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Like a scattered string of pearls, the islands of the Bahamas stretch from their most northerly point (less than an hour's flight from Miami) south across 500 miles of the Caribbean Sea. The still-relatively-young commonwealth, which achieved independence in 1973 after 325 years of British rule, encompasses 700 different islands-each with its own character. But whether they're havens of unspoiled wilderness, decadent celebrity-studded oases, or glitzy gambling and entertainment meccas, all are suffused with the same laid-back, carefree, distinctly Bahamian attitude. See the Bahamas slideshow.
Don't Miss
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Getting out on the water—whether by swimming at Harbour Island's spectacular pink beach, bonefishing off Andros, or whizzing through the massive Atlantis waterpark on Paradise Island.
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Taking part in (or at least watching) the wild parades of Junkanoo, the islands' most exuberant local celebration.
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Sampling fabulous Bahamian dishes like conch fritters, fried grouper burgers, and stone crab claws—along with bottles of the great local beer, Kalik.
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Where to Stay
Atlantis and The Cove Atlantis
The hulking, coral-pink fantasy castle of the Bahamas’ only megaresort is visible from miles away
... MoreWhere to Eat
Dune, Paradise Island
The first Caribbean outpost of celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Dune is far and away the
... MoreWhat to Do
Andros Bonefishing
Sprawling, unspoiled Andros has a coastline threaded with mudflats, bights, and shallow lagoons:
... MoreCommunity: Tips (8) and Comments (0)
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Tips See All BAHAMAS Tips
Restaurant tipping in Mexico, Caribbean, and the Bahamas
Server: 10–15 percent in Mexico; 10–15 percent in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, but it’s often already included in the bill.
Bartender: 10 percent in Mexico; 10–15 percent in the Caribb... More
Taxis in the Bahamas
Taxis are pretty easy to find in the islands—they typically gather outside airports and ferry stations whenever there’s an impending arrival. Metered taxi rates—as well as the quality of the cars a... More
Tourist resources in the Bahamas
The Web site of the Bahamas Tourism Board, www.bahamas.com, is an extremely helpful, comprehensive compendium of information on the islands. As well as providing an overview of the history, culture... More
Driving in the Bahamas
Since the Bahamas were once a British colony, driving in the islands (as in the U.K.) is on the left-hand side of the road. Rental cars—all of which have steering wheels on the left—are available o... More
Inter-island ferries in the Bahamas
Daily boat trips on Bahamas Ferries (www.bahamasferries.com) are cheaper than flights, but they’re also crowded, and (naturally) much more time-consuming than traveling by air. A one-way ferry ride... More