| THE BAHAMAS-The Bahamas are comprised of more than 700 islands and cays encompassing 180,000 sq mi (470,000 km2) of ocean space. Although some areas were destroyed by the hurricane, most of the Bahamas were virtually unaffected. The favorite islands are Bimini, Harbour Island, the Exumas, and Nassau. All four islands are back to normal and ready for visitors. | |
| BIMINI-Bimini is a tiny island located less than 60 miles from Miami. Bimini is easy to reach with daily flights and a ferry from Miami. A private boat is considered the best way to arrive because some of Bimini's most amazing attractions are offshore. Popular activities include relaxing on beautiful beaches and taking offshore excursions to Honeymoon Harbour and the SS Sapona. In the evening, visitors can have dinner at restaurants in the Hilton hotel, visit the casino, or go to local bars. Tourism has significantly changed Bimini from what it was in the past. A large portion of the island was developed into a full resort called Resorts World Bimini, which includes a hotel, private residences and rental condos, two marinas, a casino, and several restaurants. Bimini is frequently visited because of its proximity to Miami, with a boat ride taking about two hours, making it an easy weekend getaway. | |
| HARBOUR ISLAND-Harbour Island is recommended for people who enjoy food and luxury. It is considered one of the most luxurious islands in the Bahamas and has many five-star restaurants. Harbour Island has beautiful luxury hotels, private residences available for rent, and the famous Pink Sands. Harbour Island is not the easiest island to reach. Flights from Miami and Fort Lauderdale arrive in Eleuthera, after which visitors must take a taxi to the dock and then a water taxi across the water to Harbour Island. The water taxi ride takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes, and visitors may need another taxi after arriving at the marina. Although the flight is short, reaching the final destination can take a long time. Harbour Island is considered the most luxurious of the islands discussed and is usually the most expensive destination among the author's Bahamas trips. | |
| THE EXUMAS-The Exumas are considered one of the most Instagram-famous parts of the Bahamas. They are known for beautiful turquoise water, swimming pigs, a sunken plane that visitors can snorkel around, nurse sharks that visitors can swim with, Iguana Beach, and the famous grotto featured in a James Bond movie. The Exumas are made up of more than 365 islands, and most of the main attractions are located on different islands. There is only one main airport in the Exumas, located in Georgetown, so having a boat or joining a tour is important for seeing many of the major attractions. Visitors should expect long days because everything is spread out. Accommodation availability is limited, and visitors can stay in places such as Staniel Cay near the swimming pigs. The main hotel and marina in Staniel Cay can be booked more than a year in advance. | |
| NASSAU-Nassau is one of the most commonly visited islands in the Bahamas. It is highly accessible with many flights arriving daily, and cruise ships frequently stop there. Nassau is home to two major resorts, Atlantis and Baha Mar. Atlantis is a famous resort that also has a location in Dubai, while Baha Mar is a newer major resort. The resorts offer many amenities, so visitors may never need to leave. Nassau has great hotels, a waterpark, a gorgeous aquarium, restaurants, a marina, casinos, and nightclubs. Nassau is convenient and offers many activities, although the large resorts can be very touristy. | |
| THE ABACOS-The Abacos were among the islands affected by the hurricane. The author was planning to visit the Abacos the following summer, but they might not have been ready for tourism at that time. The author hoped the Abacos would rebuild and reopen to tourists soon. | |