New York City 3 hrs

Boston 4 hrs

Miami 1 hrs

Philadelphia 3 hrs

Los Angeles 6 hrs

Chicago 3.5 hrs

Dallas-Fort Worth 3.5 hrs

San Francisco 6.5 hrs

Abacos Islands: The second largest group of the Out Islands, the Abacos archipelago spreads across 130 miles of blue ocean in a crescent-shaped arc that includes the principle islands of Great and Little Abaco, and lesser cays such as Elbow Cay, Man-O-War Cay, Treasure Cay and Green Turtle Cay. Settled by British Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, the Abacos island group has the feel of an old New England fishing village with gingerbread houses, white picket fences, and even a candy-striped lighthouse in Hope Town. Sheltered harbors and pristine beaches create a haven for sailing and water sports. A cultural center of the Family Islands, Marsh Harbour on Great Abaco is the third largest town in the Bahamas.

Andros: The largest of the Bahamian islands, Andros remains largely undeveloped with miles of wilderness and the third largest barrier reef in the world, spectacular for diving and snorkeling. Undersea adventurers can investigate shipwrecks, including The Potomac, a steel-hulled freighter sank in 1952, and the Barge Wreck, a 56-foot WWII LCM intentionally sunk in 1963 to create an artificial reef.

Berry Islands: Quiet and inviting, this small island chain along the eastern edge of the Great Bahama Bank is popular with divers and anglers. Big game fishermen are especially drawn to the islands due to their close proximity to the Tongue of the Ocean and the excellent marinas on Chub Cay and Great Harbour Cay. Enjoy relaxing white sand beaches fringed by beautiful palm trees.

Bimini: Considered one of the best big game fishing spots in the world, Bimini lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida. It was a favorite getaway for Ernest Hemingway, who in the 1930s wrote much of To Have And Have Not and Islands In The Stream here. Discover glorious coral reefs, shipwrecks, and lots of marine life.

Cat Island: Named after a British sea captain, this rolling green island features miles of deserted beaches, lush resorts, and Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas at 206 feet. Splendid isolation makes Cat Island perfect for honeymooners or modern-day Robinson Crusoes or anyone searching for natural beauty and blessed seclusion. 50 miles long, Cat Island is marked with high cliffs and untramped beaches edged with casuarina trees.

Crooked & Acklins Islands: Divers, snorklers, and bonefishers find plenty to keep them busy on these adjoining and largely undeveloped islands. Crooked Island, nicknamed the "fragrant island" because of the sweet aroma of its many flowers, this remote paradise offers miles of secluded reefs and pristine white sand beaches. Acklins Island was another popular hideout for pirates, and Castle Island Lighthouse at the southern tip once served as a beacon for retreating pirates escaping the navy.

Eleuthera/Harbour Island: This group of islands east of Nassau is particularly popular for its more than 300 miles of spectacular coastline, secluded coves, dramatic cliffs, and pink sand beaches. The verdant interior features pineapple plantations and picturesque villages. Offshore, enjoy spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving at Gaulding's Cay beach and large concentrations of sun anemones, so spectacular they dazzled even Jacques Cousteau and his biologists. Harbour Island is one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas, and is known for its spectacular 3-mile, pink sand beach. Dunmore Town is a sleepy, picturesque village reminiscent of New England with its narrow hilly streets, white picket fences, and friendly residents. Windermere Island is an exclusive resort and an occasional vacation spot for the British royal family. It's connected to Eleuthera by a 5-mile bridge.

The Exumas: Peppered with exquisite resorts and incredible beaches, this chain of 365 cays is famous for its exceptional bone-fishing and unmatched snorkeling and scuba diving. The islands also host a number of sailing regattas centered on lovely Elizabeth Harbour and vibrant George Town. Allan's Cay, at the northernmost tip of The Exumas, is home to the rare protected Bahamian iguana. Staniel Cay is a favorite for yachtsmen, and a great base for visiting the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park. Among the exotic marine life inhabiting the waters there is an impressive series of caves, including Thunderball Grotto, a stunning marine cave featured in movies such as Thunderball, Never Say Never Again, and Splash.

Great Inagua: The third largest island in The Bahamas, Great Inagua is also the most southerly of the main islands. Its unusual climate of little rainfall and continual trade winds has created rich salt ponds, bringing prosperity to the island. Massive flocks of pink flamingoes reside in the island's vast national park, where herds of donkeys roam free and the rare Bahamian parrot can occasionally be spotted. Tourist facilites are far and few between, and the only inhabited settlement is Matthew Town.

Long Island: One of the most scenic and geographically diverse islands, Long Island is thought to have been one of the first places in the Bahamas that Christopher Columbus landed. A thriving agricultural community and tourism have succeeded colonial cotton plantations. Two scenic coastlines offer great scenic choice. The western coast has soft, sandy beaches, and the eastern side has dramatic rocky cliffs. Long Island's biggest event is the annual Long Island Sailing Regatta, featuring Bahamian-made boats.

San Salvador: Christopher Columbus gave the name San Salvador to the island he first made landfall at after crossing the Atlantic in 1492. Many theories dispute which island that actually was, but San Salvador has taken the name and attracts tourists tospots carrying Columbus-era names. Scientists and students are also drawn to San Salvador because of the Bahamian Field Station, a biological and geological research instituttion in Graham Harbour.

Thanks to the Bahamas' favorable geological composition, it has some of the clearest, cleanest water in the world. These roughly 700 or so islands stretch from just north of Cuba, across the Tropic of Capricorn, and up the coast of Florida, approaching to within just forty miles of the United States. Resting in a shallow sea, most of these low-lying islands amount to little more than coral outcrops a few feet above sea level. The islands are primarily covered with low scrub bushes and a few wispy pine trees. They offer miles of undeveloped white sand beaches and are often fringed with coral reefs.

Called the "Isles of Perpetual June" by George Washington, the nickname stuck for many years because the island weather is almost always ideal, yet there is a bit of variety in what you can expect. Winter is the dry season, and summer is the rainy season, though showers are usually intense brief episodes followed quickly by sunshine. The heart of hurricane season lasts from late August to early November, though strikes are rare and there is plenty of advance notice to prepare. When threatened by a hurricane strike, one should expect a 2-day displacement from evacuation to safe return.

Spring 67°-82°

Summer 70°-88°

Fall 71°-84°

Winter 65°-79°

Weather-wise, your visit to the Bahamas is unrestricted. The Gulf Stream sweeps its warm waters along the Western shores, and the brilliant sun and gentle Southeast trade winds continuously bathe the islands. Winter is the most popular season, when people escape the cold and snow of the north. The most perfect weather comes in spring and autumn, and summer is the season of Sailing Regattas and the Goombay festivals.

Dazzling Weather: The islands of The Bahamas are best known for their sunny tropical climate, white sand beaches, and carefree island lifestyle. Everything seems perfect when the sun is shining, especially if you are escaping the icy roads and dark evenings of the north. Many people, like Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s, simply enjoy getting away from it all and soaking up the rays on the beach, forgetting all the responsibilities left behind.

Island Culture & Scenery: The people of The Bahamas are laid back and ever so friendly to visitors. The islands are quiet and remote, and it still retain a noticeable old world ambiance. Today you can stay in the comforts of grand resorts and still explore the little villages and geological features scattered across the sea.

Active Pursuits: The Bahama Out Islands attract people wishing to parake in activities away from crowds and modern life. Though most revered for diving, snorkeling, and fishing, the islands also offers horseback riding, hiking, bird watching, and a host of other things to do in the hot Bahamas sun. The clear water and thriving coral reefs are world-renowned for boating and yachting. Golf and tennis players find many remote courses and courts with beautiful ocean backdrops.

Robinson Crusoe Tour: Enjoy a sailing picnic trip, including wine, snorkeling equipment, live calypso music all day, and hotel transfers.

Boating: Rent a boat and head off to one of the many uninhabited cays for romance or adventure. With a basic orientation lesson, getting around the islands by boat is a breeze thanks to the numerous marinas and island anchorages.

Abacos

Pelican Cay National Park: This is an underwater preserve and scuba diver's paradise.

Abaco National Park: This large preserve on southern Abaco is home to the unique Abaco Parrot.

Albert Lowe Museum: Spend a quiet afternoon at this restored 150-year old mansion that now houses local history exhibits.

Memorial Sculpture Gardens: Stroll through the lush and peaceful gardens decorated with statues of famous Bahamians.

Kayaking: Paddle through the tranquil waters, blue holes, and natural wonders of Great Abaco.

Golf & Tennis: Play a round at the 18-hole championship course or lob a few over the net with a friend or professional instructor on the tennis courts of Treasure Cay.

