Infinite shades of blue, splendid and solitary beaches, hemmed with coral reefs and vertiginous drop offs, an exuberant nature, a generous welcome, the Bahamas... it's paradise. With its 700 islands stretching from the Florida coast off Haiti, over 260,000 km², the Bahamas archipelago offers one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in the world. The Bahamas actually have two faces. One is lively and touristy on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama Island, the other paradisiacal and confidential on the Out Islands or outer islands . Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, located on New Providence, is both ancient and modern. Its historic heart preserves almost everything of its colonial heritage and charm while its riviera unfolds its hotel complexes on nearly four kilometres of golden sand. Grand Bahama Island offers the widest range of activities: tennis, horse riding, golf, parachuting, jet skiing, water skiing... The queen activity is of course scuba diving. Next to the animation of Nassau and Grand Bahama island, on the Out Islands, life seems to flow peacefully to the rhythm of the trade winds. Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas, covering 3,700 square kilometres. Surrounded by the second largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere, it is a delight for divers. A collar of 120 islands forms the Abacos islands, a preserved paradise of islets and deserted beaches, ideal terrain for pleasure boating. Harbour Island is famous for its pink sand beaches and pineapple plantations. Eleuthera is one of the agricultural centres of the Bahamas: its hills and fertile red soil are ideal for growing pineapple, tomatoes and many other vegetables. In addition to fishing, Bimini offers an incomparable spectacle to scuba divers. Notably on two wrecks: the Sapona and the Picket Rock. Seen from an airplane, Les Exumas look like nuggets surrounded by an emerald sea. It's one of the most beautiful set of the Bahamas where the white sand of the beaches brings out the shades of blue of the sea. Cat Island, Acklins, Great Inagua... are other small paradises at the end of the world. Once called the islands of perpetual spring , the Bahamas, crossed by the Tropic of Cancer, enjoy a pleasant climate throughout the year. The archipelago is nevertheless located at the crossroads of cyclones coming from the Atlantic and the Caribbean arc. The cyclonic period is from July to October. Floods, violent winds, storms are frequent at this period. The Bahamas are, of course, dream beaches and some of the richest seabeds in the world. There is something exhilarating to discover the sixteen main islands and hundreds of islets of the archipelago. Each one is unique. Offering countless mooring possibilities for yachtsmen, the Bahamas is also a paradise for big fishermen, who can here tease the blue marlin, the most coveted of all fish. The islands of Bahamas are famous for their beautiful beaches... and there are as far as the eye can see! But the archipelago would not be so special without its inhabitants who share the beauty of their island with pride and subtle humour. Flying to the Bahamas, you will see that the islands are scattered like precious jewels on a translucent Caribbean sea. The capital, Nassau, and the island of Grand Bahama have long attracted international visitors to taste the famous Bahamian hospitality, the unique cultures and animation of the islands, as well as the fine weather throughout the year. The Bahamians warmly welcome visitors to each of their 16 main destinations. Shopping and zero-rated enthusiasts will appreciate the paradise of Freeport and Lucaya's outdoor shopping centres on Grand Bahama island: jewellery, watches, perfumes, clothing, cameras or decorative objects can be 10 to 40% cheaper.

Art and Culture in the Bahamas
The Junkano, a great Bahamian carnival gives rise to a jubilation, to the rhythm of clarinets, whistles, drums and brass. Most of the troupes have funny names: Saxons, Gars de la Vallée, Fils Prodigues... At the end of the parades, prizes are awarded to the group of the year, for the best music, the most beautiful costume, the best dancers. The rest of the year, vibrant, colourful music is omnipresent throughout the day: goombay mixing calypso, soca and pop, rake'n scrape, Trinidadian calypso... On weekends, you can attend 100% authentic gospel concerts in churches.

What to visit in the Bahamas
Lazing around in the Bahamas is the key word for holidays... Lazing on the beach, getting lost in the alleys of villages, strolling on the terraces of cafés, swimming in translucent waters, in short, doing nothing. Others will benefit from the seabed. Snorkelling is practiced everywhere on the islands and the slightest swim can reveal interesting underwear. For lovers of sensations, diving with sharks, the specialty of the Bahamas, will remain an unforgettable experience during which these teeth of the sea sometimes pass very close to divers...

Bahamas Gastronomic Specialties
A stay in the Bahamas is the occasion to be satisfied of fruits gorged with sun: tomato of Abaco, guava, coconut or the pineapple of Eleuthera. Bahamian cuisine is rich in colourful and assertive specialities. Lambi or conch , a mollusc with firm, white flesh, can be eaten raw or cooked in oil, steamed, stewed or in a doughnut... Rock lobster, without claws, is served grilled. Many dishes are prepared with pigeon peas and rice. Drinks: Goombay Smash, Yellow Bird, Bahama Mama and Bahama Papa. The refreshment of choice remains coconut water, mixed with gin and condensed milk.