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On
the eastern end, Ocean Beach has all the bustle and attractions
of the true tourist beachfront. You'll find lots to do, and
every service will be at your fingertips. Waterskiing, windsurfing,
diving, fishing, sailing, seaside restaurants, beach bars, local
entertainment -- if you can think of it, you'll probably find
it here.
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Marsh
Harbour has a variety of stores for most every need, including
a department store, supermarkets, bakeries, a hardware store,
souvenir shops and a small straw market. You'll also find a
wide selection of books and magazines in Abaco Treasures, just
one of the many shops located along the waterfront on Bay Street.
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Today's
Bahamians continue the tradition of the early Lucayan and Taino
Indians by producing distinctive arts and crafts that reflect
the skill and artistry of their heritage. Bahamians utilize
local resources to create unique foods, spices, ceramics, crafts,
art and music.
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For
the action and adventure prone, surfing, diving, snorkeling,
fishing are spectacular.
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Nature
lovers will enjoy the Abaco forest with the natural flora and
fauna that is virtually untouched.

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Andros Island is full of activities to do both
in and out of the water. Fishing is a popular sport on the island.
Whether fishing for trophy-size fish or bonefishing Andros Island
provides some of the world's best fishing. Andros Island is
actually three separate landmasses divided by the North, Middle
and South Bights, which cut completely through the island from
east to west. These vast shallow bodies of running water can
range from 5 to 25 miles across and are havens for anglers seeking
the elusive bonefish.
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You can explore ancient ruins or meander through
quaint coastal towns and villages. While there ship for hand
made batik fabrics.
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Bird watching is also popular as the island
is home to many tropical species.
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Exploring nature and the environment is a fun
and exciting vacation activity. When traveling to Andros Island,
you will discover a beautiful ecosystem with underwater caves,
the third-largest barrier reef and the fifth-largest landmass
in the Caribbean. And since most of Andros is underwater and
undeveloped, visitors can explore an ecosystem that has been
virtually untouched over time.
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Barrier Reef And Tongue Of The Ocean is one
mile off the shores of Andros Island is the world's third-largest
reef measuring over 100 miles long and home to almost every
variety of fish species. The Tongue of the Ocean is a shelf
that begins around 70 feet deep and plunges down over 6,000
feet.
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A visit to the Androsia Factory located at Fresh
Creek, this is the center of production for the colorful Bahamian
cotton fabric, batik. Visitors can tour the factory and watch
the artisans as they wax, cut and dye these beautifully colored
fabrics. An outlet store on the premises offers visitors great
bargains on these expertly handcrafted items.

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Big-game fishing has been the most popular activity
on The Bimini Islands for decades. Their location on the Gulf
Stream hosts the presence of prize-winning marlin, tuna and
other game fish. The top facilities on The Bimini Islands have
fishing enthusiasts from the world over taking part in tournaments
that run from the spring through the fall.
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Visitors can sail to the islands on their own
vessel or rentals are available for a fun group sail.
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Also, with the beautiful water surrounding the
islands, you might want to reserve some time for a snorkeling
or diving excursion. There are interesting dive sites and reef
formations that will fascinate the most experienced diver.
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Though better known for its fishing, Bimini
does offer several opportunities for sun-seekers to relax on
the sand. While it could hardly be considered crowded, the most-popular
beach can be found in Alice Town off Queen's Highway. This quiet,
continuous stretch of sand is known by its three sections --
Spook Hill, Radio Beach and Blister Beach. You won't find any
commercial water sports operations here, but the sun, sand,
swimming and snorkeling are excellent.
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Those seeking a bit more privacy will find small
but public beaches at some of the guest houses and beach clubs
on North Bimini and South Bimini.
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You can also take a boat out to the Cays or
Berry Islands. These beaches can be hard to reach, but they're
definitely secluded.
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Exploring nature and the environment is a fun
and exciting vacation activity. The Bimini Islands will satisfy
the most demanding nature lover. When visiting, you'll be exposed
to an assortment of wildlife, plants and the Bimini mangroves.
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Water lovers won't be disappointed with the
wide variety of water activities about the island -- from surfing
and snorkeling to boating.
