best camping recipes stand on one of its two dusty main streets. It s an old world town with white painted colonial style

IN THIS CHAPTER Geography 3 History 9 Getting There 12 Before You Go 16 The People 17 Eating & Drinking 18 Accommodation 20 Restaurant/Hotel Prices 22 Practical Information 23 How to Use This Book 30 Tourist Information 31 Because the islands are no more than the exposed top portions best camping recipes of the Great Bahama Bank, an extension best camping recipes of the North American continental shelf, there are only three deep-water channels suitable for the passage of large vessels. Of the 700 islands and 2,000 islets, called cays (keys), making up the archipelago, only about 30 are inhabited. Some are little more than boulders that appear and disappear with the rise and fall of the ocean. Some are long and thin and stretch for many miles. Still others are home to thousands of busy people. The vast majority of the islands, however, are deserted, with pristine best camping recipes beaches and tropical forests that are untouched by humans.

More than 3.5 million travelers come to the islands each year. They arrive sometimes by small boat, but more often by cruise ship or jet. Some are so taken with the magical beauty of the islands best camping recipes they stay for months.

Banking Banking is big business in the Bahamas. Long recognized as a tax haven, both Nassau and Freeport are home to more than their fair share of counting houses. And for visitors to the islands that s good. There s always best camping recipes a bank

stand on one of its two dusty main streets. It s an old world town with white painted colonial style buildings reminiscent best camping recipes of those you find on the island of Bermuda. One gets a feeling that Humphrey Bogart will, any minute, walk around the next corner with Lauren Bacall on his arm. This intriguing place is well worth a visit if you have time.

massachusetts camping Atlantis Resort and one at Nassau Marriott Resort on Cable Beach. In Freeport, one casino is at Our

Atlantis Resort and one at Nassau Marriott Resort on Cable Beach. In Freeport, one casino is at Our Lucaya. massachusetts camping The other is at the Royal Oasis Resort & Casino. There is more information on gaming and casinos in the regional chapters.

The Bahamas, some 700 islands and 2,000 islets, lie scattered like a broken string of pearls across massachusetts camping the northern Caribbean and offer literally massachusetts camping thousands of opportunities for adventure. In fact, they have provided a dozen or more generations of seafarers and travelers with more adventure massachusetts camping than many of them might ever have imagined or wanted.

Nassau/New Providence Many direct flights are available, as follows: Air Jamaica flies from Newark and Philadelphia; American Eagle, from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando and Tampa; Bahamasair, from Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando; British Airways, from London; Comair, from Cincinnati; Continental, from Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach; Delta, from NY/Laguardia, Boston and Atlanta; US Airways, from Philadelphia, massachusetts camping NY/Laguardia and Cleveland.

General information about what s available throughout the islands is listed in this section. More specific information about the attractions and activities on individual islands is given in each chapter, and the At a Glance section at the end of the book.

mt hood camping 649-946-1453, EP $95. Pirate s Hidaway B&B, Grand Turk, 649-946-6909, $85. Salt Cay Sunset House, Ba

649-946-1453, EP $95. Pirate s Hidaway B&B, Grand Turk, 649-946-6909, $85. Salt Cay Sunset House, Balfour Town, Grand Turk, 649-946-6942. mt hood camping From $35. Salt Raker Inn, Duke Street, PO Box 1, Grand Turk, 649-946-2260, EP $75. Turks Head Inn, Duke Street, PO Box 58, Grand Turk, 649-946-2466. From $65.

Blue Horizon Resort is the best place to stay on Middle Caicos. This five-unit cottage complex is run by a couple from Florida, the Witts, who decided that life on the mainland was something they didn t want anymore. With that in mind, they found this secluded little resort and made it their own. They, too, will go out of their way to make sure that all of your vacation needs are met. The five cottages are brightly painted and furnished. Each has a full kitchen evening meals are available in the dining room on request and a small bathroom. One or two units are air-conditioned make a request when you book and a few have TVs. All are equipped with ceiling fans, but none have phones. A bit pricey, but nice. Mudjin Harbour, Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos, BWI, 649-946-6141. From $150.

