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Getting to Know the Bahamas

Beginning just off the tip of Florida and scattered southeast across 100,000 square miles of ocean, the islands of the Bahamas couldn't be more diverse. Independent from Britain since 1973, the Bahamas is an archipelago of some 700 islands. And who cares if its terrain is mainly flat, offering no breathtaking mountain vistas? You'll be too busy admiring the beaches (so white you may think that they were poured from a box of sugar), the translucent water that shimmers in shades from pale aquamarine to electric sapphire, and the fish-packed coral reefs below the gentle waves.

Remember Contrary to popular belief, the Bahamas are not in the Caribbean Sea. Because they're so close geographically and culturally to the Caribbean, they're often considered part of that region. However, it's the Atlantic Ocean that surrounds them. This northern locale means that, during winter months, the weather in the Bahamas is sometimes cooler than the always-warm Caribbean.

Without question, most of these islands have beautiful beaches, superb snorkeling, sensational scuba diving, big-time boating, and fantastic fishing. However, each island also boasts its own special look, character, and atmosphere. All this variety means that tailoring a trip to almost any desire or budget is easy.

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of choosing an island or two from such a large pool? Don't sweat it. Most islands in the Bahamas are uninhabited, and only a handful feature hotels.

The busiest, most developed, and therefore, most popular islands in the Bahamas are New Providence and Grand Bahama. On these islands, you find glittering casinos, many restaurants (both gourmet and local), plenty of nightlife, and a wide range of hotels — whether you want something small and economical or a lavish, break-the-bank lodging.

Want to pass on the high-rises and impersonal crowds of Nassau, Paradise Island, and Freeport? If so, head to the Bahamas' Out Islands (also called the Family Islands). These islands include all of those in the Bahamas other than the big three (New Providence, Paradise Island, and Grand Bahama). Most Out Island hotels are small, low-rise accommodations where the staff quickly gets to know you by name.

Tip To many, the Out Islands are the most beautiful of the Bahamas. Miles of empty, flour-white beaches trim the glass-clear, turquoise water. Except for scattered villages and only a few large-scale beach resorts, nature remains intact. Chickens, donkeys, sheep, and goats wander freely through front yards and on roads. Boats, bicycles, golf carts, and feet are more popular than cars on some islands.

You don't find much nightlife during the week, but on weekends, something's always going on somewhere. Being invited to town happenings, such as parades, birthday celebrations, or church dances is not unusual.

The Out Islands aren't as easy to get to as the big three. But as soon as you arrive, you'll be glad that hordes of other visitors don't also make the trek to the Out Islands.