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When most tourists think of The Bahamas, first to come to mind are the islands of New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahamas (Freeport), and yes, Paradise Island, home to the dazzling Atlantis hotel-casino structure.
Development of the Out Islands is slowly but surely changing this picture. For growing numbers of tourists who wish to savor the Bahamian island experience with a minimum of glitz and a maximum of comfort, adventure and history, The Bahamas Out Islands, also known as the Family Islands, have become the destinations of choice.
The country actually comprises 700 islands and about 2000, mostly secluded, small cays. Some of the islands are so small they disappear when the tide comes in. But others are not only habitable, they have been developed in recent years to attract tourists.
Many of the islands have airstrips and scheduled flights from Nassau, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and West Palm Beach. Others can be reached in more leisurely fashion by mail boat. Still others have harbors which accommodate world class yachts.
Some of the best scuba diving and bonefishing waters in The Bahamas can be found around Andros Island. Located along Andros'100-mile eastern shore is the second largest barrier reef in the world.
Another popular destination is Bimini, where every year in March, billfishermen from all over the world gather for the Hemingway Billfishing Tournament.
After Nassau and Freeport, the Abaco Islands, about 200 miles east of Miami, are the most visited of the Out Islands. Reef, deep sea, and bottom fishing are popular here, but sailing is the biggest draw.
Eleuthera, considered the "birthplace" of The Bahamas, is another increasingly popular destination for fishing, diving, snorkeling, or just plain lying about on secluded beaches.
The international yachting set have taken to Exuma Island, especially for their annual April regatta. Another treat on Exuma is the locally grown fruit and vegetables, so abundant that local farms supply many markets in Nassau, the country's capital.
Apart from being the hometown island of Sidney Poirier, Cat Island is known for miles of secluded, pristine beaches.
San Salvador may have been the site of Christopher Columbus' first landing in the Western Hemisphere. Here, Club Med has situated the jewel of its chain, but other facilities are also available.
Long Island was the third visited by Columbus. Now it offers excellent diving opportunities, such as the famous Arawak Green Hole. At least one inn provides free use of small sailboats, and all can arrange guides to tour the many historic sites, notably plantation ruins dating to Loyalist days and the cave at Deadman's Cay, which has never been fully explored but contains very old Arawak wall drawings.
Bird watchers will find the largest flamingo nesting grounds in the Western Hemisphere on Great Inagua Island, the third largest island in The Bahamas. The grounds are a National Trust and can only be visited with a guide.
Another endangered species, green turtles, are also raised here. Wild hogs, donkeys, horses and goats range in the interior of the island, probably outnumbering the human population.
In late Summer, 1999, Hurricane Floyd devastated many of the Out Islands. Since then, massive rebuilding activity has, for the most part, put them back in shape. A quick query to any travel agent can get potential visitors immediate up-to-date information.
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