This week we are traveling Over the Rainbow to the beautiful beaches of the Bahamas. This island chain is made up of over 700 islands and more than 2,000 reefs. The history of the Bahamas has been quite varied. Christopher Columbus landed in the "New World" and discovered the original inhabitants of the Bahamas. The Bahamas saw Spanish and British Colonial rule to the Pirate Republic and finally achieved independence in 1973.
The most infamous inhabitants were the Pirates. They called the Bahamas home through into the early years of the 1700s. There are tales of buried treasure left by Blackbeard scattered across the Islands. If you're not up for a treasure hunt, spend the day touring the forts that protected the port cities and take a walk through the interactive museum.
With the whitest sand of the Caribbean, the beaches of the Bahamas are always my first stop. From the gorgeous pink sands of Harbour Island's Pink Sand Beach to the whitest beaches, you've ever seen. The soft pink sand is unique to Harbour Island because of the red foraminifera shells that mix with the already soft sand. It is the ultimate in relaxation. The most romantic beach in the Bahamas is Whiteland Beach. It is like being transported to a deserted island with plenty of secluded spots for drinks, exploring the reefs, or watching the waves roll in.
We are traveling from ocean water to inland water. The Bahamas never fall short of water holes. It's hard to choose just one inland spot. Treasure Cay Blue Watering hole is unlike any other place. There is a combination of salt and fresh water that dives deep into the earth over 250 feet. Spend the day swinging from tree swings, plunge into the depths, or spend the day floating in the refreshingly cool water. For those adrenaline junkies, I recommend the Sapphire Blue Hole, a local favorite. The only way to access this hole is through a heart-stopping leap into the beautiful water 30 feet below. Be prepared; what goes down must come up. That is to say, there is a rock wall and a rope to help you climb back up and out the 30 feet. Visiting this hole is well worth it.
When I'm not near the water, I dive into one of my favorite cities Nassau. It is more than beautifully colorful houses. Nassau is full of history, culture, and gardens. The most fantastic experience that I have found is the History and City tour. This experience will take you back in time to what it would have been like in the colonial era, discover the Queen's Staircase to the Versailles Gardens, and many more. If you are worried about transportation between the 700 islands, don't! I can help arrange any short flights or water transportation. Water transport (taxi or ferry) runs very regularly and at a decent speed.
The Bahamas is primarily a conservative country with a robust Christian belief system. The country has adopted a live-and-let-live approach for the LGBTQ community with homosexuality legalized. Homophobia and transphobia are present on the islands with no resorts or other establishments specifically owned or run by our community. I always suggest discretion when exploring the islands and outside of your resort room.
Whether you're ready to book and travel now or book and travel later, the Bahamas are the ideal destination for just about every type of traveler. Schedule an Initial Consultation to start planning today.
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