The Bahamas archipelago is one of the absolute destinations of many people and is often synonymous with the special nature, the climate and life in the Caribbean. As one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean, there are of course a few ways to explore the archipelago including the historic capital of Nassau. Above all, however, a visit on your own can be worthwhile if you want to see as much of the archipelago in the Caribbean as possible. In addition to an impressive culture and way of life, there are many wonders of nature and one or two historic buildings from the long history of the Caribbean state to see.

The distinctly different world on the islands of the Bahamas

The Americans in particular are big fans of the islands of the Bahamas. The islands can be reached quickly by cruise ship from Florida and especially on the main island “Paradise Island”, where a not inconsiderable part of Nassau including the most important tourist infrastructure is located, is very much geared towards the public from the States. Nassau and Paradise Island are thus the tourist hot spots of the Bahamas and offer a very special attitude to life that actually has little to do with the rest of the archipelago. The capital is completely geared towards the flow of tourists from the States and other parts of the world and offers a corresponding infrastructure for an exciting stay.

An eye-catcher is certainly the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, which is not only one of the largest hotel complexes in the world, but also includes casinos and a variety of other entertainment activities. So if you’re looking for a good show or just want to play a bit of blackjack in the evening, you’ve come to the right place. If you are looking for the culture and spirit of the Bahamas and Nassau, however, you will probably head to other regions of the city and the islands. This dichotomy from the modern world for tourism and the preservation of its own history and culture can be noticed throughout the archipelago.

The sights of historic Nassau

If you want to escape the touristy Nassau and concentrate more on the roots and the exciting history of the islands and their capital, you can actually do this relatively easily. As soon as you leave the area around Paradise Island, you go to the actual parts of the city, where most of the inhabitants can be found. The other parts of Nassau are connected to Paradise Island by two large bridges. Taxis can be found everywhere, as well as other options for exploring. Especially if you are already in the historic city center, however, it is recommended to walk on your own feet – the distances are usually short and the traffic is often more of a hindrance for transport by car.

Beginning of the 17th century and deep into the In the 18th century, the Bahamas and especially Nassau were mainly a nest for pirates. Many attempts to destroy the pirate island have failed and at times the island was even the home of the famous Blackbeard. Only with the intervention of the British – and a pirate as governor – could the problem be eliminated. From about the middle of the In the 18th century, the construction of Nassau in its present form began. One attraction that already results from this is the city’s famous Pirate Museum, which deals intensively with this exciting part of the city’s history.

After that, the fate of Nassau and the entire Bahamas remained closely linked to the political developments of the USA . So it is no wonder that today many rich Americans in particular have built their own empire on the small private islands. But if you want to see a little more of the island, you should take a look at the historic Parliament Building, which is open to the public and was built in the early 19th century. The many forts, especially the Charlotte Fortress, are also worth a visit – even if most of them have never actually fired a shot, they are a special testimony to the history of the Caribbean and the architecture of the time.

Traditions and recreations in and around Nassau

Even though there are a lot of historic buildings in Nassau and you can also play at the casino on the side, you are still in the Caribbean and on some of the most beautiful islands this world has to offer. Of course, this also applies to Nassau. Around the islands over which the capital extends, there are a variety of beautiful beaches that invite you to go swimming and where you can spend the whole day. In the evening, you can immerse yourself in the nightlife of Nassau, enjoy a bit of the local cuisine and visit the many clubs, bars and discos that make Nassau a paradise for young and old alike.

If you come at the right time of year, you can also watch one of the many folk festivals. The most famous festival is the Junkanoo Cultural Festival, which takes place on New Year’s Day and one reason for this is that many travelers take a trip to the Bahamas, especially at this time of year. Especially in combination with a cruise , it could be the perfect destination for exciting relaxation in the Caribbean.

You feel like you’re in paradise on a holiday in Andros, the largest archipelago in the Bahamas. Beautiful sandy beaches lined with palm trees, small beach houses and coconuts as far as the eye can see. In addition, there are parasols made of palm leaves. The large islands stretch over 167 kilometers long and 64 kilometers wide. With a reef of 225 kilometers in length, it is the third largest in the world. Divers and snorkelers will find a paradise here. Beautiful colorful fish, sponges, octopuses and much more is at home in the reef. The Andros archipelago is not only a special attraction for beach vacationers, but also for families with children who enjoy the gently sloping sea and for adventure and sports enthusiasts.

A variety of landscapes

The Andros Islands have not yet been developed for tourism, especially the interior of the island has preserved its origin over the many years since 1550. Because that’s when Columbus discovered America and a few years later the first immigrants came to the Bahamas. The island has a scenic beauty, with tropical forests, small lagoons and large amounts of fresh water. There are underground springs in the numerous caves. These heights can be visited during hikes in the interior. In the hinterland, in addition to the numerous rainforests, there are also many swamps that connect the various islands.

Long rivers have also carved their way into the country. With more than 50 species of orchids and 200 species of birds, the islands are a scenic beauty. Due to the tropical climate, it is a year-round destination with mild temperatures. Of course, there is a rainy season, but it does not cool down noticeably, but the air is warm and humid. Of course, in addition to the hikes in the untouched interior of the island, the beach is also a highlight for holidaymakers. Because only here can you swim all year round. Sun, beach and sea are the focus on the island.

Families with children can enjoy their beach holiday on the gently sloping sandy beach and treat themselves to a delicious ice cream on the promenade. Far away from the touristy crowded places, there are unique small beach hotels and, of course, lots of nature as far as the eye can see. Maybe one or the other sees the chickcharnies, which are thought to be an extinct animal species as wingless owls. Whether it is just a mythical creature or not is up to the imagination.

Places of interest on the islands

Nature lovers visit the Blue Holes National Park, whose contrast consists of water and green forests. The numerous waterholes on the island invite many people to linger. Peace and quiet lies over the area. If you are looking for the history of the region, you should visit the historical hiking routes. Morgan’s Bluff is one such beach, where one of the most beautiful hiking routes across the island begins. First it leads directly along the sea, on the so-called pirate beach, around which numerous myths entwine themselves. Then we continue into the interior of the island. There are also caves in the region that can be visited, the Captain Morgan Caves.

The Andros Barrier Reef is arguably the most popular terrain on the island. Not only divers and snorkelers come here, but also sailors and boating enthusiasts who spend their afternoons here in the crystal-clear water. Because the numerous fish can also be seen from the deck. Only the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia and one in Belize is larger than this more than 200-kilometre-long natural highlight. A different world opens up here for scuba divers and hobby snorkelers. Thousands of different fish, seahorses and rays cavort here under the water surface.

The most beautiful beaches in Andros

Who has ever heard of Exumas? These are the famous swimming pigs that are at home here. These animals live here at Pig Beach and no one knows exactly how the animals got here. This is just a story of the Bahamas and an experience par excellence. Perhaps the animals were left behind, because they are by no means native island animals. In addition to Pig Beach, there are numerous other beaches in the Bahamas that are simply unique. Small Hope Bay is another beach that lives up to its name. Here you can find hope and peace. Of course, in addition to the beautiful beach, there is also the possibility to get married here.

Result: A holiday on the island of Andros is definitely worthwhile for all those seeking peace and quiet and sports enthusiasts who want to have fun on the sea. Of course, there are other things, but nature is the focus here. The island is not yet very touristy and all its origins seem to have been preserved. Which makes a holiday in which peace and quiet dominate perfect here