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Eleuthera is home to one of rarest of all scuba
diving experiences -- an undersea train wreck. Learning to dive
is an experience unto itself, but after you know how, you'll
see this unbelievable dive site along with creatures you could
never meet any other way.
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And if you're a true fisherman, you won't want
to miss the hunt for the Atlantic's most magnificent prey --
the billfish. From bottom-fishing for grouper to fly-fishing
for bonefish to trolling for blue marlin, the waters around
Eleuthera offer every kind of saltwater fishing opportunity
for the novice and pro alike.
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Put your skills to the test in a game of golf
or tennis or other outdoor activities.
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For historic buffs you can visit one of these
sites:
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Preacher's Cave, on the north end of the
island, has both a natural and historical appeal. It was
in this large, blue-shadowed cave that the Eleutheran Adventurers
sought shelter after shipwrecking nearby. They had fled
Bermuda in search of religious freedom, and it was in this
cave that they held their first services.
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The Loyalist Cottage dating from 1797 was
a private home and is one of the few remaining residential
structures built by the original Loyalist settlers.
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Titus Hole, a cave, with its open mouth
that overlooks the harbour, is said to have been Harbour
Island's first jail.
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Dunmore Town is best known for its three-mile
stretch of pink sand beachfront and charming New England
style neighborhoods, Dunmore Town was the first capital
of The Islands Of The Bahamas. In the 1880s, Dunmore Town
also gained fame for its fine shipbuilding and sugar refining
industries.
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Heading south, just before reaching Gregory
Town, you'll see Eleuthera's most famous feature: Glass Window
Bridge -- a natural arch that once spanned the two rocky bluffs
that separate the northern and southern sections of the island.
Early sailors thought the "bridge" looked like a window framing
the lovely seascape. Some time ago, a hurricane's heavy seas
washed away the upper part of the arch, but the natural "bridge"
has since been replaced (more than once!) by a man-made version.
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Continuing south past Gregory Town and Surfer's
Beach, you can take a side-trip to see Hatchet Bay Caves before
visiting Governor's Island. You will marvel at the cathedral-like
setting created by the guides as they torch-light the many cave
formations. Later, you'll cross the narrow bridge to Windermere
Island where many of Eleuthera's wealthiest visitors from around
the world have their vacation homes.
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Just south of Rock Sound, Eleuthera's largest
town, plan to visit Ocean Hole, Eleuthera's very unique inland
saltwater lake with its teeming population of fish that like
to con the visitors into frequent free food handouts.
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If you happen to be visiting the island on New
Year's Day or Boxing Day (December 26), you're welcome to join
in our most famous of festivities -- the Junkanoo festival.
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If you're visiting in March, be sure to check
out the Pineapple Art Festival which features fine art, crafts
and work from amateur artists and local school children.
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The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is home to
several rare birds, exotic reptiles, colorful fish and breathtaking
species of flora.
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Snorkellers will find the wide, shallow coastal
region teeming with life and easy to explore, while divers can
explore the huge coral reef or Exuma Sound which is filled with
caves, blue holes and shipwrecks.
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Whether you like deep-sea fishing, reef fishing,
bottom fishing or fly-fishing, look no further than The Exuma
Islands. The waters around The Exuma Islands are filled with
exciting and challenging game fish just waiting for you to land.
Record numbers of huge marlin, sailfish and wahoo are caught
in Exuma Sound, where the aqua-blue ocean drops 6,000 feet into
the dark, cool feeding grounds of trophy-size fish. Closer to
Great Exuma island are 60 square miles of crystal-clear flats
where you can hunt for world-class bonefish, snapper, grouper
and even lobster.
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Diving enthusiasts from around the world believe
The Exuma Islands are one of the most spectacular places in
all of The Islands Of The Bahamas to take in the beauty of the
world beneath the ocean's surface. Vast beds of undisturbed
coral reef teeming with brightly colored schools of fish of
every variety can be seen surrounding The Exuma Islands. They
also offer virtually every type of diving that can be experienced.
From snorkelling shallow coral reefs to cave dives and deep-water
exploration of shipwrecks, The Exuma Islands offer plenty of
excitement for beginners and experienced adventurers alike.
