Welcome to the most popular Caribbean tourist destination
in the world - the archipelago of some 700 islands and
cays known as the Bahamas. Blessed with the perfect
location - less than 100 miles off the coast of Florida;
the perfect climate - averaging a little over 75 degrees;
the perfect surroundings - crystal clear turquoise
blue waters and pearly white beaches; the Islands of the
Bahamas is the perfect destination for your next siesta,
honeymoon, or family vacation.
Geography played a part in Bahamian history. In 1492, Christopher Columbus made his first
landfall in the New World on the island of San Salvador in the eastern Bahamas. After
observing the shallow sea around the islands, he said "baja mar" (low water or sea),
and effectively named the area The Bahamas, or The Islands of the Shallow Sea. Since it
was located close to Florida and well-travelled shipping channels, The Islands Of The
Bahamas caught the attention of explorers, settlers, invaders and traders. These people
shaped the colourful history of The Bahamas and made the country what it is today.
Recent archaeological digs indicate people lived in The Islands Of The
Bahamas as early as 300 to 400 AD. These people probably came from Cuba
and relied on the ocean for their food.
The Islands Of The Bahamas, rich in history and tradition, has its share
of legends and folklore. Early inhabitants brought some of these beliefs
with them when they settled on the islands. Other myths sprang from
natural phenomena found in the environment. Whatever their origin, these
legends are part of the charm of The Islands Of The Bahamas.
Since Plato's description of ancient Atlantis and its destruction by
earthquake and flood centuries earlier, people have speculated on the
city's whereabouts. Some scientists believe the Lost City of Atlantis is
in The Islands Of The Bahamas.
The 1968 discovery of huge limestone blocks located off the coast of North
Bimini has fueled this belief. These blocks are neatly aligned and cover
about a half-mile stretch. They look like they form an undersea road,
which is why some believe they are relics from the Lost City of Atlantis.
Divers have examined Bimini Road and you can, too, because it is near the
shore in only 20 feet of water.
Legend has it that the Fountain of Youth lies in Bimini, a tiny group of
islands 50 miles east of Florida. Bahamians believe Ponce de León heard
about the fountain from Caribe Indians in Puerto Rico. The Indians said
that the fountain could be found in an area north of present-day Cuba in a
place called BeeMeeNee.
Attractions :
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Accomodation
Restaurants
Places to visit
Weather : Click
here to find out how is the weather in Bahamas.
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