myrtle beach campground Allegro Turks & Caicos and Casino. This is one of the most expensive resorts on the island, one of a

Allegro Turks & Caicos and Casino. This is one of the most expensive resorts on the island, one of a chain of all-inclusive luxury hotels myrtle beach campground based in the Dominican Republic. The best feature is its more than 900 feet on Grace Bay s top beach. myrtle beach campground Then there are the beautifully landscaped gardens, a large pool, and cool, quiet public rooms and reception areas. The guest rooms, centered around the pool and sundeck, are all air-conditioned, have ceiling fans, tiled floors, rattan furniture, oversized myrtle beach campground bathrooms, and either patios or balconies, all with ocean views. It s very much a family-oriented resort with a good mix of people from all age groups; the kids will like the Kids on Vacation Club. There are several dining areas one all-purpose restaurant, two open for

New Providence, 30, 33, 47, 55-102, 67-78, 107, 182-183; accommodations, 20, 52, 55; beaches, 51; bike rentals, 37, 55, 62, 68-69; bird-watching, 76; fishing, 55; golf, 35; hiking, 55; history, 55-57; horseback myrtle beach campground riding, 38; map, 54; motorcycles, 62; package vacations, 58; parasailing, 38; population, 55; rental cars, 62; scuba diving, 55; shelling, 39, 55; shipwrecks, 86-89;

wisconsin camping reservations dive operators, 47-48, 84, 361-364; Andros, 200, 252; Bimini, 212; Cat Island, 271; Cockburn Harbour

Tuna is another fine blue-water catch. Every spring the bluefin make their annual run through the Bahamas, and anglers leave the docks in droves to participate in any one of a dozen or more tournaments from Bimini to Walker s Cay. Catches wisconsin camping reservations weigh from 100 to 800, even 900 pounds. There s also blackfin and yellowfin tuna smaller, but no less fun to catch.

dive operators, wisconsin camping reservations 47-48, 84, 361-364; Andros, 200, 252; Bimini, 212; Cat Island, 271; Cockburn Harbour, 348; Eleuthera, 231; the Exumas, 252; George Town, 252; Grand Bahama, 130-131; Green Turtle Cay, 172; Hope Town, 173; Marsh Harbour, 172, 173; Nassau, 90-91; San Salvador, 305; Treasure Cay 156, 186

camping near denver Bonefish, like deer, must be stalked, and they are just as skittish. Make a wrong move at the wrong

You ll discover where the best fishing spots are and the best places to dive. I ll tell you the best places to eat, where to shop in the duty-free stores for magnificent emeralds, camping near denver exotic perfumes and the unique hand-made crafts of the islands. And you ll find advice on where to stay: hotels, condominiums, and villas.

Bonefish, like deer, must be stalked, and they are just as skittish. Make a wrong move at the wrong time and your quarry will be gone in a flash, leaving you standing alone in the water, totally frustrated, camping near denver and wondering what went wrong. camping near denver Bonefish are not very big. They weigh in around six to 15 pounds, with some growing as large as 20 pounds.

Package Operators 350 Charter Airlines -Islands of the Bahamas 350 Charter Airlines -Florida 350 Resort camping near denver Charter Airlines 350 Mail Boat Schedules 355 Other Sailings 359 Fishing Guides 359 Abaco 359 Andros camping near denver 360 Bimini 360 Eleuthera 360 Exuma 361 Grand Bahama 361 New Providence 361 Turks & Caicos 361 Providenciales 361 Grand Turk 361 Dive Operators 362 Abaco 362 Andros 362 Bimini 362 Eleuthera 362 Exuma 363 Grand Bahama 363 New Providence 363 Turks & Caicos Islands 364 Providenciales 364 Grand Turk 364 Accommodations 364 The Abacos 365 Andros 366 Bimini 366 Eleuthera 366 The Exumas 367 Grand Bahama 368 Nassau-New Providence 368 Turks & Caicos camping near denver 370 Grand Turk 370 North Caicos camping near denver 371 Middle Caicos 371 South Caicos 371 Providenciales 371 Index 373

With a total combined land mass of less than 5,400 square miles, the islands of the Bahamas constitute one of the smallest countries in the world. camping near denver Tourism has brought camping near denver prosperity to the Bahamas. But it hasn t spoiled the great natural beauty of the islands. In the early days, as in the coastal boom towns of Florida and California, little attention was given to the damage unrestricted exploitation camping near denver was inflicting camping near denver on Nassau and New Providence. Today, there s a new feeling in the islands. A feeling that the unique beauty of the archipelago must be preserved. Conservation is the new watchword of the Bahamas.

ocean shores camping crets so secret, in fact, that the company guarantees you ll have it all to yourself. The day-trip c

The Modern Era By the early 1900s, people of African ocean shores camping descent had become the majority of the Bahamian population, but power remained in the hands of the white minority. By the 1930s, the islands had been discovered ocean shores camping by the millionaire developers from America and Europe, and the gap between the races grew even wider.

crets so secret, in fact, that the company guarantees you ll have it all to yourself. The day-trip costs $95 per person, or you can overnight in a tent for only $115 dinner and breakfast included. You can even spend the night in a stateroom on board a 70-foot yacht. The company also offers what they term The Ultimate Getaway. The cost for the day-long trip is just $79 a bargain and includes pickup at your hotel, snorkeling, breakfast, lunch, and all you can drink. Visit the website for a list of the company s tours and adventures, or 649-941-5810; www.provo.net/oceanoutback.

Allegro Turks & Caicos and Casino. This is one of the most expensive resorts on the island, one of a chain of all-inclusive ocean shores camping luxury hotels based in the Dominican Republic. The best feature is its more than 900 feet on Grace Bay s top beach. Then there are the beautifully landscaped gardens, a large pool, and cool, quiet public rooms and reception areas. The guest rooms, centered around the pool and sundeck, are all air-conditioned, have ceiling fans, tiled floors, rattan furniture, oversized bathrooms, and either patios or balconies, all with ocean views. It s very much a family-oriented resort with a good mix of people from all age groups; the kids will like the Kids on Vacation Club. There are several dining areas one all-purpose restaurant, two open for

calf creek campground Bimini Bimini Big Game Fishing Club, Alice Town, 800-327-4149, $150 EP. Bimini Blue Water Resort, Al

There are endless possibilities for getting out and about on the water from the self-drive calf creek campground rental boat available by the hour, to the full-blown chartered day-sailor yacht that comes complete with captain and crew, not to mention cham

Getting There The easiest way to get here is to fly onto the island from Provo. You can day-trip the island by way of Turks and Caicos Airways ( 649-946-2455), which operates a fairly reliable schedule, several times a day, and the fare is only $35 one-way. If you have a private boat with a shallow draft, you can go by sea and enjoy spectacular views of one of the most rugged shorelines in the group. Other than that, you might like to take a tour from Provo with J&B Tours, 649-946-5047, or Silver calf creek campground Deep Tours, calf creek campground 649-946-5612, for about $135 per person.

