jackie ormes Turtle Cove Inn. Now we re moving on to the less expensive opportunities. This is a two-story hotel

Turtle Cove Inn. Now we re moving on to the less expensive opportunities. This is a two-story hotel built around a large, freshwater swimming pool. It s rather a simple affair, but clean and inviting. The rooms are comfortably furnished and provide views over either the pool or the marina, which is just a few yards away. All rooms are air-conditioned, and the bathrooms, though adequate, are a little on the small side. Poolside, you ll find the Tiki Hut Cabana and Grill. The other on-site restaurant is the Terrace, but it s open only for dinner; reservations are recommended. No beach, I m afraid, but a shuttle runs throughout the day between the hotel and the beach. Inexpensive and recommended. Turtle Cove Marina, Suzie Turn Rd., Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, BWI, 800-887-0477; www.provo.net/turtlecoveinn. EP $142.

By 1800, the black population of the islands had tripled. Emancipation came to the Bahamas in August 1834, and the newly liberated slaves left Nassau and moved over the hill to establish settlements of their own. The descendants of those slaves still live in Grant s Town, Carmichael, Gambier and Adelaide, as well as on the Out Islands of The Exumas, Rum Cay, San Salvador, Long Island and others. Unfortunately, the one-time slaves were unequipped for life on their own; the new settlements endured but didn t prosper. The black Bahamians became the poor people of the islands.

You should seek professional advice before taking off into the deep. It matters little where you might be staying; even on the most remote of the Out Islands there will always be someone available to warn you about the currents or other dangers at any given spot. Jean Michel Cousteau Adventures jackie ormes If you re really interested in a snorkeling vacation, arrange a stay at one of the hotels participating in the Jean Michel Cousteau Snorkeling Adventures program. It s a great value. For $98-$99 you can immerse yourself into an exciting new world of wondrous corals and colorful fish. Unlock the secrets of thousands of miles of coral reefs, more than 700 islands, and over 100,000 square miles of ocean. Receive snorkeling jackie ormes instruction by trained professionals on guided excursions, jackie ormes a snorkeling instruction jackie ormes book, reference books and a custom T-shirt. And, within 10 days of your return home you ll receive jackie ormes your very own set of US Divers Limited Edition Jean-Michel Cousteau diving mask, fins, snorkel and gear bag. You ll also receive a personalized certificate from Jean-Michel Cousteau welcoming you to the exciting new world as well as the Snorkeling Guide To Marine Life and the accompanying Underwater Identification Cards. Participating Out Island hotels are listed throughout the book and in the At a Glance section. Your travel agent can book the program for you or you can book it yourself through the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board, 800-688-4752, fax 954-688-4752, sboipb@ix.netcom.com.