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Nassau (Grand Bahama), 8, 11, 13, 15, 20, 23-26, 29, 30, 34, 55-102, 106, 107, 139, 140, 145, 146, 147, 155, 168, 187, 191, 192, 218, 220, 223, 237, 251, 257, 267, 269, 276, 283, 284, 285, 295, 296, 297, 315, 330; accommodations, 14, 94-101, 249; banking, 55; beaches, 94, 95, 96, 101; bike rentals, 37, 94; boat rentals, 83; car rental companies, oregon campsites 63; casino, 59, 78-79, 97-99, 101; dining, 92-93, 94-98, 100, 101; dive operators, 90-91; economy, 5, 55, 57, 106; fishing, 60; getting there, 57-59; golf, 95, 100, 101; history, 5, 56, 71; hospitals, 28; map, 66; nightlife, oregon campsites 52, 96, 101; package vacations, 58-61; population, 5, 55; shopping, 53, 63-65, 95, 101; tennis, oregon campsites 95, 96, 100, 101; watersports, 52, 67, 96, 101

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Disabled Travelers oregon campsites If you re disabled, or traveling with someone who is disabled, make all your arrangements well in advance. Be sure that you let everyone involved know the nature oregon campsites of the disability so that accommodations and facilities can be ar

best beaches in northern california CP (Continental Plan) includes a continental breakfast. EP (European Plan) denotes no meals, althoug

CP (Continental Plan) includes a continental breakfast. best beaches in northern california EP (European Plan) denotes no meals, although best beaches in northern california restaurant facilities are available best beaches in northern california either on the property or nearby. MAP (Modified American Plan) denotes breakfast and dinner. FAP (Full American Plan) includes all meals. All-Inc. (All-Inclusive Plan) includes all meals, beverages (alcoholic and soft), watersports, tennis and golf, if available.

800-457-8787; www.oceanclubresorts.com. From $180 to $910. Ocean Club West. This is the sister best beaches in northern california complex to the Ocean Club described above. It, too, is situated on the shores best beaches in northern california of Grace Bay and its splendid beach. The ambiance here is a little more casual, with an assortment of one-, two-and three-bedroom suites to choose from. All are air-conditioned, have TVs, refrigerators, and safes, along with the usual amenities such as hairdryers and irons. Still expensive, best beaches in northern california but not quite as costly as its mate to the east. PO Box 640, Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, BWI, 800-457-8787; www.oceanclubresorts.com. From $180 to $550.

don pedro lake map ence and another has rides around Paradise Island. They ll take you anywhere in the Bahamas, provide

ence and another has rides around Paradise Island. They ll take you anywhere in the Bahamas, provided you can afford the cost of a private charter. You ll find more detailed information in the chapters on Nassau and Paradise Island (page 83) and the Exumas (page 251).

Climate The trade winds blow almost 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

camping in washington Cat Island, 6, 139, 267; accommodations, 21, 273; boat rentals, 270-271; dining, 273; dive operators

Getting to Bimini Airport From Airline North Bimini camping in washington Ft. Lauderdale Pan Am Air Bridge Watson Island, Miami Pan Am Air Bridge camping in washington Paradise Island Pan Am Air Bridge South Bimini Ft. Lauderdale Island Air Charters

Cat Island, 6, 139, 267; accommodations, 21, 273; boat rentals, 270-271; dining, 273; dive operators, 271; dive sites, 271, 272; geography, 3; getting there, 269; map, 268; shipwrecks, 272; snorkeling, 271; taxis, 269

bridge bay campground Freeport Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island, is the second largest city in the islands. With a steadil

Nassau/New Providence Many direct flights are available, as follows: Air Jamaica flies from Newark and Philadelphia; American Eagle, from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando and Tampa; Bahamasair, from Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando; British Airways, from London; Comair, from Cincinnati; Continental, from Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach; Delta, from NY/Laguardia, Boston bridge bay campground and Atlanta; US Airways, from Philadelphia, NY/Laguardia and Cleveland.

