There are 29 Islands of the Bahamas, and each island has a unique feel to it. People love to explore the islands because there is so much to do and see, and every island offers different adventures and experiences. There is something for everyone – from the honeymooners who want to relax to the nature lovers who want to explore. Whether golf is your passion or you just want to sit on the beach and do nothing, there is something for everyone in the Bahamas.

Grand Bahama Island is the island in the Bahamas chain that is the closest to the United States. It’s nearly 100 miles long, and boasts beautiful beaches. Grand Bahama Island holds festivals, so you can experience the culture of the islands first-hand. There are casinos to play in, as long as you’re 18 or older. There are beaches both large and small, depending on whether you prefer amenities or privacy.

Nassau, Bahamas is the capitol of the island chain. It includes the major Bahamas airport, so it’s a frequent jump-off point for your Bahamas vacation. From its location on New Providence Island, Nassau will reward you with Bahamian entertainment and culture, like Junkanoo, a colorful and energetic street parade and festival on December 26 and January 1 of each year. Of course, the beaches near Nassau are welcoming and clean, even though there may be more tourists on the beaches there.

Paradise Island offers you the most true Bahamian vacation, so relax and enjoy the easy way of life. The history of this island is especially interesting, involving West Africans, British Colonists, pirates, Spanish invaders and Arawak Indians. The waters off Paradise Island can be seen in their true color from outer space! So it’s no surprise that the beaches are so popular.

Abacos has some of the most beautiful water on planet Earth. You will love the islands, diving, sailing and fishing. You can take a walk in the nature preserve. Also available are intimate clubs, fine hotels, and even bed and breakfast choices. You can spend some time shopping, or stay active with tennis, golf, water skiing and snorkeling. It’s well-developed, but Abacos still has enough room that you can find a quiet place just for yourself.

Eleuthera/Harbour Island is also known as “Pink Sand Beach” or “Three Mile Beach”. In fact, the beaches of Harbour Island are world-famous, and it’s been called the world’s most gorgeous beach. It’s never crowded, either, since the beach is wide as well as long. There are no drop-offs, so wading and letting children play are easier. And the sand is even packed, which makes it perfect for an early morning run, before you start your exciting day.

Bimini has the pristine, clear water and lush foliage of the Out Islands. Leave all your stress behind, in an area just a half hour from southern Florida, by air. If you are a boater or fisherman, you may already know that Bimini is the capital of the world in bonefishing. The area is quieter than the main islands, and is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. The islanders are friendly and you’ll feel more than welcome when you arrive.

Andros Island is not as commercially developed as some of the islands of the Bahamas. You’ll see more unspoiled beauty, and there is a movement underway to make a national park on Andros Island. The reef is the most developed fringing reef system in the island chain. You’ll enjoy the quiet beaches of Andros Island, and the orchids in the subtropical forests.

Long Island, Bahamas was perhaps best described by Christopher Columbus, when he called it the most beautiful island he had seen, in all the explored world of his time. You’ll want to allow time to visit Dean’s Blue Hole, the deepest in the world, which is more than 600 feet deep. You will probably also wish to see the Columbus monument, a reminder of the day long ago when Christopher Columbus entered the harbor in 1492. Stop for awhile to tour the island’s churches, too, including the ruins of Saint Mary’s. The people who do travel to this more remote island may go there for the duck hunting or the yacht anchorages. Most of the population of this quiet island are farmers and fisherman. The waters around the island are filled with shipwrecks, fish and conch.

Inagua is an island of natural wonder, the southernmost of the Bahamas chain. Roughly 1200 people call the island home. It’s actually closer in distance to Haiti than to Nassau. The name Inagua comes from the iguana, which are common to see there. In fact, there are actually two islands, Little and Great Inagua. The Morton Salt Company produces almost a million pounds of salt from sea water pumped to interior ponds and dikes. You’ll enjoy watching the large colonies of flamingos who make their home in Inagua.

Rum Cay/San Salvador is the easternmost of the Bahamas, and it’s very popular for its diving. You’ll find caves near Fernandez and Sandy Point, and reefs near Riding Rock Point and Cockburn Town. Reef walls and shipwrecks also make for interesting dives. Although it’s a topic of debate, many believe that Christopher Columbus first landed on San Salvador, and there are four monuments that all claim to be marking the spot where he first came ashore. The island was first settled by the Lucayans, and was once the headquarters of George Watling, the buccaneer.