THE ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS RESORTS: |
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ABOUT THE BAHAMAS - EXUMA
Approximately 700 islands that form an archipelago spread over nearly 100,000 square miles of ocean constitute The Bahamas, located in actuality, in the Atlantic Ocean. It is southeast of Florida, North of Cuba, and the island of Hispanola, and northwest of the British overseas territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The term “Out Islands” (or Family Islands) refer to all of the islands except New Providence, home to Nassau and Paradise Island, and Grand Bahama, home to Freeport/Lucaya. There are flights to all of the island centers from Nassau.
And so we come to the Exumas, a collection of 365 cays and islands stretching over 120 miles; two main islands, Great Exuma and Little Exuma, form the southern tip. Hidden coves, bays, and harbors throughout are magnets for yachts and sport fisherman. From the air, these cays look like jeweled stepping stones surrounded by a shimmering emerald sea giving this chain the distinction of being one of the prettiest in The Islands of The Bahamas.
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The bright white sand of the deserted beaches is a striking contrast to the aquamarine and jade hues of water. The topography doesn't vary much, as the islands are only 7½ miles across at the widest point, but the splendor of the pristine beaches, the crystal-blue waters and the lush tropical greenery attract people from around the globe.
The Exumas have a lot to offer both above and below the surface of the water. At the north end lies the astounding Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Great Exuma, in the south, is home to lodgings and restaurants and Stocking Island, with its untouched beaches separated by towering, rocky cliffs.
A tranquil atmosphere abides in these seemingly limitless cays, multi-colored waters and quaint towns of amicable people who are eager to encounter visitors. Most of The Exumas' 3,500 residents live on Great Exuma or Little Exuma, the two largest islands, which are connected by a short bridge. They play host to much of the commerce and tourism in the island chain.
Exuma’s capital, Georgetown was once suggested to be the capital of The Bahamas because of its famous Elizabeth Harbour, which has a draft of 16 feet and aided in the development of Great Exuma and probably made Exuma a favorite haunt for pirates. Since the 1950s, the harbor has been the site of the world renowned Family Island Regatta – the race of Bahamian-made sailboats.
Exuma has beauty –the Land and Sea Park, isolated sandy cays and marvelous views from the hills of Rolleville, Rolle Town and The Ferry. It has history – the remains of the plantations at Williams Town, the ancient tombs at Rolle Town and at Moss Town. It also, offers recreation to swimmers boaters, fishermen, snorkelers and sailors.
ESSENTIAL FACTS –
LANGUAGE: The official language of The Bahamas is English, more British than American, and generally intertwined with a special Bahamian dialect. Some Indian words like cassava and guava have been retained in the language.
CAPITAL CITY: Nassau, New Providence Island
POPULATION: 331,000 total over all islands
AREA: 365 cays over 120 miles
CURRENCY: The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the US dollar. Both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands.
DEPARTURE TAX: There is a departure tax of $15
WHAT TO WEAR: Casual summer wear can be worn during the day any time of the year; but be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings from December to February. Most hotels/restaurants/casinos require jackets for men in the evening, especially in cosmopolitan Nassau. Though walking the streets in swim trunks in mid-January might sound irresistible, beach clothing is inappropriate on the streets of downtown Nassau, in churches, restaurants and casinos. On the more laid-back Out Islands, dress-codes are much more flexible.
ELECTRICITY: Electricity is normally 120 volts AC. American appliances are fully compatible.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS: The international dialing code for the Bahamas is 242 followed by a seven-digit number. On island, use all seven digits.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: US visitors staying for eight months or less need a return ticket plus a passport (passports expired up to five years may also be used), or a certified birth certificate with an official photo identification; naturalized citizens require naturalization papers and photo identification; permanent residents (green card holders) require their green card and a valid passport from their place of birth. Canadian visitors not staying more than three weeks need the same identification as those from the US All others need a valid passport. Some visitors may also require a visa.
POLITICAL STATUS: An independent nation; member of the British Commonwealth
LITERACY RATE: The island has a 98% literacy level
LEGAL SYSTEM: The legal system is based on English Common Law served by a high court of justice, a Court of Appeal and her Majesty's Privy Council in London. St. Kitts has agreed to be included in the Caribbean Court of Appeals Circuit.
RELIGIONS: Mainly Christianity |