Bimini Bimini Big Game Fishing Club, Alice Town, 800-327-4149, $150 EP. Bimini Blue Water Resort, Alice Town, 242-347-2166, $100 EP. The Compleat Angler Hotel, Alice Town, 242-347-3122, $85 EP. Sea Crest Hotel, Alice Town, 242-347-2071, $90 EP.

gulf shores camping a mainstay of the menu, as is chicken in a variety of forms. Those with a hankering for American goo

a mainstay of the menu, as is chicken in a variety of forms. Those with a hankering for American goodies can enjoy pizza, steaks, lobster, gulf shores camping and even banana splits. Open daily from 7 am until 7 pm, but you ll need to make a reservation for dinner. 649-946-7301.

and good company. You have to be fairly fit to handle the often- strenuous exercise of paddling for hours at a time. But the sheer vastness of the seascapes, the pristine beaches, and the crystal waters make this a one-of-a-kind experience. See pages 247-49 for details on the various outfitters.

nason creek campground Not for the faint-hearted, this is your chance to experience the thrills of off-shore powerboat raci

Most package operators offer what s called travel protection insurance. This may or may not cover some limited medical emergencies. nason creek campground Several nason creek campground insurance companies also offer travel protection insurance as well as cancellation insurance. They can be well worth the extra cost. Perhaps the best of these is CSA Travel Protection Insurance offered through travel agents and underwritten by Commercial Union Insurance Company. For more information, call your local travel agent or

160, 161, 165, 166 Christophe, Henri, 277 Chub Cay (Berry Islands), 44, 265, 266 Clarence Town (Long Island), 287 Clifton Point (New Providence), 89 The Cloisters (Paradise Island), 71 Coakley Town (Andros), 194 Cockburn, Sir Francis, 293 Cockburn Harbour (South Caicos),

One of the more spectacular opportunities offered on Grand Turk is whale watching. Every year, from January through April, more than 2,500 humpback whales come to breed in the warm waters to the south and east of Salt Cay.

Not for the faint-hearted, this is your chance to experience the thrills of off-shore powerboat racing in a certain degree of comfort, at least as much as one might be able to expect at speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour. Several compa

flagstaff camping 649-946-7184. From $70. Ocean Beach Hotel is a small, intimate hotel with 10 guest units, some two-b

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649-946-7184. From $70. Ocean Beach Hotel is a small, flagstaff camping intimate flagstaff camping hotel with 10 guest units, some two-bedroom, some three-bedroom. All have ocean views, ceiling fans, bamboo furniture flagstaff camping and fully equipped kitchens. There s an on-site restaurant and a bar. It s a bit pricey, but kids stay free. Whitby, North Caicos, Turks and Caicos, BWI, 649-946-7113. From $110.

camping in austin Taxis in Nassau and Freeport are always metered make sure your driver turns his meter on and can be

dive sites, 47-48; the Abacos, 166-172; Andros, 197-200; camping in austin Bimini, 211, 213; Cat Island, 271-272; Eleuthera, 228-230; The Exumas, 254; Grand Bahama, 129, 131; Long Island, 288-290; New Providence, 83-89; Out Islands, 47; San Salvador, 303-305; Walker s Cay 167-168

Taxis in Nassau and Freeport are always metered camping in austin make sure your driver turns his meter on and can be found waiting for fares on busy downtown streets, and at the airports and hotels. Rates are generally reasonable. A ride from Nassau s airport to Paradise Island is about $20, and to Cable Beach about $15. In Freeport, the trip from the airport to the hotel district can cost anywhere from $8 to $12; the fare is the same from the hotel district to Pier One restaurant.

camping in kansas and the Ramsar Site, described on page 339. The trail leads past the ruins of a number of old cotton

and the Ramsar Site, described on page 339. The trail leads past the ruins of a number of old cotton camping in kansas plantations, remnants of Loyalist times, until it joins with the Crossing Over Trail that leads to North Caicos. If you re into hiking, you ll want to give this trail a try; be sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen; the round-trip camping in kansas is a long one, and there are no facilities along the way.

Language The language spoken on the islands is English at least it s called English. The old language has been shaped and reshaped over more than 300 years by a potpourri of cultures, of which the British and Caribbean have had no small influence. Some say the Bahamian accent is decidedly West Indian, others say it has a sound all its own. If it s spoken quickly, it s almost impossible for an outsider to understand. The secret is to listen carefully, and don t be afraid to ask the speaker to repeat that will often bring a delighted grin to his or her face.

Grand Bahama Castaways Resort, Box 2629, Freeport, 242-352-6682, $75 EP. Coral Beach Hotel, Box F-2468, Freeport, 242-373-2468, camping in kansas $75 EP. Club Fortuna Beach Resort, Freeport, 800-847-4502, $240 EP. Deep Water Cay Club, Box 40039, Freeport, 242-353-3073, $350

wv camping If you want to visit one of the more remote islands, you ll need to enlist the services of a creativ

If you want to visit one of the more remote islands, you ll need to enlist the services of a creative travel agent. It might take a little arranging, but it is possible, and the experience will be well worth the extra effort. You ll find options listed throughout this book.

More than 3.5 million travelers come to the islands each year. They arrive sometimes by small boat, but more often by cruise ship or jet. Some are so taken with the magical beauty of the islands they stay for months.

camping near austin tx ( (#% $

dive operators, 305; dive packages, 305; dive sites, 303-305; fishing, 308; getting there, 295-297; hiking, 302; history, 294; horseback riding, 308; kayaking, 308; map, 295; moped rentals, 297; package vacations, 297; population, 293; sailing, 308; shipwrecks, 303; size, 293; snorkeling, 300, 303-304, 308; swimming, 308; taxis, 297; tennis, 308; watersports, 308

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camping michigan mail boats leave daily, usually in the afternoons, and return two or three days later. The schedules

General information about what s available throughout the islands is listed in this section. More specific camping michigan information about the attractions and activities on individual islands is given in each chapter, and the At a Glance section at the end of the book.

mail boats leave daily, usually in the afternoons, and return two or three days later. The schedules, though posted camping michigan as regular, often can be haphazard. But, if you have the time and patience, this can add to your experience. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself. To sail the mail boats, simply camping michigan pick a time and destination you ll find details in each chapter and in the At a Glance section at the end. You should get

rehoboth beach camping Most hiking routes are lonely, often dusty, and without facilities. Be sure to carry everything you

Package Deals If your vacation is a package provided by a major operator, rehoboth beach camping you can generally expect your hotel to be clean and comfortable. Package operators inspect their client hotels regularly and require certain minimum rehoboth beach camping standards. This doesn t mean you get better service or accommodations, just that you can be assured rehoboth beach camping of certain standards.