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Whether boating, fishing, diving, ecotourism
or escapism -- your pleasure can be found in The Exuma Islands.

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Whether you're in West End, Freeport or Lucaya
-- there is something for everyone who is seeking a multi-vacation
experience.
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There are plenty of water activities such as
boating, fishing, diving and other water sports -- most with
charter services available.
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For the land lover, there's golf, tennis, shopping
and horseback riding along the beach. There's also exciting
attractions and tours.
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Shopping on Grand Bahama Island is great. There
are two main areas, the International Bazaar and Port Lucaya
Marketplace. There you will find duty-free treasures that include
designer name jewelry, watches, crystal and silver, in addition
to cameras, clothes, etc. For a more local flavor you will find
several straw markets in the area and The Perfume Factory where
you can tour the facility to see how perfume is manufactured.
You can even create your own fragrance.
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Grand Bahama Island has miles of beaches, some
of which are secluded and breathtaking. From east end to west
end the choices are unlimited.
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You can also discover the island through nature
and biking tours, bird-watching tours and exploration of National
Parks. Grand Bahama Island is an ecological wonder waiting to
be discovered. Endless beaches, emerald green water, charming
fishing settlements and enchanting marine life are just some
of the things you will find.
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Grand Bahama Island is a place where divers
can enjoy interacting with dolphins, the thrill of coming face-to-face
with a shark, or discovering a century-old shipwreck. Regardless
of your skill level, you can take advantage of this unique diving
experience with various dive operators throughout the island.
Never been diving? Well, there's no better place to learn to
dive than on Grand Bahama Island. With basic instructions, you'll
find yourself coming within inches of a dolphin in no time.
Learn to dive courses are available with UNEXSO (The Underwater
Explorers Society) and are open to all adventure seekers. Bonefishing,
a popular form of fly-fishing, has become a local favorite on
Grand Bahama.
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Bonefishing takes place in the flats where guides
slowly pole small flat-bottomed boats for anglers, or the truly
dedicated quietly stalk these elusive fish by wading through
knee-deep water.
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Grand Bahama Island features a number of boating
facilities throughout the island. You'll find that more motorboats
than sailboats are used on Grand Bahama Island. For fun, cruise
up to the North Shore and explore the cays, hidden coves and
coral reef dive sites, which are accessible only by boat.
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Whether you prefer to tackle the sea with a
motorboat or sailboat, there are full-service marina facilities
available for your convenience.
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Lucayan National Park is a beautiful and interesting
park, filled with pine trees, huge caves and rare flower species.
It's also the only place in The Islands Of The Bahamas that
you can see all six of the islands' ecosystems and one of the
world's longest underwater cave systems.
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At Rand Nature Centre, visitors will encounter
many West Indian flamingos -- the national bird of The Islands
Of The Bahamas. Along with the flamingo, this 100-acre sanctuary
hosts many other birds, such as the Antillean Peewee, the Red-legged
Thrush and the endangered Bahama Parrot.
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The last of the national parks is Peterson Cay.
Accessible only by boat, exceptional snorkeling and diving await
visitors who disembark on this quiet and relaxing park. The
waters surrounding the park are filled with coral reefs, tropical
fish, sunken rocks and the occasional barracuda.
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There's plenty of excellent pleasure cruising
to be done in Nassau/Paradise Island. This charming destination
offers gorgeous waters and spectacular vistas. Even around the
most popular islands, you can drop anchor at some remote spot
and enjoy sunny, silent swimming and snorkeling not far from
the shore. You will adore the pristine, sandy beaches of Nassau/Paradise
Island. Cable Beach (west of Nassau) and Paradise Island (across
the harbour from Nassau) offer an endless variety of activities.
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Diving in Nassau/Paradise Island is superb.
Total immersion is the best way to appreciate the remarkable
sea life and reef formations around Nassau/Paradise Island.
The drop-offs close to shore and currents of gin-clear water
make these islands a diver's dream. From cave dives to wall
dives, reefs to wrecks -- The Islands Of The Bahamas have a
wide range of dives that will amaze divers of all skill levels.
