It doesn’t matter if you are in search of family fun or various nightlife events, you can find them here in the Bahamas. Each of the islands have their own activities to occupy any idol hours for those who seek them. Water related sports and events are readily available here and you can be assured that you will find some of the finest fishing in the world on any of the Bahamas Islands, diving that is unmatched by any other location, and boating fit for the fussiest of captains.

Of all the events found on these Caribbean paradises, you can find the islands most talked about cultural festival known as “Junkanoo”. Even the Junkanoo has evolved into an even larger even called the Junkanoo Summer Festival. This exciting event usually runs from June to August and is celebrated concurrently on Nassau/Paradise Island, The Exumas, The Abacos as well as the Grand Bahama Island.

On the Nassau/Paradise Island you will discover all the familiar components that are usually found in the “Junkanoo in June”. In addition they have added some additional features and surprises to make the celebration even more exciting and fun. The heritage and cultural explosion that is held every Saturday evening features many local musical talents and includes several theatrical performances, some local cultural demonstrations, tasty native dishes complete with tropical drinks and the Kid’s Camp which is centered around the younger generation.

Additional local events include Tuesday performances of the Bahamian Sketch Comedy groups, a Royal Poinciana Friday Tea Party held at the historical British Colonial Hilton and the National Youth Choir’s Saturday evening Concert.

Junkanoo represents Bahamas greatest cultural event scheduled for the year. Although known worldwide and familiar to many this event is strictly about the Bahamas and covers various aspects of this distinct cultural exponent.

Each of the major Junkanoo groups derives their funds from corporate sponsors. Of particular interest is the huge cost associated with this event which is usually upwards of $40,000 to $100,000. Many local corporations provide both financial and other support for the activities. These companies range from Aquapure Water Limited, Sun International, Shell Bahamas Limited and Colombian Emeralds International.

So, for those visiting the Bahamas for the first time, or even those revisiting, here are the ‘Top 10′ islands in the archipelago, which are also the ones most easily accessible to visitors.

1. New Providence

New Providence is the principal island in the Bahamas. It is by far the most populous, most popular, and literally a magnet for vacationers, particularly Americans. On it is located Nassau, the largest and best known Bahamian city, which claims more than 175,000 people and over 400 banks (oh, did we mention that the Bahamas is a tax haven? No? Well, it is!)! Accommodations, dining choices and other visitor facilities are plentiful here, as are other realtime tourist attractions. Besides its history-laden narrow streets and British-era forts, the chief draws here are the Atlantis International Resort and Casino and the Queen’s Staircase, the latter a 65-step stone stairway, representing one step for each year of Queen Victoria’s rule, which climbs 102 feet to Fort Fincastle. Popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing, diving, sport fishing, walking and bicycling.

2. Grand Bahama

Grand Bahama is the fourth largest island in the Bahamas. A travel brochure for the island describes it as “cosmopolitan glitz and glamour, coupled with miles of pristine beaches and endless turquoise seas.” And that really sums it up. The island has a dozen or so good hotels, several excellent waterfront restaurants, outstanding shopping venues, two casinos, and miles and miles of sandy beaches. The main city here is Freeport, which is the second largest and most modern in the Bahamas, with a population of 50,000. The big draw on the island is the Lucayan National Park, an environmental happening of sorts.

3. The Abacos

The Abacos, or just Abaco, is a cluster of tiny islands, islets and outcroppings that forms a 100-mile-long archipelago of its own. This is the second largest such island group in the Bahamas, and the most visited among the Bahamian ’Out Islands’. Its capital city, Marsh Harbour, which is really a one-stop-light town, is the third largest in the Bahamas. There are other quaint towns and villages on the other Abacos islands as well, with pastel-colored clapboard houses, sun-drenched beaches, abundant tropical flora, quiet country lanes, and more than 50 species of wild tropical birds. Recreation in the Abacos includes all the warm-weather outdoor sports you can think of, while the amenities here can be described as modern.

4. Andros

Andros is by far the largest island in the Bahamas, 104 miles long and 40 miles wide, located  just north of the Abacos, with an island-wide population of 8,000. There are three main towns on Andros, Nicholl’s Town, Fresh Creek and Kemp’s Bay, all of them accessible by boat or direct flights from either Miami or Nassau. There are good visitor facilities here, including a wide selection of accommodations, ranging from full-fledged resorts to neat little guest houses. The island is particularly popular with divers.

5. Bimini

Bimini, just a stone’s throw from Florida (okay, 50 miles) and made famous by the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey, is all about fishing, fishing, and fishing. It comprises two distinct islands, with a combined land mass of less than 10 square miles, and a population of around 1,600, most of whom live in Bailey Town in North Bimini. However, Alice Town, the other Bimini population center, is the primary tourist hub, with all the hotels, restaurants and fishing charter companies located there. Most visitors go to Bimini to fish, and the island, besides, is the locale of more than 20 well-known fishing tournaments.