You ll need a guide who knows the area and where the best flats are found. Many hotels offer bonefishing packages that include the services of a reliable and experienced guide. If not, don t be afraid to ask. The hotel desk is the best place to start, but many taxi drivers know just who to put you in touch with. Most boat rental companies and dive companies will also know of someone. Bonefishing is good almost everywhere in the islands, rehoboth beach camping from Abaco to the Acklins, and from Bimini to Eleuthera. Unlike most other sportfishing, it is good throughout the year. There are a number of ways to go about it. It s claimed that in some areas bonefish can be caught from the dock, or by casting into the surf, or from a skiff. But

800-321-3000, $170 EP. The Bay View Village, Box SS-6308, Nassau, 800-757-1357, $165 EP. Breezes, Cable Beach, 242-327-8231, $200 all-inclusive. British Colonial Hilton, Box N-7148, 800-445-8667, $150 EP. The Buena Vista Hotel, Box N-564, Nassau, 242-322-2811, $95

Most hiking routes are lonely, often dusty, and without facilities. Be sure to carry everything you need, especially an adequate quantity of water and sun block. Bicycling offers the opportunitys to see the land at a more leisurely pace than by car or taxi. While bicycles are available for rent on the two main islands, they are not quite so easily come by in the Out Islands. Some of the hotels in the Out Islands offer them free of charge to their guests, and some do rent them to guests rehoboth beach camping staying at other hotels. Check with your travel agent.

hanna park camping This is a vast nature park incorporating many miles of deserted beach, silent freshwater lakes, and

This is a vast nature park incorporating many miles of deserted beach, silent freshwater lakes, and extensive pine forests, all connected by more than 10 miles of trails. The reserve is a part of the Turks and Caicos National Trust

Today, the Lucayan Indians, the pirates and privateers are long gone. Today s adventurer, while still very much an explorer, is an outdoor enthusiast, a skin diver, an angler, a sailor, a hiker, a bird watcher, hanna park camping a gambler or even a shopper. All are looking for something hanna park camping different and all manage to find it one way or another in the Bahamas.

Salt Raker Inn is a real charmer. There are just 13 guest units, all of them air-conditioned, and all individually decorated. Some have ocean views, some overlook the gardens. Some have TVs and telephones, all have ceiling fans and refrigerators. Upstairs units have balconies with hammocks: nice. There s even a restaurant. Inexpensive. Duke Street, PO Box 1, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, hanna park camping BWI,

grand haven camping Freeport (Grand Bahama), 6, 13, 15, 18, 23-25, 29, 30, 77, 79, 103, 105-108, 112, 115, 116, 121, 124

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$ Fast Eddie s, on Airport Road, is a neat place where Americans can find the food they like best: burgers, fries, steaks and apple pie, along with a variety of Bahamian dishes that include fresh fish, pork and conch. No alcohol and no credit cards. Recommended.

Freeport (Grand Bahama), 6, 13, 15, 18, 23-25, 29, 30, 77, 79, 103, 105-108, 112, 115, 116, 121, 124, 125, 131, 139, 140; accommodations, 135-138; beaches, 105, 136; casino, 136; dining, 131-132, 133-134, 137; golf, 137; hospitals, 28; nightlife, 52; population, 6, 103; shopping, 52, 103, 105, 136; watersports, 52, 136, 137

camping list essentials The Arches is a small, modern hotel set on a ridge where you can enjoy some spectacular ocean views.

Shoot at the highest possible shutter speed. This will reduce camera shake. The longer the lens, the faster the shutter camping list essentials speed. You should never hand-hold a camera at a shutter speed slower than the focal length of the lens. For example, you would only hand-hold a camera fitted with 180mm lens when the shutter camping list essentials speed is set to 1/250 of a second or more; never slower. Likewise, a 50mm lens could be hand-held with the shutter set to 1/60th of a second, but no slower. The best light for photography is in the early morning and late afternoon. The colors are warmer and the shadows deeper. At noon, when the sun is overhead, the lighting is flat and uninteresting. Good composition means good photographs. Dull days and skies without detail mean dull photographs. Such situations call for a little thought before you shoot. A technique called framing will eliminate large, detail-less areas from your pictures. Shoot from beneath tree branches, through doorways and windows, camping list essentials and include odd sections of wall and pieces of furniture in the picture. Walk around the subject until you find something anything you can place in the picture that will break up those large, uninteresting areas of sky. Never place a dominant point of interest in the center of your picture; move it up or down just a little, or place it a little to one side. Finally, look around. Make sure there is no trash soda cans, scraps of paper lying around. Never shoot into the sun. For the best effect, the sunlight should be coming from behind you, never from in front, unless you re looking for silhouettes. If you can, take notes. There s nothing worse than getting a half-dozen rolls of film back from the lab and not knowing what it is you re seeing. Don t miss the opportunity to shoot under water. Even if you don t intend to go diving, you should take a camera to the beach; the fish in the shallow waters are colorful and abundant. You can purchase one of those neat little ready-made under-water cameras that come ready to

Inside the reef, before you reach the deep waters of the ocean where glamorous, deep-water sportfish hog the limelight, there s a second, very exciting sporting opportunity bonefishing. The elusive bonefish, often called the ghost fish, is rapidly becoming one of the most popular sportfish on the islands. Until quite recently, bonefishing camping list essentials was almost unheard of among mainland anglers. Today, people from around the world flock here in search of this hard-fighting denizen of the flats.

The Arches is a small, modern hotel set on a ridge where you can enjoy some spectacular ocean views. There are just 24 guest units, all air-conditioned, with cable TV and kitchenettes. It s a bit expensive, but nice. Lighthouse Road, PO Box 226, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, BWI, 649-946-2941. EP from $150.

santa barbara camping Nassau is also a microcosm of the nation s history. Visitors can explore its narrow streets, the old

Boston and Atlanta; and locations in Florida. Visitors can fly freely between the islands by Bahamasair, the national carrier. Charter flights between the islands are also available. See the At a Glance section at the end of this guide for full details.

Nassau is also a microcosm of the nation s history. santa barbara camping Visitors can explore its narrow streets, the old British forts, climb the Queen s Staircase and wander through outlying villages dating back to the days of slavery and beyond.

camping in pennsylvania Jet-skiing is offered at most of the beachfront hotels on Grand Bahama and New Providence Islands, b

Jet-skiing is offered at most of the beachfront hotels on Grand Bahama and New Providence Islands, but not on the Out Islands because the skis damage the fragile coral heads. Rates vary from hotel to hotel, but start at around $40 for 30 minutes.

Package Deals If your vacation camping in pennsylvania is a package provided by a major operator, you can generally expect your hotel to be clean and comfortable. Package operators inspect their client hotels regularly and require certain minimum standards. This doesn t mean you get better service or accommodations, just that you can be assured of certain standards.

