Travel Agent - June 23, 2008 - (Page 22) THE ISLANDS OF Your Vacation Begins the Moment You Board US 1.800.523.5585 | UK 0.208.570.7999 | www.AirJamaica.com THE BAHAMAS up and down THE ISLES T he 700 pink and white islands and cays of The Bahamas are sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of aquamarine and turquoise waters. About 30 of these coral-formed islands are inhabited; almost all are encircled by inviting beaches and waters so clear that coral and fish can be seen as though through air. The world’s third longest barrier reef stretches through these waters, so excellent diving, bone fishing and water sports galore are a given, and the sheltered anchorages and seas are ideal for boating. To help visitors feel at home, a Ministry of Tourism-sponsored peopleto-people program brings tourists together with local volunteers. The two main islands — New Providence Island, home to the capital city of Nassau and the Cable Beach and Paradise Island resort areas, and Grand Bahama Island, home to Freeport and Lucaya — have casinos, grand resorts, plenty of nightlife, and the majority of the population. Tiny guesthouses and a handful of boutique hotels and full-service resorts beckon to escapists on the unspoiled Out Islands. THE ACTION ISLANDS In Nassau, British influence lives on in the changing of the guard at Government House, the buildings of Parliament Square and driving on the left. Historic sites such as Fort Charlotte, with its dungeons, moat, underground passageways and cannons, are especially fun to explore. And it’s hard not to move to the African-influenced sounds of the island’s Junkanoo music. At the nearby resort centers of Cable Beach and Paradise Island, beaches and adventures such as snorkeling cruises and ATV trips keep visitors amused from sunrise to sunset. Not-to-be-missed Atlantis, Paradise Island encompasses Aquaventure, a 63-acre water park with thrilling themed water slides and river rides; see-through underwater tunnels and rooms that bring visitors within a few feet of sharks, stingray, piranhas and more; and Dolphin Cay, a 14acre dolphin habitat that welcomes human guests. As the moon rises, area casinos and nightclubs kick into gear. Just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, Grand Bahama Island is best known for Freeport/Lucaya, a planned resort destination with golf courses, luxurious casinos, world-class scuba facilities and water sports from diving and sailing to swimming with THE ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS GEOGRAPHY: The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands, extending over 100,000 square miles of ocean, from Florida in the northwest, to Hispaniola in the southwest. Estimated land area is 5,400 square miles. The highest point above sea level is Mt. Alvernia on Cat Island, 206 feet. LANGUAGE: English. POPULATION: 305,000 (2000 census). CLIMATE: Average temperatures: Summer: High 90ºF/Low 78ºF. Winter: High 75ºF/Low 60ºF. Average humidity 78%. Rain showers occur any time of the year, but rainy months are May to October. TIME: Same as EST. Daylight Savings in Summer. 22 www.caribbeantravel .c om http://www.AirJamaica.com http://www.caribbeantravel.com
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