Bimini Bimini Big Game Fishing Club, Alice Town, 800-327-4149, $150 EP. Bimini Blue Water Resort, Alice Town, 242-347-2166, $100 EP. The Compleat Angler Hotel, Alice Town, 242-347-3122, $85 EP. Sea Crest Hotel, Alice Town, 242-347-2071, $90 EP.

Freeport Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island, is the second largest city in the islands. With a steadily growing population, now more than 50,000, Freeport, which adjoins the Lucaya Beach area, is a more modern city than Nassau. The carefully planned, landscaped streets are a product of the sixties, and of the dreams of American entrepreneur and financier, Wallace Groves.

Paradise Island, 5, 25, 30, 52, 67, 79, 83, 136; accommodations, 5, 14, 58, 97, 100-101, 102; beaches, 5, 69, 100-101, 102; car rental companies, 63; casino, 55, 67, 78; dining, 97, 102; golf, 77-78; scuba diving, 55; watersports, 102

albee creek campground $ Fast Eddie s, on Airport Road, is a neat place where Americans can find the food they like best: b

Cat Island, 6, 139, 267; accommodations, 21, 273; boat rentals, 270-271; dining, 273; dive operators, albee creek campground 271; dive sites, 271, 272; geography, 3; getting there, 269; map, 268; shipwrecks, 272; snorkeling, albee creek campground 271; taxis, 269

$ Fast Eddie s, on Airport Road, is a neat place where Americans can find the food they like best: burgers, fries, steaks and apple pie, along with a variety of Bahamian dishes that include fresh fish, pork and conch. No alcohol and no credit cards. Recommended.

stand on one of its two dusty main streets. It s an old world town with white painted colonial style buildings reminiscent of those you find on the island albee creek campground of Bermuda. One gets a feeling that Humphrey Bogart will, any minute, albee creek campground walk around the next corner with Lauren Bacall on his arm. This intriguing place is well worth a visit if you have time.

brown county camping four suites. All have tiled floors, rattan furniture, two double beds, a small refrigerator, and a t

four suites. All have tiled floors, rattan furniture, two double beds, a small refrigerator, and a telephone. There s a TV lounge, sun deck, and a pool. Diving, snorkeling, and kayaking are all available through the hotel. It s an all-inclusive resort. Whitby, North Caicos, Turks and Caicos, BWI, 649-946-7119. All-inclusive from $350.

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tuttle creek campground On the far western shore of the island is Sandy Point, a tiny settlement beyond the salt flats where

To hunt bonefish, move slowly, disturbing the water as little as possible. Keep your eyes on the school, not on the sandy bottom beneath your feet. Take one step at a time, until you re close enough to try a cast. Aim tour fly or jig close to the center of the school. If you re lucky, there s a slight tug, then a stronger one, and the surface of the water explodes in a frenzy of white water and struggling fish; and he s off like a runaway horse leaving you hanging on to your rod, reel screaming, spinning, as 150 yards of line disappears seaward in what seems less than a second. Then he turns, heads in another direction as you wind in frantically to take up the slack, beginning to reel him in, fighting every inch of the way.

On the far western shore of the island is Sandy Point, a tiny settlement beyond the salt flats where there is yet another colony of flamingos. It s an excellent place for snorkeling and wandering the lonely beaches.

The Ministry tuttle creek campground of Tourism and the Bahamas Training College have established a number of specialty tour guide qualifications: ecotour guides, bird-watching guides, etc. On the Out Islands there are no tour buses and, as yet, few tour guides. This is where the taxi comes into its own. For as little as $16 an hour, your friendly driver will show you his island and tell you all about it. These drivers are experts tuttle creek campground on the history of their particular island, and are often able to tell the story in a form that s as entertaining as it is interesting.

242-347-3166. The Bimini Reef Club & Marina, South Bimini, 05-359-9449. The Sea Crest Hotel & Marina, Alice Town, 242-347-3071. Weech s Dock, Alice Town, 242-347-2028. Eleuthera Coral Sands Hotel, Harbour Island, 800-333-2368. tuttle creek campground The Cotton Bay Club, Rock Sound, 800-221-4542. Valentines Inn & Yacht Club, Harbour Island, 242-333-2080. Spanish Wells Yacht Haven, Spanish Wells, 242-333-4255. Spanish Wells Marina, Spanish Wells, 242-333-4122. Hatchet Bay Marina, Hatchet tuttle creek campground Bay, 242-332-0186. Harbour Island Club & Marina, Harbour Island, 242-333-2427.

woodhouse day spa mukwonago years ago, blacks on the islands were not allowed in any of the nation s restaurants, theaters, and

years ago, blacks woodhouse day spa mukwonago on the islands were not allowed in any of the nation s restaurants, theaters, and hotels, although they represented more than 80% of the population. That is all changed now and, although several islands remain predominantly white, Bahamians of all colors integrate freely with one another.

lazy lakes campground Traveler s checks are accepted throughout the islands and may be cashed at banks and hotels. They wi

Traveler s checks are accepted throughout the islands and may be cashed at banks and hotels. They will, however, add a service charge. Credit cards are widely accepted in Nassau and Freeport/Lucaya, and to a lesser extent on the Out Islands, where cash is still king. Be prepared to pay a service charge if you use American Express.

Peterson Cay National Park of Grand Bahama, a 1 -acre cay and its surrounding reef system. Black Sound Cay National Reserve on Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, a two-acre mangrove reserve. Tilloo Cay National Reserve, Abaco, 11 acres of exposed shoreline. Pelican Cays Land Sea Park, Cherokee Sound, Great Abaco, a 2,100-acre undersea park with an extensive system of caves and reefs. Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, more than 112,640 acres of land and sea marine reserve of outstanding natural beauty. Conception Island National Park, a 2,100-acre island bird and turtle sanctuary. Union Creek Reserve, Great Inagua, a 4,940-acre enclosed reserve incorporating a tidal creek. While you are welcome to visit these parks and reserves, lazy lakes campground preferably with a guide, it is an offence to remove anything from the parks, lazy lakes campground alive or dead. This includes sea shells. Sea Kayaking This is one of the most exciting ways to reach out-of-the-way areas. Kayaks lazy lakes campground are faster than regular canoes, easier to maneuver, and some can be equipped with sails. Best of all, anyone can do it; no experience is neces

st augustine camping Whether you have only an hour or two ashore from a visiting cruise ship or are heading to the island

Dining Restaurant Price Scale $. less than $20 per person $$. $20-$50 per person $$$. $50+ per person $$ Calico Jack s, on Duke Street, st augustine camping is the oldest and busiest inn on Grand Turk. The cuisine claims to be international and, for the most part, it is, with grilled steaks, chicken, fresh fish, and all served in generous portions. st augustine camping

Premier Cruise Lines is the only line that includes visits to both Freeport, on Grand Bahama, and Nassau. They too offer three-and four-night itineraries on the Oceanic. The Oceanic is a themed ship Looney Toons and, with extensive children s programs, it s ideal for families. Ships leave Port Canaveral on Friday and Monday. Rates start at around $275 per person for the three-night cruise, and $330 for the four-night option children cruise for substantially st augustine camping less.

Whether you have only an hour or two ashore from a visiting cruise ship or are heading to the islands for a couple of weeks of fun in the sun, use this book to plan your visit, and take it with you as a reference guide. Above all, enjoy yourself. You are in for the experience of a lifetime.