Atlantis Resort and one at Nassau Marriott Resort on Cable Beach. In Freeport, one casino is at Our Lucaya. The other is at the Royal Oasis Resort & Casino. There is more information camping in pennsylvania on gaming and casinos in the regional chapters.

flagg ranch campground end of the island. Almost all are available for rent. Choose from one-, two-or three-bedrooms, and t

Only hook and line fishing is allowed in the Bahamas; use of a speargun is illegal. In fact, spearguns themselves are illegal in the Bahamas. The number of lines per boat is limited to six in the water at any one time. The bag limit per person flagg ranch campground per boat for dolphin, kingfish and wahoo, or any combination of the three species, is six. Above that limit, fish should be released unharmed, as should all fish unless they are to be used for food. Planning your fishing trip is easy. Many hotels offer packages of between three and eight days, with everything you need included in the rate: boat, bait, box lunches and gear. In some cases, even the use of a small sailboat is included (see specific chapters for package details).

end of the island. Almost all are available for rent. Choose from one-, two-or three-bedrooms, and there are some junior suites. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, two freshwater pools, and a Jacuzzi. The guest units are luxuriously appointed, air-conditioned, and comfortable. PO Box 101, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, BWI,

overnight. Schedules are somewhat random, subject to change and postponement. The mail boat is, however, an economical way to travel the islands, a lot of fun, and perhaps the most understated flagg ranch campground and unusual adventure flagg ranch campground available. The decks are crowded with Bahamians, flagg ranch campground freight, livestock and a variety of weird cargoes.

nebraska camping THE OUT ISLANDS 139 The Abacos 141 History 142 Getting There 145 By Air 145 By Mail Boat 147 By Priv

800-321-3000, $170 EP. The Bay View Village, Box SS-6308, Nassau, 800-757-1357, $165 EP. Breezes, Cable Beach, 242-327-8231, $200 all-inclusive. British Colonial Hilton, Box N-7148, 800-445-8667, $150 EP. The Buena Vista Hotel, Box N-564, Nassau, 242-322-2811, $95

THE OUT ISLANDS 139 The Abacos 141 History 142 Getting There 145 By Air 145 By Mail Boat 147 By Private Boat 147 Package Vacations 149 Getting Around 149 By Ferry 150 By Bicycle, Moped or Car 150 Marsh Harbour 151 Walking 151 South from Town 151 North from Town 152 Driving 153 Man-O-War Cay 153 Exploring 153 Elbow Cay & Hope Town 154 Exploring 154 Green Turtle Cay & New Plymouth 155 Exploring 155 Treasure Cay 156 Great Guana Cay 157 Walker s Cay 158 Guided Tours & Sightseeing 158 Sand Dollar Tours 158 Bird Watching & Nature Tours 159 The Different of Abaco 160 Ibis Tours 160 Adventures on Water 161 Sport Fishing 161 Boat Rentals 161 Fishing/Accommodation nebraska camping Packages 162 Fishing Guides nebraska camping 165 Diving & Snorkeling 165 Best Dive Sites 166 Shipwrecks 168 Best Snorkeling Sites 170 Dive Operators 172 Dive/Accommodation Packages 173

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don laine campground Bicycles & Mopeds Bicycles are popular on the islands. Visitors love them. They are inexpensive to r

Bicycles & Mopeds Bicycles are popular on the islands. Visitors love them. They are inexpensive to rent, convenient, easy to park, and nowhere is really too far away. The only concern is that you ll be riding on the wrong side of the road. You can rent

The Bahamas, still very much steeped in their traditional British heritage, are inhabited by a hodgepodge of black and white races of African-American, Continental European, and African origin, among others. Less than 40

riverland clothing You should seek professional advice before taking off into the deep. It matters little where you mig

Drinks Popular drinks are the Bahama Mama, the Goombay Smash, and the Yellow riverland clothing Bird. Bahamians also drink lots and lots of beer, mostly the local brew: a fine golden beer called Kalik. Be sure to try it. Imported beers from America and Europe are also available but, like everything else that has to be im

stretches from Leeward-Going-Through Point westward past Richmond riverland clothing Hills almost to Tom Foot Rock and Northwest Point, where you ll find another spectacular stretch of sand called Davy Bight Beach. Grace Bay Beach is considered Provo s finest.

You should seek professional advice before taking off into the deep. It matters little where you might be staying; even on the most remote of the Out Islands there will always be someone available to warn you about the currents or other dangers at any given spot. Jean Michel Cousteau Adventures If you re really interested riverland clothing in a snorkeling vacation, arrange a stay at one of the hotels participating in the Jean Michel riverland clothing Cousteau Snorkeling Adventures program. It s a great value. For $98-$99 you can immerse riverland clothing yourself into an exciting new world of wondrous corals and colorful fish. Unlock the secrets of thousands of miles of coral reefs, more than 700 islands, and over 100,000 square riverland clothing miles of ocean. Receive snorkeling instruction by trained professionals on guided excursions, a snorkeling instruction book, reference books and a custom T-shirt. And, within 10 days of your return home you ll receive your very own set of US Divers Limited Edition Jean-Michel Cousteau diving mask, fins, snorkel and gear bag. You ll also receive a personalized certificate from Jean-Michel Cousteau welcoming you to the exciting new world as well as the Snorkeling Guide To Marine Life and the accompanying Underwater Identification Cards. Participating Out Island hotels are listed throughout the book and in the At a Glance section. Your travel agent can book the program for you or you can book it yourself through the Bahama riverland clothing Out Island Promotion riverland clothing Board, 800-688-4752, fax 954-688-4752, sboipb@ix.netcom.com.

Dress The dress code is casual and comfortable. Days are spent in shorts, swimsuits, slacks or jeans. Although the islands have been independent for more than 25 years, the influence of more than 250 years of British rule is still evident. You shouldn t wear swimsuits except at the pool or on the beach. Do not wear them in shops, restaurants, and on the streets of Nassau riverland clothing and Freeport/Lucaya.

trout gulch The people of the Out Islands are friendly. They are real people, people without pretensions, their

General information about what s available throughout the islands is listed in this section. More specific information about the attractions and activities on individual islands is given in each chapter, and the At a Glance section at the end of the book.

The people of the Out Islands are friendly. They are real people, people without pretensions, their roots anchored firmly trout gulch in the past. They say God bless you rather than good-bye, and think nothing of letting a stranger into their home to use the bathroom, or for a drink of water. They are a jolly people who look forward only to the next day, and are grateful for it.

Sea urchins are spiky little black balls that lie on the sandy ocean floor or in nooks and crannies among coral heads in the shallow waters of the reef. Step on a sea urchin with bare feet at your peril. The spines are brittle, often barbed, and will give you a very nasty experience. Fortunately, urchins trout gulch are easily seen and thus easily avoided. Keep a sharp lookout and don t touch.

tohickon valley park Paradise Island, 5, 25, 30, 52, 67, 79, 83, 136; accommodations, 5, 14, 58, 97, 100-101, 102; beache

mail boats leave daily, usually in the afternoons, and return two or three days later. The schedules, though posted as regular, often can be haphazard. But, if you have the time and patience, this can add to your experience. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself. To sail the mail boats, simply pick a time and destination you ll find details in each chapter and in the At a Glance section tohickon valley park at the end. You should get

Calico Jack Captain John Rackham, called Calico Jack for the striped trousers he wore, was a pirate captain for the two years 1718 to 1720. During this short time he plundered many ships. He and his men were captured by the crew of a government ship and brought to trial at St. Jago de la Vega, Jamaica. Among Rackham s crew were his mistress, Mary Read, and Anne Bonney. They are the only female pirates on record. Rackham and Read were hanged in Port Royal on November 17, 1720.

