Oh the Places You'll Go: The Bahamas

Nicole Rivadeneira
Sep 6, 2019
8 min read

Updated: Sep 7, 2019

I wish I could be writing this on a happier note. I had planned to share the Bahamas with you at a much later date; however, due to unforeseen circumstances, I am writing now. The Bahamas is a place that I hold so close to my heart. It's not only a place that I grew up to know but my family, as well as many others, grew up to know. This past weekend, as many of you might have seen on the news, Hurricane Dorian made its way through the Abacos, Grand Bahama & Freeport. With wind speeds up to 220 mph, flooding that reached over the roofs of homes, and moving at a speed of 1 mph (for you to get a better understanding, it moved every hour) - it was destruction and devastation for the Island and the people that lived there.

But I don't want to talk about something sad. That's not the point of why I write these. I write to educate you about the place and share some of the greatest places to go to!

The Bahamas is known for its abundant natural beauty. For centuries, the islands captivated settlers, traders and invaders, while its shipping channel enchanted pirates, who quickly discovered all of the islands great hiding places. To this day, there are still tales of treasure. However, the real treasure is the people. Bahamians may live for today, but will never forget where they came from.

Lucayan/Christopher Columbus

As early as 300 to 400 AD, people who came from what is now Cuba (there was no country named Cuba at that time) lived on the Islands of the Bahamas and relied on the ocean for food. From around 900-1500 AD the Lucayan people settled here. They enjoyed a peaceful way of life and had developed viable political, social and religious systems.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus made landfall in the New World on the island of San Salvador. Inspired by the surrounding shallow sea, he described them as islands of the “Baja mar” (shallow sea), which has become the Islands of the Bahamas. When he arrived, there were about 40,000 Lucayans. Their peaceful nature made the Lucayans easy targets for enslavement, however, and within 25 years, all of the Lucayans were wiped out due to the diseases, hardships, and slavery they endured.

First Settlement

English Puritans known as “Eleutheran Adventurers” arrived here in 1649 in search of religious freedom. Instead, they found food shortages. Captain William Sayles sailed to the American colonies for help and received supplies from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Upon his return, the settlers thanked them by shipping them brasileto wood. The proceeds helped purchase land for what later became Harvard University.

Age of Piracy

During the late 1600s to early 1700s, many privateers and pirates came here, the most famous ones being Blackbeard and Calico Jack. There were also female pirates like Anne Bonny and Mary Read disguised as men.

The shallow waters and 700 islands made great hiding places for treasure. And the Bahamas proximity to well-traveled shipping lanes made for the perfect spot to steal from merchant ships. There are even rumors of hidden treasure that still exist today and It is believed that British pirate William Catt buried loot on Cat Island and Sir Henry Morgan, a wealthy privateer, buried treasure throughout our islands.

Tourism and Independence

The Hotel and Steam Ship Service Act of 1898 opened its doors to the world. This act provided the government the support it needed for the construction of hotels and subsidized steamship service. Since then, everything from Prohibition bringing well-to-do Americans to the closure of Cuba to Americans has impacted tourism in the country

On July 10, 1973, The Bahamas became a free and sovereign country, ending 325 years of peaceful British rule. However, The Bahamas is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and celebrate July 10th as Bahamian Independence Day.

This information is brought to you by the Island of the Bahamas

For more information click the link above!

I cannot stress this enough that YOU CAN still visit the Bahamas. The Bahamas is made up of serval islands - 30 to be exact! I will say though, that I would not visit the places affected by the hurricane but aside from that, below are some of the places you still can!

1. Atlantis Paradise Island - Nassau, Bahamas

Dominating the skyline on Paradise Island, this splashy, salmon-pink resort evocatively recreates the legend of Atlantis in a luxury hotel, entertainment complex, aquarium, and water park. Guests at the hotel score free entry into the popular 141-acre Aquaventure, a waterscape packed with high-speed slides, more than 20 swimming areas, and a long Lazy River Ride. In the marine habitat, hammerhead sharks and swordfish swim through sparkling open-air pools. Guests will also find many shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues on site. The fantasy sea theme continues throughout, capturing the imagination of young and old alike.

Official site: www.atlantis.com

Accommodation: Where to Stay on Paradise Island

2. Concrete Ship - Bimini, Bahamas

The S.S. Sapona was one of a fleet of concrete ships originally commissioned by former U.S. President, Woodrow Wilson, to serve as a troop transport during WWI because steel was in short supply. Said to have been designed by Henry Ford himself, it was built by the Liberty Ship Building Company in Wilmington, North Carolina, and his sister to the ship 'Cape Fear'.

During a hurricane in 1926, the ship ran aground and was damaged substantially. It was then used as a bombing target for training by U.S. fighter planes during World War II. However, after a group of five torpedo bombers mysteriously disappeared while returning from a run to the Sapona on December 5, 1945, all target practice on the Sapona stopped immediately.