6. Eleuthera

Eleuthera, which is perhaps the longest of the Bahamian islands, more than 110 miles long, and which lies 60 miles west of Nassau, is the playground of the rich and famous. It is consequently also one of the most accessible of the Bahamas islands, with daily flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Nassau. The island has a population of 10,800, and its principal towns are Spanish Wells, the wealthiest colony in the Bahamas; Harbour Island, a resort island with clear water and a pink-tinged beach; Gregory Town, the locale of the island’s Pineapple Festival; Governor’s Harbour, a typical tropical town with history and charm; and Tarpum Bay, an artists’ community where, among others, artists Mal Flanders, an American, and MacMillan Hughes, a Scotsman, went to paint the scenery.

7. The Exumas

Situated 35 miles east of New Providence, the Exumas comprise a chain of roughly 350 islands and cays, strung out along some 95 miles of open ocean, all the way down to Long Island. There are about 3,500 inhabitants in the Exumas, the majority of whom live on Greater Exuma and Little Exuma, located in the southern part of the island chain, in the principal population centers of George Town and Williams Town, respectively. The Exumas are also well connected via daily flights to both Miami and Nassau. Boating, fishing, beachcombing and swimming are the main pursuits here, with good, modern amenities for vacationers.

8. Cat Island

For sheer natural beauty and solitude, Cat Island is the pick of the bunch. A 50-square-mile island, it offers a tranquil retreat with rolling hills, lush green forests and vast expanses of windswept beaches. There are few creature comforts here, and visitor activities typically center around swimming, hiking and poking through the ruins of the old, Colonial plantations. Sights on the island include the Hermitage, a miniature, hand-built abbey on Mount Alverina, the highest point on the island at 206 feet; and the ruins of the Deveaux Plantation at Port Howe, a veritable slice of local history in a spectacular setting.

9. The Inaguas

The third largest, remotest and most southerly in the Bahamas chain, the Inaguas are also the most sparsely populated. There are fewer than 1,200 inhabitants here, all of them on Great Inagua, with Little Inagua, just to the north, uninhabited. And while the Inaguas are hardly a top choice for tourists, the few who do venture this far south are well rewarded with miles and miles of unspoiled rocky shorelines and more wildlife than on any of the other islands. Walking, bicycling, fishing and bird-watching are the order of the day. Besides which, two places of particular interest here are the Inagua National Park, with its 280 miles of rocky shoreline, inland waters, saltwater flats, shrubland and jungle, populated with its famous flamingos and over 200 other species of birds; and the picturesque Matthew Town Lighthouse, standing at the southern tip of the Inaguas like a lone sentinel.

10. San Salvador

San Salvador, situated just to the northeast of the Bahamas’ Long Island, is 12 miles long and 6 miles wide, with fewer than 600 people. The main population center here is Cockburn Town, the capital of both San Salvador and its smaller sister island to the west, Rum Cay. Virtually all of the island’s residents live here, yet this is one of the smallest communities in the Bahamas Out Islands. Oh, and Club Med is here as well, just a couple of miles from Cockburn Town.

You can book a Bahamas cruise in advance so that you may not miss the fun on board. Bahamas vacation is famous amongst students and old couples alike as it has something for everyone. On board Bahamas cruises you will be served with complimentary drinks, parties, fun games, dinner parties, dance, and music. You can step off at various beautiful and serene beaches to delight your senses and body. You can also seek an affordable and luxurious accommodation in cruise ships during nights. I bet you won’t ever experience such a beautiful honeymoon experience anywhere on the earth.

You can also fix your accommodation on the Bahamas Island in some of the luxurious hotels, resorts, bread & breakfast and yet attend cruise parties. Cruise parties are organized especially for the welcome of tourists and travelers. These parties are ultimate destination for fun, dance, and music. You will have best of the Islands’ drink and aromatic cuisines to delight your appetite.

If you are planning your Bahamas vacation during spring break then Nassau trip will add to the further fun and adventure. You will be greeted with the resplendent beauty of serene blue beaches, nightclubs, casinos, dolphins, Bay Street, and not to forget Bacardi Distillery to taste exotic rum.

You can unleash that wild energy hidden within you, when at Bahamas Islands and try your hands at every sport you have once imagined of being part of once. You can go for expedition into the forests, bicycling in Lucaya region. You can hire the bicycles on rent from number of shops available in the local market. Also, hotels too provide bicycles for cycling trip to Grand Bahamas Island.

Bahamas is bustling with the gala celebrations throughout the year. You can take part in various sports activities, dance competitions, contests, musical shows, and beach parties.

Make sure that, if you do not want to miss even an ounce of fun during your Bahamas vacation then get the bookings done in advance. Check with the holiday packages for Bahamas and find one suitable to your budget and needs. You will find ample of discount Bahamas vacation packages that offers accommodation and conveyance facility booked beforehand.

Make a checklist of stuff you need to carry along with you on holidays apart from all the travelling documents.

