go camping america dive sites, 47-48; the Abacos, 166-172; Andros, 197-200; Bimini, 211, 213; Cat Island, 271-272; Eleu

Climate The trade winds blow almost go camping america continuously here, creating a warm, agreeable climate that varies little throughout the year. September through May, when the temperature averages 70-75 F, is the most refreshing time to visit. The

dive sites, go camping america 47-48; the Abacos, 166-172; Andros, 197-200; Bimini, 211, 213; Cat Island, 271-272; Eleuthera, 228-230; The Exumas, 254; Grand Bahama, 129, 131; Long Island, 288-290; New Providence, 83-89; Out Islands, 47; San Salvador, 303-305; Walker s Cay 167-168

The Bahamas lie scattered across more than 100,000 square miles of the western Atlantic Ocean. From a point roughly 70 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida, the great archipelago extends some 750 miles southward toward the northern Caribbean, almost go camping america to the island of Hispaniola.

Pirates & Privateers In 1666, New Providence was settled by a second go camping america group of Englishmen. They, too, arrived from Bermuda seeking a better life. By then, however, other adventurers had already realized that the Bahamas, close to the already busy shipping routes from the New World to Spain and Portugal, offered quick and easy pickings. By 1660, privateering (officially sanctioned and often royally commissioned piracy) was already an established industry.