The wreck sits in 15 feet of water, just a few miles off Bennett's Harbour in South Bimini, and most of the concrete on the hull has now been worn away by the bombing and weathering. However, you can still see some of the ship's inner workings and might find an interesting souvenir from the past as you swim among the multitude of tropical fish. The surrounding area is a prime fishing drop, and the wreck itself is both a navigational landmark for boaters and a popular scuba diving and snorkeling site. Some brave souls even dare to dive 40 feet into the ocean from atop the ship.

More Information on the Ship: S.S. Sapona

The best place to stay at in Bimini, Bahamas! CLICK HERE

I highly recommend Two Bedroom With Loft Marinaview - 18A

3. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

In the remote eastern edge of the Bahamas, the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park is a "no-take zone" and marine protected area, the first of its kind in the Caribbean. The park boasts some of the most striking seascapes in the Bahamas, with luminous water in electric blues and bone-white sand. The area is popular with divers and boaters, who come here for the quality anchorages, abundant marine life, and crystal clear waters. On a good day, divers and snorkelers can enjoy 30-meter-plus visibility. Most people visit this underwater wonderland on private boats or live-aboard dive charters. No fishing or shelling is permitted within the park boundaries.

Official site: www.exumapark.org

Accommodation: Where to Stay near Exuma Cays

4. Harbour Island

Pretty Harbour Island, northeast of its big sister, Eleuthera, is one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas, as well as the site of the first Bahamian parliament; English Loyalists settled here in the 1700s. Famous for its pink sand beaches and chic resorts, the island, which is affectionately known by the locals as "Briland," has long been a hideaway for the rich and famous. Golf carts rule the streets here, and visitors feel as though they've stepped back in time as they cruise past the cute, pastel-colored Loyalist cottages lining the streets of Dunmore Town, the island's only settlement. Popular things to do include diving, snorkeling, fishing, and basking on the beautiful pink sand beaches. Harbour Island is a fun day trip out of Nassau on the Bahamas Fast Ferries Catamaran.

Official site: www.harbourislandguide.com

5. Andros Island

Andros, the largest landmass in the Bahamas, has the third-largest barrier reef in the world, as well as many freshwater blue holes and underwater caves. It's no surprise then, that this is a popular destination for divers. The island's vast wetlands create channels, which are prime boating and fishing areas. Fly fishing is big here, and Andros is often called "the bonefishing capital of the world." Andros also has the largest protected area in the Bahamas with five national parks. Nature lovers will appreciate the rich bird life in the mudflats, mangrove swamps, and forests, as well as the island's eco-resorts. In addition to all these natural attractions, tourists can visit the Androsia Hand Made Batik Factory, which sells brightly-colored fabrics featuring bold Bahamian motifs.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Andros

6. Bimini, Bahamas

Known as the "Big Game Fishing Capital of The Bahamas," Bimini Island is the closest of the islands to the United States, lying approximately 88 kilometers east of Miami, Florida. The fishhook-shaped cluster of islands includes North Bimini, South Bimini, and numerous cays extending south from Pigeon Cay to South Cat Cay. Bimini hosts popular deep-sea fishing tournaments from March to September, and diving and snorkeling opportunities abound. Besides the popular shark and dolphin dives, highlights include Rainbow Reef, Sapona Wreck, and Victory Reef. Ernest Hemingway spent several summers in Bimini, finding inspiration for the novels The Old Man and the Sea and Islands in the Stream.

The best place to stay at in Bimini, Bahamas! CLICK HERE

I highly recommend Two Bedroom With Loft Marinaview - 18A

7. Nassau, Bahamas

One of the most popular cruise ship ports in the Caribbean, Nassau still manages to charm visitors despite the crowds of camera-toting tourists. Visitors come here to bask on the white sands of Cable Beach; explore the shops, restaurants, museums, and candy-colored colonial buildings of downtown and Bay Street; and shop for souvenirs at the Nassau Straw Market. A short catamaran ride away from Nassau, animal lovers can cavort with dolphins on a day trip to Blue Lagoon Island, while Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Center also offers a slower pace, with its endangered and threatened species amid four acres of tropical gardens. Paradise Island, home to the perennially popular Atlantis resort, shimmers on the horizon about five kilometers offshore from Nassau.

11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nassau

Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nassau

Right now they need tourism more than ever to collect money so that they can rebuild. So please do not be afraid go - instead, go to the Bahamas. By going, brings money, jobs for the people and hope for a better tomorrow.

Below is a GoFundMe created by one of my family members. His mission, along with other boaters, is to get on their vessels and give aid to the people of the Bahamas. 100% of the proceeds will go to providing any last-minute items that first responders will need. I cannot beg you to donate but to think before you buy your next Starbucks coffee or case of beers. Every $1 helps and can contribute to saving a life.