To hunt bonefish, move slowly, disturbing the water as little as possible. Keep your eyes on the school, not on the sandy bottom beneath your feet. Take one step at a time, until you re close enough to try a cast. Aim tour fly or jig close to the center of the school. If you re lucky, there s a slight tug, then a stronger one, and the surface of the water explodes in a frenzy of white water and struggling fish; and he s off like a runaway horse leaving you hanging on to your rod, reel screaming, spinning, as 150 yards of line disappears seaward in what seems less than a second. Then he turns, heads in another direction as you wind in frantically to take up the slack, beginning to reel him in, fighting every inch of the way.

Paradise Island, 5, 25, 30, 52, 67, 79, 83, 136; accommodations, 5, 14, 58, 97, 100-101, 102; beaches, 5, 69, 100-101, 102; car rental companies, 63; casino, 55, 67, 78; dining, 97, 102; golf, 77-78; scuba diving, 55; watersports, 102

camping recipes Freeport/Grand Bahama Direct flights include: AirTran, from Atlanta; American Eagle, from Miami and

Andros 187 Geography & Wildlife 189 History 190 Getting There 191 By Air 191 By Mail Boat 192 By Private Boat 193 Getting Around 194 By Bicycle 194 By Car 194 Adventures on Water 196 Sport Fishing 196 Boat Rentals 197 Diving camping recipes 197 Best Dive Sites 197 Shipwrecks 198 Best Snorkeling Sites 199 Dive Operators 200 Dive/Accommodation Packages 200 Where to Stay & Eat 201 Dining 201 Accommodations 201

Freeport/Grand Bahama Direct flights include: AirTran, from Atlanta; American Eagle, from Miami and Fort Lauderdale; Bahamasair, from Miami; Continental, from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach; TWA, from NY/JFK.

Currency Legal tender is the Bahamian dollar, which is always equivalent in value to the US dollar. Both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands, and visitors are likely to receive change in mixed

camping bay area Travel Documents To enter the Bahamas you ll need two things: proof of citizenship and a return or o

Travel Documents To enter the Bahamas you ll need two things: camping bay area proof of citizenship and a return or onward-bound ticket. A valid passport is the preferred proof of citizenship. For US citizens, a birth certificate and a photo ID are also acceptable.

Hotels in most packages range from Tourist Class to Superior Deluxe, and are supposed to be inspected by the tour operator on a regular camping bay area basis; some do, indeed, carry out such inspections. Remember, however, that you are not dealing with the same standards camping bay area as in the United States, Canada or England (see the definitions under Accommodations on pages 20-21). I recommend that you NOT book a package with a hotel rated less than Deluxe.

pequea creek campground casuarinas grow. Roads and trails some paved, some not meander all over the island. If you re the ou

casuarinas grow. Roads and trails some paved, some not meander all over the island. If you re the outdoor type, and fairly fit, you should rent a bicycle. Try Provo Fun Cycles, Autos & Scooters at Ports of Call, Grace Bay Road, Provo, 649-946-5868. Cost is $15 per day. You can make it to almost every point of interest, and all of the beaches, in a couple of hours of fairly stiff pedaling. As to the hotels and resorts, some of the best known companies are already represented, and you can bet the rest have plans already on the drawing board.

Airline Telephone Numbers Air Canada:. 888-247-2262 Air Sunshine:. 800-327-8900, fax 954-359-8211 American Airlines:. 800-433-7300 Bahamasair:. 800-222-4262, pequea creek campground fax 305-593-6246 pequea creek campground Bel Air Transport:. 954-524-9814, fax 954-524-0115 Delta. 800-221-1212 Gulfstream (Continental): 800-231-0856 Island Air Charters:. 800-444-9904, fax 954-760-9157 pequea creek campground IslandExpress:. pequea creek campground 954-359-0380, fax 954-359-7944 Lynx Air:. 954-491-7576, fax 954-491-8361 Major Air:. 242-352-5778, fax 242-352-5788 Pan Am Air Bridge:. 800-424-2557, fax 305-371-3259 SandpiperAir:. 242-328-7591, fax 242-328-5069 Twin Air:. 954-359-8266, fax 954-359-8271 USAirways Express:. 800-622-1015

Bonefish, so named for the huge numbers of bones in their bodies, live in deep water and come up onto the flats to feed. That s where you ll have to go to find them. Unlike most deep-water pequea creek campground sportfish, they offer not only a good fight, but the thrill pequea creek campground of a hunt as well.

242-393-1064. You ll find detailed schedule pequea creek campground and fare information within each regional chapter, and in the At a Glance section at the end of the book. Photography pequea creek campground The ocean wears a coat of many colors, ranging from the

idaho camping Provo is great for the sport-fishing enthusiast. Deep-sea fishing is expensive, but exciting. You ca

Provo is great for the sport-fishing enthusiast. Deep-sea fishing is expensive, but exciting. You can hunt marlin, kingfish, wahoo, tuna, shark, and more. Better idaho camping yet, you will find some excellent bone-fishing flats. Most guides

you can visit their website at www.classicvacations.com. Delta Vacations: 800-872-7786, www.deltavacations.com. USAir Vacations: 800-455-0123, idaho camping www.usairvacations.com. Vacation Express: 800-309-4717, www.vacationexpress.com. Travel Impressions: www.travelimpressions.com (book through

folsom lake rv One of the more spectacular opportunities offered on Grand Turk is whale watching. Every year, from

$$ Sunset Bar and Grill, Erebus Inn, Turtle Cove. Run by a couple from Canada, this restaurant offers a variety of French and international cuisine. folsom lake rv Specialties include boeuf bourguignonne and roast lamb. The lunch menu includes folsom lake rv pizza and burgers. You can dine indoors or out, depending upon the weather. Not expensive compared to some, but the food is excellent and views over Grace Bay are, alone, worth the visit. 649-946-4240.

One of the more spectacular opportunities offered on Grand Turk is whale watching. Every year, from January folsom lake rv through April, more than 2,500 humpback whales come to breed in the warm waters to the south and east of Salt Cay.

takhlakh lake campground Governor s Harbour & Spanish Wells Eleuthera Express leaves Monday at 7 pm and returns on Tuesday at

If you do happen to get stung by coral, jellyfish, or an urchin, you can treat the sting first with vinegar. This will neutralize the poison. Then you should get some help from the local drugstore takhlakh lake campground to ease the pain. Wreck Diving

Abaco Will Key, Marsh Harbour, 242-266-0059. Robert Lowe, Hope Town, 242-366-0266. Maitland Lowe, Hope Town, 242-366-0004. Truman Major, Hope Town, 242-366-0101. Creswell Archer, Marsh Harbour, 242-367-4000. takhlakh lake campground

Governor s Harbour & Spanish Wells Eleuthera Express leaves Monday at 7 pm and returns on Tuesday at 8 pm. She also leaves on Thursday at 7 am and returns on Sunday. Sailing takhlakh lake campground time is five hours. The fare is $20. The Exumas Ragged Island, Exuma Cays, Barraterre, Staniel Point, Black Point, Farmer s Cay Ettienne & Cephas leaves takhlakh lake campground Tuesday at 2 pm. 242-393-1064 for return. Sailing time is 21 hours. The fare is $50. George Town Grand Master leaves Tuesday at 2 pm and returns on Friday at 7 am. Sailing time is 12 hours. The fare is $40. Grand Bahama Freeport Marcella III leaves Wednesday at 4 pm and returns on Saturday at 7 pm. Sailing time is 12 hours. The fare is $45. Inagua Abilin leaves Tuesday at 12 noon and returns on Saturday (time varies). Sailing time is 17 hours. The fare is $70. Long Island Clarence Town Abilin leaves Tuesday at 12 noon and returns on Saturday (time varies). Sailing time is 17 hours. The fare is $65.

$ Banana Boat Restaurant, at Turtle Cove Marina, is one of the most popular eateries on Provo. The cuisine is said to be international; that might be a bit of a stretch but, if you like your food plain and simple, this is the place for you. T-bone steaks, fresh fish, lobster and tuna salads, and my favorite: conch salad. The restaurant overlooks the marina. Recommended. 649-941-5706.

yosemite permits $ Annie Taylor. She does the cooking for Maria at Taylor s Guest House. Just give her a call ( 649-9

Turtle Cove Inn. Now we re moving on to the less expensive yosemite permits opportunities. This is a two-story hotel built around a large, freshwater swimming pool. It s rather a simple affair, but clean and inviting. The rooms are comfortably furnished and provide views over either the pool or the marina, which is just a few yards away. All rooms are air-conditioned, and the bathrooms, though adequate, are a little on the small side. Poolside, you ll find the Tiki Hut Cabana and Grill. The other on-site restaurant is the Terrace, but it s open only for dinner; reservations are recommended. No beach, I m afraid, but a shuttle runs throughout the day between the hotel and the beach. Inexpensive and recommended. Turtle Cove Marina, yosemite permits Suzie Turn Rd., Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, BWI, 800-887-0477; www.provo.net/turtlecoveinn. EP $142.

$ Annie Taylor. She does the cooking for Maria at Taylor s Guest House. Just give her a call ( 649-946-6117) and she ll provide you with the best of local cuisine, almost for a song: fresh fish, conch in variety of forms, and chicken. If you re looking for local color, this is where you ll find it, and then some.

asheville camping Champion II leaves Sandy Point, Moore s Island, Bullock Harbour Tuesday at 8 pm and returns on Thurs

Sun Seeking There are literally thousands of beaches here some crowded, some so deserted you won t see another human being for weeks at a time. Great expanses asheville camping of sugar-white sand and the palest asheville camping of green waters stretch for mile after

800-688-4752 (USA and Canada). In Ft. Lauderdale 305-359-8099; fax 305-359-8098. For brochures on the Bahamas, 800-8BAHAMAS. Bahamas asheville camping Tourist Offices 150 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022. 212-758-2777; fax 212-753-6531.

Champion II leaves Sandy Point, Moore s Island, Bullock Harbour Tuesday asheville camping at 8 pm and returns on Thursday at 10 am. Sailing time is 11 hours. The fare is $30. Acklins, asheville camping Crooked Island & Mayaguana Lady Matilda, schedule varies, 242-393-1064. Sailing time is upwards of 15 hours. The fare is $65, $70 and $70 respectively. Central Andros Fresh Creek, Stafford Creek, Blanket Sound, Staniard asheville camping Creek, Behring Point Lady D. leaves Tuesday at 12 noon and returns on Sunday. Sailing time is five hours. The fare is $30. North Andros Nicholl s Town, Majestic Point, Morgan s Bluff Lisa J. II leaves Wednesday at 3:30 pm and returns on Tuesday at 12 noon. Sailing time is five hours. The fare is $30. Lady Margo, leaves Wednesday at 2 am and returns on Sunday at 5 pm. Sailing time is five hours. The fare is $30. Challenger. 242-393-1064 for schedule. Sailing time is five hours. The fare is $30.

649-946-2260. EP from $75. Salt Cay Sunset House. Close to the beach, this is the oldest bed & breakfast inn on the Turks and Caicos. Built by a shipwright in 1832, it became the home of one of the island s salt barons. Today, after years of renovations and restoration, the old house provides for a very pleasant and unique vacation. There are just three guest rooms, each with its own bathroom and comfortably furnished. Amenities are few, but the views far and away make up for the lack of creature comforts. There are ceiling fans in each of the three guest rooms, but no phones asheville camping and no TVs. There is a TV in the one of the public rooms, asheville camping and there s a caf , a laundry, and a picnic area. Fabulous panoramic views can be seen from the patio and outdoor dining area. Rooms are very reasonably priced, from $35. Salt Cay Sunset House, Balfour Town, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, BWI, 649-946-6942.

mcarthur burney falls Andros Town (Andros), 191, 192, 193, 195, 196; accommodations, 193, 201-202; beaches, 195, 196; bicy

Where to Stay & Eat 175 Dining 175 Elbow Cay 175 Great Guana Cay 176 Green Turtle mcarthur burney falls Cay 177 Man-O-War Cay 178 Accommodations 178 Elbow Cay 178 Great Abaco & Marsh Harbour 180 Great Guana Cay 182 Green Turtle Cay 182 Man-O-War Cay 183 Marsh Harbour mcarthur burney falls 183 Spanish Cay 185 Treasure Cay 185 Walker s Cay 186 Wood Cay 186

Banking mcarthur burney falls Banks are always the best places to cash traveler s checks. The exchange rates are better. Most are on Front Street. Bank of Nova Scotia, Front Street, 649-946-2831. Barclays Bank (great for visitors from the UK), Front

Andros Town (Andros), 191, 192, 193, 195, 196; accommodations, 193, 201-202; beaches, 195, 196; bicycle rentals, 194; boat rental, 195; bonefishing, 195; car, 194-196; fishing, 196; getting around, 194-196; shopping, 195

The islands became known as Bahama, from the Spanish baja mar, or shallow sea. Almost immediately, Europeans began enslaving the Lucayans. By the turn of the 16th century, they had almost been wiped out and a new source of cheap labor was needed. As early as 1503, the Portuguese were enslaving Africans and for several years they controlled the burgeoning industry. By 1520, however, white slave traders mcarthur burney falls of assorted nationalities were going directly to the source.

modesto reservoir camping Arawak Inn and Beach Club is two miles south of town. This little resort has 16 suites, all with kit

You ll discover where the best fishing spots are and the best places to dive. I ll tell you the best places to eat, where to shop in the duty-free stores for magnificent emeralds, exotic perfumes and the unique hand-made crafts of the islands. And you ll find advice on where to stay: hotels, condominiums, and villas.

Bimini, 6, 139, 205-216; accommodations, modesto reservoir camping 208; accommodation packages, 209-210; boat rentals, 208-209; bonefishing, 209; dining, 206, 208; dive sites, 211, 213; fishing, modesto reservoir camping 39, 43, 44, 206, 208-209; getting there, modesto reservoir camping 206-208; modesto reservoir camping shipwrecks, 211; snorkeling, 213; taxis, 208

Arawak Inn and Beach Club is two miles south of town. This little resort has 16 suites, all with kitchens. Suites are air-conditioned and can sleep up to four people. There s a nice freshwater pool and a beach bar were you can enjoy a meal. Dive packages and horseback riding are available too. PO Box 190, Cockburn Town, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, BWI, 649-946-2277. Weekly per person from $580.

yosemite camp 4 Out Islands, 6, 11, 13, 14, 18, 24, 25-26, 30, 31, 38, 47, 75, 139-256; accommodations, 8, 14, 21, 2

Out Islands, 6, 11, 13, 14, 18, 24, 25-26, yosemite camp 4 30, 31, 38, 47, 75, 139-256; accommodations, 8, 14, 21, 26, 139, 140; beaches, 7-8, 39, 51, 76, 139, 140; bicycle rentals, 36, 140; bird-watching, 76; dining, 19; dive sites 7, 140; economy, 6-7; fishing, yosemite camp 4 7-8; geography; golf, 35; hiking, 36-37; hospitals, 28; population, 6; scuba diving, 47; sea kayaking, 75, 76; snorkeling, 26, 48, 76, 140; swimming, 26

In a nation completely surrounded by the clearest waters in the world, there are plenty of watersports. And while the great outdoors is where most people want to be, there s a lot to do here beyond the beach and the ocean. The shops and the nightlife of New Providence Island and Grand Bahama Island provide diversions that allow you to have a great vacation.

corp of engineers camping and works. Fishing and conch and lobster farming have long been the only source of income for the is

Freeport Major Air Nassau Bahamasair North Eleuthera Ft. Lauderdale Gulfstream, USAirways Express Freeport Major Air Nassau Bahamasair, Sandpiper Air Rock Sound Ft. Lauderdale Island Express Freeport Major Air Nassau corp of engineers camping Bahamasair

and works. Fishing corp of engineers camping and conch and lobster farming have long been the only source of income for the islanders, but the lobsters have been over-fished and the industry is now in serious decline. Things are not good on South Caicos, and it shows on the faces of the people. Better times, though, might be just around the corner. There s been some talk lately of plans to build a large resort here and residents are hopeful it will come to fruition. As it is, accommodations on the island are sparse indeed.

navarre beach campground 242-347-3166. The Bimini Reef Club & Marina, South Bimini, 05-359-9449. The Sea Crest Hotel & Marina

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS 311 History 311 The Islands Today 314 Getting There 315 Getting Around 316 Practical Concerns 316 Providenciales 318 The Beaches 320 Adventures 321 Snorkeling 321 Scuba Diving 321

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242-347-3166. The Bimini Reef Club & Marina, South Bimini, 05-359-9449. The Sea Crest Hotel & Marina, navarre beach campground Alice Town, 242-347-3071. Weech s Dock, Alice Town, 242-347-2028. navarre beach campground Eleuthera Coral Sands Hotel, Harbour Island, 800-333-2368. The Cotton Bay Club, Rock Sound, 800-221-4542. Valentines Inn & Yacht Club, Harbour Island, 242-333-2080. Spanish Wells Yacht Haven, Spanish Wells, 242-333-4255. Spanish Wells Marina, Spanish Wells, 242-333-4122. Hatchet Bay Marina, Hatchet Bay, 242-332-0186. Harbour Island Club & Marina, Harbour Island, 242-333-2427.

sherwin creek campground Shelling Shelling is a hobby that can bring back memories of your vacation for years to come. Put on

Shelling Shelling is a hobby that can bring back memories of your vacation for years to come. Put on your swimsuit, leave the big cities behind, and go to the east end of Grand Bahama or New Providence at low tide. Wade out to the dark spots

Nightlife Nassau and Freeport/Lucaya, with four casinos and a number of nightclubs and theaters between them, are the hot-spots for nightlife and entertainment. To experience the warm summer evenings, the colorful dress of the Ba

New Providence, 30, 33, 47, 55-102, 67-78, 107, 182-183; accommodations, 20, 52, 55; beaches, 51; bike rentals, 37, 55, 62, 68-69; bird-watching, 76; fishing, 55; golf, 35; hiking, 55; history, 55-57; horseback riding, 38; map, 54; motorcycles, 62; package vacations, 58; parasailing, 38; population, 55; rental cars, 62; scuba diving, 55; shelling, 39, 55; shipwrecks, 86-89;

camping in santa cruz 800-688-4752 (USA and Canada). In Ft. Lauderdale 305-359-8099; fax 305-359-8098. For brochures on th

800-688-4752 (USA and Canada). In Ft. Lauderdale 305-359-8099; fax 305-359-8098. For brochures camping in santa cruz on the Bahamas, 800-8BAHAMAS. Bahamas Tourist Offices 150 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022. 212-758-2777; fax 212-753-6531.

Nothing compares with the feeling you ll get aboard a slowly trolling boat on a calm sea under a hot summer sun, a heavy rod between your knees, and a can of something cold in your hand. And then it happens. There s a jerk on your line; something s taken the bait, and in seconds you re involved in the fight of your life. But wait, the line goes slack, it s gone. No, it s still there, and suddenly the water a hundred yards from the boat explodes and the great fish is in the air. Your first sailfish hurls itself out of the water in a breathtaking arc. The sight leaves you speechless, awed and, for a moment, not knowing what to do next. And then it hits again and the fight is on. Slowly you reel in, the clutch slipping under the strain, three winds on the crank for every inch of line you gain. As suddenly as it began, it s over. Your opponent, exhausted at the side of the boat, is gaffed and hauled aboard. It s more than five feet long and weighs perhaps as much as 90 pounds you won t know until you get it back to the scale on the dock, but it s a good one; you know it is. You go home at day s end satisfied and tired, but still excited, ready to do it all again tomorrow, the next day, next year.