1.    Keep first-aid kit with you
2.    Telephone directory
3.    Mobile phone chargers
4.    Batteries, Camera, ipod, laptop, and chargers
5.    Slippers and towels
6.    Small hand bag
7.    Magazines and notebook
8.    Cash
9.    Credit cards

It is essential to keep everything in order and in an organized way in order to make your vacations best and memorable.

The activities you can do in Nassau, Bahamas are limitless. All over the world Bahamas is famous for water sport activities. You will find many companies with experience instructor giving tourist sea tours for under water caves exploration or deep scuba diving instructions. This place is also famous for dolphin encounters, swimming with dolphins in closed enclosure or in open water is truly life time experience. The beaches filled with white and pick sand add beauty to islands, with empty beaches and no one to bother you is perfect for your honeymoon and romantic couples.

Nassau is gateway to Bahamas and its chain of islands. All the international flights land here at Nassau, being hub of Bahamas you will see maximum tourist in this city. Very few flights (private) go to smaller or other surrounding islands. This place is best to start your Caribbean vacation and explore Bahamian culture.

The Nassau being the national capital of Bahamas is hub for economic and travel industry, most of the government buildings and private companies operate in Nassau. The place is hybrid of natural beauty and modern architecture, surrounded with beautiful beaches, fantastic restaurants catering world class cuisine. The Nassau, Bahamas is famous among travelers for secluded beautiful beaches, water sport activities and big sport fishing.

The island serves as base camp for visiting other beautiful islands, the access to remote islands is through either boats or through private small planes. In order to maximize the travel experience, boat journey is recommended by many experience travelers. However if time is the criteria and you want maximize the travel enjoyment than air travel to islands is recommended. Some of the islands take 8-10 hours to reach the destination by local boats.

Because of long travel by boats, travel by air is the popular choice among travelers to save the precious time on vacation. However there are people, who have time and love for sailing, to them boat option is the best. If you are in Nassau then don’t miss world famous Paradise Beach, the beach is linked to Nassau by bridge, the Paradise beach is famous for stunning views, water sport activity and golf course.

The island is also kids friendly; many companies operating in Nassau specialize in water sports geared towards kids and college students. The world famous “Dolphin Encounter” program is based in Nassau. The instructors working at Dolphin program are certified and have extensive experience in handling the dolphins and humans in close vicinity. Under the watchful eyes of trained staff kids get opportunity to touch and swim with Dolphins.

The other attractions for kids and families are Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and beaches for beach activities. The Nassau, Bahamas is great place to be with family and friends and this island is perfect location to create family bonding.

Another attractive point about Nassau, Bahamas the food variety you get here. The Bahamas culture is inspired by British, Spanish and West Indies culture, the blend of mix culture has resulted into a fine cuisine. The choices are endless. The restaurants combine main stream dishes with native dishes to create exotic taste. The fresh caught grouper, snapper and other fishes are served in local delicacy with fruits and vegetables in a splendid ambiance. There are many restaurants on Nassau which provide local and international cuisines, one thing can be assured that you will taste best sea food in world.

The climate is Nassau, Bahamas is another great thing; the weather here on average is warm and sunny. With turquoise-colored water the ocean views are breathtaking; the best part is that the Nassau is that it is open year around for travelers.

Things to do in Nassau Island, Bahamas

• Looking for reasons why you should visit Nassau, Bahamas
• If you are tired of walking on dirty brown sand beach and want to walk-on white sand beach then Nassau or other Bahamas island is the choice.
• Looking for some lady luck, try your luck at casinos.(Shows, Magic Acts , Acrobatics )
• Great place to show marine life to kids, encounter with Dolphins is great attraction.
• Party like a celebrity at Aura, our new 9,000 square foot nightclub.
• Visit “Aquaventure” a water sport area , great rides and slides.
• Visit 5 star restaurant
• Best snorkeling and diving spots.
• Play Golf
• Sail to near by islands.
• Bone fishing
• If you are certified Scuba diver, then scuba diving or snorkeling the coral reefs is another option for you.
• Visit Paradise island in Bahamas
• Explore local straw market, largest in Carrieban
• Have interest in shopping, great place to buy duty free items such as perfume, jewelry, crafts and liquor etc.
• These are just few reasons, to get ready and visit Nassau, Bahamas

Where to stay in Nassau Island, Bahamas

You will find beach resorts and hotels on island and in some cases private villas. Couples of listings are given below, please note this is not the complete list.

• Hotels and real-estate in Nassau and Paradise Island, Bahamas
• Sheraton Cable Beach Resort – Starwood’s newest Caribbean resort is now open!
• Paradise Island Harbour Resort – All inclusive resort on Paradise Island
• Nassau Palm Resort – Overlooking Nassau Harbour
• Coldwell Banker Bahamas
• H.G. Christie Ltd.
• Mosko Realty
• Private Villas

Plan your trip in advance, The Nassau is on world map and there are direct flights from South America and North America. The Nassau Island also serves as gateway to other Bahamas islands.

Nassau in Bahamas – Gateway to Bahamas and its Beautiful Islands