Beaches: Check out the pristine beaches and stunning hilltop views on Elbow Cay. Take a guided tour of the cay's candy-striped lighthouse, which stands guard over Hope Town and its scenic harbor. The town resembles a charming New England seaside village with gingerbread houses and white picket fences.

Cat Island

Arawak Indian Caves: Explore the remains of the island's earliest human settlements with an informative guide.

Hermitage: Take a stroll through the serene friary of Father Jerome on the summit of Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas.

Eleuthera/Hargbour Island

Preacher's Cave: This intriguing spot was the site where an exiled group of Puritans held their first church services.

Dunmore Town: Walk the picturesque streets of the original Bahamian capital, and enjoy boutique shopping and waterfront dining.

Titus Hole: An early island jail, you can climb the "hill steps" cut into the surrounding rock by prisoners and take in the great view of the harbor.

Bahamian cuisine has been heavily influenced by the American South and tends to be subtly flavored with a variety of spices. Fresh seafood is a staple of the Bahamian diet, especially conch, a delicious ocean mollusk, which can be eaten raw with lemon, steamed, added to soups, or deep-fried into conch fritters. Pigeon peas and rice figure prominently as a side order. A variety of dining options are available throughout the islands, although your choices will be rather limited on some of the lesser-developed cays.

Gourmet

The Green Turtle is a member of the prestigious Chaine des Rotisseurs Gourmet Society. You'll enjoy elegant, yet informal, dining and a menu by acclaimed chef Michael Howell that fuses Continental, French and Caribbean/Bahamian cuisine. Enjoy fresh seafood daily and a nightly cocktail hour. Reservations required. Green Turtle Cay

Bimini Bonefish Club: On the waterfront of Porgy Bay, the Bimini Bonefish Club serves delicious Bahamian dishes, such as stuffed lobster, grouper cooked in garlic, and steamed snapper with peas and rice. It's not uncommon for proprietor Ebbie to sing to guest while he serves. Porgy Bay, Bimini

Highly Recommended

Bistro Mezzomare Waterfront Restaurant & Bar features gourmet Italian cuisine and a menu peppered with more than a few family recipes. Casual harbor-side dining adds a breezy island ambiance to your evening. Marsh Harbour

Bridge Inn Restaurant:  Managers Ezra and Darnell Russell welcome guests to the Bridge Inn Restaurant, serving Bahamian and American cuisine daily from 7:30am until the last guest leaves. The regular menu features Continental and Bahamian breakfast items, which include boiled and stewed fish. Sandwiches, burgers, cracked conch, conch salad, and conch fritters make up the bulk of the lunch menu. A full-course dinner menu features soups, salads,desserts, and succulent entrees including lobster, fish, conch, chicken, and steak meals. There's also a jukebox stocked with lots of golden oldies, complimenting the tropical atmosphere of the restaurant. New Bight, Cat Island

Local Flair

The Mermaid Café welcomes you with its cool, laid-back out-island ambiance and tasty Bahamian specialties. Great Guana Cay

Max's Conch Bar & Grill: This cute and very quaint Bahamian Conch Shack is a must stop for visitors to Long Island. Reputedly serving the island's best conch salad, Max's also serves up other local specialties like jerk chicken, grilled conch, fried fish, peas n' rice, and a selection of seafood soups. As casual as it gets, this open-air restaurant is found on the main road in Deadman's Cay. Long Island

Romantic

Guana Seaside Village Restaurant is popular for its terrific views of the Sea of Abaco and romantic outdoor, courtyard dining. The fine menu includes conch dishes, grouper specialties, various beef selections, and an irresistible assortment of coconut and key lime pies. Great Guana Cay

Chez Pierre: At the end of a long road leading down to the beach from the small town of Salt Pond, Chez Pierre is a tranquil haven for those seeking privacy. Anne and Pierre, the hospitable owners, do not hesitate to offer personalized service to guests at their restaurant. From your table enjoy magnificent views of the bay, sea, and cays, totally unobstructed. The food is excellent, and entirely cooked fresh when you order. Most ingredients are locally grown and farmed, with seafood being the prominent choice on the menu. Very private and incredibly good, Chez Pierre is an excellent choice for couples seeking romantic seclusion. Long Island

Beyond Freeport and Nassau, the other islands of The Bahamas are markedly quieter and more subdued, but there's still plenty to do once the sun dips below the Atlantic. A favorite activity is visiting a few of the local bars where the warm and friendly locals make you feel like one of the gang. Couples shouldn't miss a chance to stroll and dance along a moonlit shore!

