Scattered over a vast area and washed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, the Bahamas are a symbol of relaxation and luxury. Christopher Columbus first set foot on the ground of the islands of San Salvador in 1492. Later, British settlers began to explore the island, and it became a colony. After obtaining independence in 1973, the Bahamas began intensive development of tourism and banking. One of the richest countries in the region, it is often called 'The Caribbean Switzerland'. Today, the Bahamas is one of the most popular resort areas in the world.

Nassau is capital of the island, located on New Providence. It is a modern city, famous for its mixture of cutting-edge design of buildings and the old colonial architecture. Practically nothing has been left from a small and noisy village, once occupied by pirates, but there are extensive business areas, markets and duty-free shops that offer goods from around the world. By the middle of the 20th century, the number of international tourists coming to Nassau had reached one million visitors. Tourism in the city was also triggered by the building of the bridge to Paradise Island and the renovation of Cable Beach.

The historic city center, a sprawling area around Rawson, has many well-preserved buildings of the 18th century. At that period, the Houses of Parliament, the House of Assembly and the Supreme Court with a beautiful Garden of Remembrance were built. Nearby there is a marble statue of Queen Victoria and the famous Straw Market. In a mile from the city center, on top of a hill, there stands the Fort Charlotte, named after the wife of King George III.

The famous Cable Beach not far from downtown is an area of ​​luxury hotels, beautiful sandy beaches, casinos, restaurants, and sports facilities. Opposite the beautiful beach, there are the islands of North Cay and Long Cay. These are excellent sites for snorkeling and picnics. A luxurious complex of villas in the Venetian style can be found at the end of Cable Beach. The fashionable tourist area in Paradise Island is connected by a long bridge with the capital.

Marine areas around Nassau are widely known for their water sports facilities and fishing. Long and deep reefs and the shallow west coast are full of marine life. Grand Bahama is lying in the north of the Bahamas and is the second most visited region in the country. Its main places of attraction include snow-white beaches, vast pine forests and Cuban rich wildlife.

Freeport is the most popular area of ​​the island. It is a modern city and a paradise for outdoor activities. There is a variety of golf courses, tennis courts, diving and fishing centers here. The city’s Eden garden cultivates over 5,000 varieties of exotic plants. South of the city, there is a luxurious resort area, the National Park Lukayyan, the world's largest system of underwater caves, and mangrove swamps.

Andros Island is a deserted place, covered with thick palm forests, mahogany and pine thickets and mangrove wetlands. Andros is little visited by tourists. The sights of the city include a lighthouse and the beautiful Somerset Beach. Red Bay Town lies on the northwestern tip of Andros and is considered the last refuge for the lovers of nature.

Eleuthera is a small island that is traditionally considered an elite destination. Luxury resorts and clubs are interwoven with old villages, magnificent sand beaches, and ultra-modern sports facilities. Noteworthy are the picturesque town of Dunmore, Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island reefs, and a number of excellent sites for diving and snorkeling.

See travel agents for Bahamas to prepare essentials of your tour. Also, review a list of Bahamas tour operators who can assist in organizing local arrangements.