourist attractions of Nassau and Freeport, the rest of the Bahamian population, some 40,000 people, pursue their everyday lives. They live in sparsely settled little towns and villages from one end of the island chain to the other. Most Out Island residents have never left their island.

bird-watching, 30, 33, 76-77; The Abacos, white river national forest camping 141; Andros, 190; Conception Island, 286; Crooked Island, 261; Berry Islands, 264; Grand Bahama, 76-77, 115, 118; Great Abaco, 160; Hawk s Nest, 274; the Inaguas, white river national forest camping 276; Middle Caicos, 343-344; New Providence, 76; North Caicos, 338-339; Out Islands, 76; tours, 33, 76-77

North Long Island Salt Pond, Deadman s Cay, Seymours Sherice M leaves Monday at 5 pm and returns on Thursday (time varies). Sailing time is 15 hours. The fare is $45. Mangrove Cay Cargill Creek, Bowen Sound Lady Gloria leaves Tuesday at 8 pm and returns on Thursday at 10 am. Sailing time is five hours. The fare is $30. Hatchet Bay Captain Fox leaves Friday at 12 noon and returns on Wednesday at 4 pm. Sailing time is six hours. The fare is $25. San Salvador United Estates, Rum Cay, Cockburn Town Lady Francis leaves Tuesday at 6 pm and returns on Friday. Sailing time is 12 hours. The fare is $40.