Nippers Beach Bar & Grill: Enjoy the popular Sunday wild boar roast and pool party. Guana Cay.

Rainbow Inn's Seaside Bar & Restaurant: For fantastic native and continental fare in a festive setting, check out this nightspot with live local entertainment, fresh conch, and the decorative results of 30 years of beach-combing! Eleuthera

Seaside Bars: Head for Sloppy Joe's for some of the best live entertainment in the Bahamas. Check out Gustey's Tavern with its ocean-view dance floor, and Seagrapes where Jimmy Buffet once showed up out of nowhere and played for the crowd!

Junkanoo: At the start of the New Year, Bahamians celebrate with masquerade parades and carnival celebrations. January

Abaco Art Festival: Showcases the work of island artists. Abaco Island, January

George Town Cruising Regatta: This is a hugely popular event that attracts over 500 world-class yachts. Elizabeth Harbour, Exuma, March

Hope Town Heritage Day: Parade and festivities. Elbow Cay, March

Out Island Regatta: Scores of locally built sloops participate in four days of fun sea and onshore activities. Elizabeth Harbour, George Town, March

Long Island Sailing Regatta: A host of fun and competitive events on land and water. Long Island, May

Pineapple Festival: This is a highlight event of the early summer season. Eleuthera, June

Guy Fawkes Festival: Barbecues, street parties, and a big fireworks show commemorate the popular rebel who conspired to blow up England's Houses of Parliament in 1605. Eleuthera, November

Christmas Holidays: A variety of concerts, parades, tree lighting ceremonies, and other special events mark the Christmas season. The English holiday of Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th. All Islands, December

Dress style throughout the islands is casual. The finer restaurants may require jacket and tie, especially during the high season. Bahamians are easy-going yet dignified people, and bathing suits and scanty clothing should remain on the beach and not be worn in shopping areas or most restaurants. In the Out Islands, clothing custom is even more casual.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Gambling/Drinking: Minimum age of 18 required.

Sunburn & Heatstroke: The tropical sun can be quite harsh, especially in summer, so wear plenty of sunblock and a hat.

English is the official language, spoken in the engaging dialect of Bahamianese. Listen closely and you will note British, Irish, and African influences. Don't hesitate to ask if you need a bit of translation!

The current runs on 120 volts/60 cycles AC, so you will not need an adapter for your American appliances.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry: US citizens staying for 8 months or less need one of the following: a) passport, b) certified copy of their US birth certificate and a government-issued picture ID, or c) naturalization papers and a picture ID. US residents need their residency card (green card) and a passport from their home country.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Bahamas Customs: Each adult visitor over 21 years old is allowed to bring 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, or 1 pound of tobacco; 1 quart of spirits; and personal items. You will be given an immigration card to complete and sign; keep the carbon copy to turn in at departure. Minors under the age of 16 traveling alone or with only one parent/adult guardian must present a notarized consent form from the absent parent(s). If the child's circumstance is not covered by this requirement, check directly with a Bahamian consulate for instructions.

US Customs: Upon return to the US, visitors may bring in $600 worth of merchandise without paying duty. The next $1,000 worth of merchandise is charged at 10%. Gifts of up to $50 may be sent home duty free. One quart of alcoholic beverage may be brought in duty free, as well as five cartons of cigarettes. Conveniently, US Customs is pre-cleared out of Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama.

Departure Tax: A $15 departure tax will be charged when exiting the country.

US Embassy: Queen Street, PO Box N-8197, Nassau, Bahamas, phone 242-322-4753

Bahamas Tourism Development Authority: PO Box N 3701, Nassau, Bahamas, phone 242-322-7500, fax 242-328-0945

Chicago: 8600 W Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 820, Chicago, IL 60631, phone 773-693-1500

Dallas: World Trade Center, 2050 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 116, Dallas, TX 75258, phone 214-742-1886

Fort Lauderdale: 1100 Lee Wagener Blvd., Suite 204, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, phone 800-688-4752 or 954-359-8099

Los Angeles: 3450 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 208, Los Angeles, CA 90010, phone 800-439-6993

Miami: 1 Turnberry Place, 19495 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 809, Aventura, FL 33180, phone 305-932-0051

New York: 150 E 52nd St., New York, NY 10022, phone 212-758-2777