There are many ways to fish in the Bahamas. Off-shore fishing is the premier choice, but there really is something for everyone and you don t need to charter an expensive deep-sea boat. You can do it from a small rental boat all by yourself, or even wade to your waist in the crystal waters of one of a hundred or more bonefish flats for a day of sport.

moab valley rv resort About the Bahamas 3 Geography 3 Nassau 5 Paradise Island 5 Freeport 6 Grand Bahama 6 The Out Islands

The Parthenon Hotel, Box N-4930, Nassau, 242-322-2643, $65 EP. The Pink House, Box N-1986, Nassau, 800-363-3363, $90 EP. Pirate s Cove, Box 6214, Nassau, 800-HOLIDAY, $200 EP. The Radisson moab valley rv resort Cable Beach Casino & Golf Resort,

About the Bahamas 3 Geography 3 Nassau 5 Paradise Island 5 Freeport 6 Grand Bahama 6 The Out Islands 6 History moab valley rv resort 9 Early Settlement moab valley rv resort 9 Pirates & Privateers 9 The 19th Century 11 The Modern Era 12 Getting There 12 By Air 12 By Cruise Ship 12 By Mail Boat 13 By Private Boat 14 Package Vacations 14 Before You Go 16 Travel Documents 16 Customs 16 Departure Taxes 16 Disabled Travelers 17 The People 17 Language 18 Eating & Drinking 18 Feast from the Sea 19 Traditional Foods 19 Drinks 20 Tipping 20 Accommodations 20 Out Islands moab valley rv resort 21 Package Deals 22 Restaurant & Hotel Prices 22 Practical Information 23 Banking 23 Bicycles & Mopeds 23 Buses 23 Casinos 24 Climate 24 Currency 24 Dress 25 Electricity 25

lake michigan camping Paradise Island, 5, 25, 30, 52, 67, 79, 83, 136; accommodations, 5, 14, 58, 97, 100-101, 102; beache

US residents, including children, may take home duty-free purchases valued up to $600, and up to 32 ounces of alcohol per person over the age of 21. Canadian citizens may take home up to $300 in purchases. Residents of Great Britain may take home up to 32 in duty-free purchases and each adult visitor is allowed 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars lake michigan camping or one pound of tobacco and a liter of alcohol without paying duty.

Paradise Island, 5, 25, 30, 52, 67, 79, 83, 136; accommodations, 5, 14, 58, 97, 100-101, 102; beaches, 5, 69, 100-101, 102; car rental companies, 63; casino, 55, 67, 78; dining, lake michigan camping 97, 102; golf, 77-78; scuba diving, 55; watersports, 102

Blue Horizon Resort is the best place to stay on Middle Caicos. This five-unit cottage complex is run by a couple from Florida, the Witts, who decided that life on the mainland was something lake michigan camping they didn t want anymore. With that in mind, they found this secluded little resort and made it their own. They, too, will go out of their way to make sure that all of your vacation needs are met. The five cottages are brightly painted and furnished. Each has a full kitchen evening meals are available in the dining room on request and a small bathroom. One or two units are air-conditioned make a request when you book and a few have TVs. All are equipped with ceiling fans, but none have phones. A bit pricey, but nice. Mudjin Harbour, Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos, BWI, 649-946-6141. lake michigan camping From $150.

media camping $ to $$ The Water s Edge, on Duke Street, is all character and atmosphere. The menu is basically Bah

Marsh Harbour (Great media camping Abaco), 7, 25, 141, 142, 147, 149, 151-153, 156-157, 158, 159, 161, 163, 179, 182, 185; accommodations, media camping 151-152, 164, 170, 183-185; accommodations packages, 174, 175; beaches, 184; bicycle rental, 184; boating, 184; dining, 180-181, 184; dive operators, 168, 172-173; dive packages, 173-174, 175; fishing, 184; hiking, 184; shelling, media camping 184; shipwrecks, 168-170

