The Islands of the Bahamas

Looking for an island getaway that's a quick hop from the US? The answer is the Islands of the Bahamas. Whether you're looking for all-inclusive resorts or small hideaways, casino action or ecotourism escapes, couples-only resorts or family-friendly fun, you'll find it in these islands. To top it off, it's all surrounded by some of the region's best beaches and waters as clear as white rum.

In all, there are over 700 islands and over 2,000 small cays and islets that make up the Islands of the Bahamas, spread across 100,000 square miles. In all, only 20 of these landforms are populated.

Where are the Bahamas?

Just over half and hour from the US coastline lies New Providence Island, better known as the home of the city of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. This island may be just a stone's (or a conch shell's) throw from the US, but Nassau gives visitors a wonderful taste of Caribbean life. The atmosphere is a delightful combination of the British and the Caribbean. Technically, the Islands of the Bahamas do not fall within the Caribbean, but you'll find many of the same characteristics--from aquamarine waters to a lively West Indian style--shared in these islands.

Whether you're looking for the glitz of Nassau and Paradise Island or Grand Bahama Island, or a quiet getaway on one of the far less visited islands, the Islands of the Bahamas are a good option.

Map courtesy the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and
the Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection