Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Loyalist Cays
These Abaco islands were settled by Loyalists fleeing America after the Re-
volutionary War, and their influence is still obvious in the New England-style architecture
and the locals' old-fashioned accents (
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)
Mt Alvernia Hermitage
This hilltop monastery was built by Father Jerome, the Bahamas'
beloved wandering priest (
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)
Lucayan National Park
Skeletons of indigenous Lucayan people were found at the bot-
tom of this park's blue holes (
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)
Wildlife Watching
Whether you're an amateur marine biologist or a passionate birdwatcher, the Bahamas of-
fers an abundance of wildlife for your viewing pleasure. Birders should look out for the
Bahamas swallow, Bahamas woodstar, Greater Antillean bullfinch and the Cuban emerald
hummingbird. Undersea, keep your eyes peeled for the Nassau grouper, the Atlantic spot-
ted dolphin and the lemon shark.
Grand Bahama
Tops for birdwatching, especially in the Garden of the Groves botanical
garden (
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)
Berry Islands
Several of these remote, uninhabited islands are given over to private nature
preserves (
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)
Staniel Cay
Splash around with the famous swimming pigs of the tiny cay neighboring
this Exuma island (
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)
Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park
Fearsome-looking rock iguanas abound in the Exumas
(
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)
Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Center
Nearly 300 species of animals, many
indigenous to the Bahamas, live at this Nassau zoo. Don't miss the march of the flamingos!
(
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)
Shopping
Duty-free diamonds, watches, perfumes, cigars and handbags lure shoppers to the Ba-
hamas. But there's more to the island's shopping scene than luxury goods. The Bahamas
also produces gorgeous straw work, Androsia batik fabric, wood carvings, conch jewelry
and folk-art paintings. Food-wise, look out for rum cakes, coconut candies and Eleutheran
pineapple jam.