$ to $$ The Water s Edge, on Duke Street, is all character and atmosphere. The menu is basically Bahamian, but the offerings cover a much wider spectrum. There is, of course, the inevitable conch (good job, too) cooked and served a variety of ways, including curried, along

silver lake campgrounds der lily seem a little brighter than anywhere else. The sand varies just a little from the palest pi

der lily seem a little brighter than anywhere else. The sand varies just a little from the palest pink to the tint of fine champagne. And then there s the clothing. Bahamians love bright colors. Light colored dresses, shirts, and hats set against silver lake campgrounds rich brown skin offer rare opportunities for great photography. Gaily painted cottages, bustling streets alive with color, roadside fish markets, silver lake campgrounds vast mangrove swamps, tiny harbors crowded with sailboats, lighthouses, and thousands of scenic bays, inlets, and beaches offer even more vistas for shutterbugs. If that s not enough, you can always dive into the underwater world.

Providenciales (Turks & Caicos), 311, 315, 318-329; accommodations, silver lake campgrounds 324-329; the beaches, 320-321; bike rental, 320; dining, 323-324; dining silver lake campgrounds 325; dive outfitters, 321-322; eco-tours, 322-323; fishing, 322; map, 319; sky diving, 323; snorkeling, 320, 321; swimming 325

800-688-4752 (USA and Canada). In Ft. Lauderdale 305-359-8099; fax 305-359-8098. For brochures on the Bahamas, 800-8BAHAMAS. Bahamas Tourist Offices 150 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022. 212-758-2777; fax 212-753-6531.

94-101, 249; New Providence, 20, 52, 55; New Bight, 273; Out Islands, 8, 14, 21, 26, 139, 140; Paradise Island, 5, 14, 58, 97, 100-101, 102; Pittstown Point Landings, 262; Port Howe, 273-274; Providenciales, 324-329; San Salvador, 4, 296, 297, 306-309; South Caicos, 346; Spanish Cay, 185; Stella Maris, 293; Tarpum Bay, 234; Treasure Cay, 185-186; Tucker s Hill, 348; Turks & Caicos, 335-336; Walker s Cay, 158, 186; White Sound, 179-180, 182-183; Wood Cay, 162-163; Whitby, 340-341; Whitehouse Reef, 328

missouri camping Arthur s Guest House is a very small, family-run, bed & breakfast inn with two small guest rooms. Bo

Sharks, predators of the deep, have gained an undeserved reputation. But sharks kill only when hungry. Shark attacks are extremely rare, especially in the Bahamas. They say you have more of a chance of being twice-struck by lightning than of being attacked by a shark.

Arthur s Guest House is a very small, family-run, bed & breakfast inn with two small guest rooms. missouri camping Both have TVs and small kitchens, missouri camping but no telephones. It s run by a very hospitable couple, Stacia and Adolphus missouri camping Arther, who do their very best to make sure your stay is a happy one. It s inexpensive, short on facilities, missouri camping but comfortable.

camping california coast The Bahamas Bonefish Annual Bash is held in February at the Club Peace and Plenty on Exuma; 800-525-

The Bahamas Bonefish Annual Bash is held in February at the Club Peace and Plenty on Exuma; 800-525-2210. The Andros Big Yard Bonefishing and Bottom Fishing Tournament is held in June; call the Bahamas Tourism Office at 800-32-SPORT. There s also a bonefishing camping california coast tournament held in mid-July at the Staniel Cay and Yacht Club on Exuma; 242-355-2011. Bonefishing, as well as big game fishing, is a part of the Bahamian Outer Islands International camping california coast Gamefish Tournament held in March; 800-426-0466 camping california coast for location, details camping california coast and registration.

won t it? If you want to rent a car, you can do that too for about $50 per day. Contact Dutchie s Car Rental, camping california coast 649-946-2244. camping california coast You can also rent bicycles camping california coast at some of the hotels for about $10; cheaper if you rent by the week. Then, if all else fails, you can reach most places of note on foot.