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When visiting Nassau/Paradise Island prepare
yourself for some fun water adventures. Whether you're looking
to try something new or enjoy a favorite water activity, your
options are plentiful. Everything from jet skiing to canoeing
and waterskiing is at your disposal. You'll also find that most
larger hotels can set you up with everything you need for your
desired activity.
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Fishing fanatics and first-timers alike can
try their luck at trolling for large trophy fish in the ocean,
which begins less than one mile offshore, or for lots of action
in more shallow water, you can go light tackle fishing or bottom
fishing.
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If you've ever wondered what it would be like
to soar high above an island and see the natural form and beauty
of its surrounding coastline -- well now's your chance. During
your stay on Nassau/Paradise Island, take a ride in a Bell JetRanger
helicopter and get a picturesque view of the island. And remember
to bring your camera!
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Speaking of soaring, experience the adrenaline
rush of bungee jumping 40 feet over an indoor swimming pool
at the Waterloo.
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Visit the largest aquarium in the world and
observe the majestic mammals of the sea.
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Dive with friendly dolphin off the shores of
New Providence Island. It is a truly unforgettable experience!
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The challenges of the golf course are framed
in their most picturesque settings in the consistent balmy breezes
and sparkling sunshine of The Islands Of The Bahamas.
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To really appreciate Nassau, you should examine
its past. Begin with Rawson Square, which is directly across
from Prince George Wharf, the cruise dock. You will find historical
government buildings here and the Ministry of Tourism Office.
The Ministry of Tourism has information about all parts of The
Islands Of The Bahamas. They even have walking tour maps of
Nassau sights.
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There is no better way to learn about a treasure
like Nassau/Paradise Island than to take a look back into the
beginning and examine its art and artifacts. More than twenty
museums and art galleries are open for exploration.
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Nassau, the nation's capital, is a harmonious
blend of Old World traditions and modern amenities. A horse-drawn
carriage is the best way to view the many attractions of this
stunning city. The tour departs from the Prince George Dock,
the main port for all major cruise ships. Looking across Bay
Street sits the historic downtown with many well-preserved 18th-
and 19th-century buildings, including Parliament Square, which
houses the country's major government buildings.
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Don't miss the Historical Library and Museum,
an 18th-century octagonal building with an underground dungeon,
model ships and a museum of Lucayan Indian history.
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The Queen's Staircase, dating from the late
18th century, is another testament to the early slave days.
It was built by over 500 slaves who labored for 16 years to
carve a gorge-like roadway through the limestone ridge south
of downtown Nassau. However, it was left unfinished after the
abolition of slavery in 1834.
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Also along Bay Street is the heart of the shopping
district, where you can peruse an array of straw products at
the largest straw market in the world and shop at hundreds of
duty-free stores lining the thoroughfare.
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The island's tropical flora is best appreciated
at the lush Royal Victoria Garden, where you can browse through
300 species of plants.
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Just outside the city is the picture-perfect
Cable Beach, which stretches for two miles and hosts some of
the most exciting watersports and luxurious hotels.
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You will most definitely want to explore the
beauty of Paradise Island, which can be reached by a bridge
connecting the two islands. Glamorized by its world-class resorts
and marina, the island attracts visitors from all over the world.
It also is home to the largest aquarium in the world and boasts
a 50,000-square-foot casino.
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Ardastra Gardens & Conservation Centre is a
botanical garden and zoo that showcases an array of over 300
birds, reptiles and mammals. Cameras are a must to photograph
the marching flamingos.
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The Botanical Gardens are spread over 18 acres
and are home to over 600 species of flora and fauna.
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Spend a day shopping in the local markets and
shops of Nassau/Paradise Island, where goods are duty-free and
there is no sales tax. Bargain shoppers should check out shops
on Bay Street or various hotel complexes for internationally
known brands as well as popular local crafts.
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Authentic Bahamian art, antiques, handmade clothing
and handcrafted jewelry can be found at the Straw Market, one
of the largest and most famous markets in the world. The Straw
Market is located at Market Plaza, downtown on Bay Street. Island
shoppers will also be interested in the hand-printed sarongs
and hand woven hammocks that they can find at The Green Lizard
and the variety of folk art found at The Plait Lady.
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