Nassau The largest and best known city in the Bahamas is Nassau. Located on the island of New Providence, it boasts a population of more than 175,000 people. In times gone by, Nassau was an international playground for the rich. Today, the first city of the Bahamas attracts not only the affluent of the world, but vacationers of every class and culture, especially from America. The city has become a tax haven Nassau has more than 400 banks and is a popular location for international business conferences and meetings.

Where to Stay & Eat 175 Dining 175 Elbow Cay 175 Great Guana Cay 176 Green Turtle Cay 177 Man-O-War Cay 178 Accommodations 178 Elbow Cay 178 Great Abaco & Marsh Harbour 180 Great Guana Cay 182 Green Turtle Cay 182 Man-O-War Cay 183 Marsh Harbour 183 Spanish Cay 185 Treasure Cay 185 Walker s Cay 186 Wood Cay 186

fort bragg ca camping Sport Fishing 82 Fishing Charters 82 Powerboat Adventures 83 Diving & Snorkeling 83 Best Dive Sites

Sport Fishing 82 Fishing Charters 82 Powerboat Adventures 83 Diving & Snorkeling 83 Best Dive Sites -North Side 84 Best Dive Sites -South & West 85 Shipwrecks 86 Dive Operators 90 Where to Stay & Eat 92 Dining 92 Accommodations 94

CP (Continental Plan) includes a continental breakfast. EP (European Plan) denotes no meals, although restaurant facilities are available either fort bragg ca camping on the property or nearby. MAP (Modified American Plan) denotes breakfast and dinner. FAP (Full American Plan) includes all meals. All-Inc. (All-Inclusive Plan) includes all meals, beverages (alcoholic and soft), watersports, tennis and golf, if available.

camping southern california Package Vacations A number of tour operators provide air/hotel packages. Delta Dream Vacations, Amer

242-347-3166. The Bimini Reef Club & Marina, South Bimini, 05-359-9449. The Sea Crest Hotel & Marina, Alice Town, 242-347-3071. Weech s Dock, Alice Town, 242-347-2028. Eleuthera Coral Sands Hotel, Harbour Island, 800-333-2368. The Cotton Bay Club, Rock Sound, 800-221-4542. Valentines Inn & Yacht Club, Harbour Island, 242-333-2080. Spanish Wells Yacht Haven, Spanish Wells, 242-333-4255. Spanish Wells Marina, Spanish Wells, 242-333-4122. Hatchet Bay Marina, Hatchet Bay, 242-332-0186. Harbour Island Club & Marina, Harbour Island, 242-333-2427.

Package Vacations A number of tour operators provide air/hotel packages. Delta Dream Vacations, American FlyAAWay Vacations, Vacation Express, Travel Impressions, and Apple Vacations all offer packages to Nassau. American FlyAAWay Vacations, camping southern california Princess Vacations, Travel Impressions, Vacation Express and Apple also offer packages to Grand Bahama.

The Mansions. This is a private condominium complex, quite upscale, where you can, if you re lucky, rent direct from an owner. The minimum stay is one week. Not a family-oriented destination: no children under 12. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, BWI,

shopping, 33, 52-53; Andros, 195; Barraterre, 245; Cockburn Town, 298; Freeport, 52, 103, 105; George Town, 242; Grand Bahama, 6, 103, 109-111, 121; Great Abaco, 159; Guana Harbour, 157; Harbour Island, 235; hours, camping southern california 29; Man-O-War Cay, 153; Marsh Harbour, 151; Nassau, 63-65, 95, 101; New Providence, 63-65; Port Lucaya, 103, 120

terrell camping center Getting to Bimini Airport From Airline North Bimini Ft. Lauderdale Pan Am Air Bridge Watson Island,

Andros 187 Geography & Wildlife 189 History 190 Getting There 191 By Air 191 By Mail Boat 192 By Private Boat 193 Getting Around 194 By Bicycle 194 By Car 194 Adventures on Water 196 Sport Fishing 196 Boat Rentals 197 Diving 197 Best Dive Sites 197 Shipwrecks 198 Best Snorkeling terrell camping center Sites 199 Dive Operators 200 Dive/Accommodation Packages terrell camping center 200 Where to Stay & Eat 201 Dining 201 Accommodations 201

Getting to Bimini Airport From Airline North Bimini Ft. Lauderdale Pan Am Air Bridge Watson Island, Miami Pan Am Air Bridge Paradise Island Pan Am Air Bridge South Bimini Ft. Lauderdale Island Air Charters

slot canyons arizona By Air Both Nassau and Freeport are major US and international gateways. Dozens of airlines regularl

New Providence, 30, 33, 47, 55-102, 67-78, 107, 182-183; accommodations, 20, 52, 55; beaches, 51; bike rentals, 37, 55, 62, 68-69; bird-watching, 76; fishing, 55; golf, 35; hiking, 55; history, 55-57; slot canyons arizona horseback riding, 38; map, 54; motorcycles, 62; package vacations, 58; parasailing, 38; population, 55; rental cars, 62; scuba diving, 55; shelling, 39, 55; shipwrecks, 86-89;

By Air Both Nassau and Freeport are major US and international gateways. Dozens of airlines regularly fly between the islands and Europe, Canada and various US terminals, including most major cities such as New York, Chicago,

Accommodations HOTEL Accommodations slot canyons arizona on Middle Caicos slot canyons arizona are few and far between. What s there is quite basic, with few amenities, and bordering on the primitive, but worthwhile experiences nonetheless. slot canyons arizona Here s your chance to get to know the island

The islands became known as Bahama, from the Spanish baja mar, or shallow sea. Almost immediately, Europeans slot canyons arizona began enslaving the Lucayans. By the turn of the 16th century, they had almost been wiped out and a new source of cheap labor was needed. As early as 1503, the Portuguese were enslaving Africans and for several years they controlled the burgeoning industry. By 1520, however, white slave traders of assorted nationalities were going directly to the source.

camping sites in northern california Ocean Club. This is another condominium resort on Grace Bay Beach. The units here are for sale or, a

Eleuthera, 6, 14, 18, 26, 31, 38, 139, 217-235, 267; accommodations, 14, 21, 227; beaches, 51, 223; bicycle rentals, 226; dining, 232-233; dive operators, camping sites in northern california 231; dive sites, 228-230; ferry, 223; getting there, 218-221; golf, 35; location, 217; map, 220; shipwrecks, 229; size, 217; snorkeling, 223, 229-230; taxi, 223; tennis, 226

Ocean Club. This is another condominium resort on Grace Bay Beach. The units here are for sale or, and this is what interests us most, for rent. There are some 86 units ranging in size from one-bedroom to three-bedroom camping sites in northern california deluxe suites. All have ocean views, large bathrooms, air-conditioning, and kitchens of one sort or another. The resort is a series of buildings built around landscaped gardens and a courtyard. The resort does have a restaurant that serves international cuisine, and there s a cabana bar. Art Pickering s Provo Turtle Divers see page 321 is located just next door in an

silverwood campground South Andros Kemp s Bay, Bluff, Long Bay Cay, Driggs Hill, Congo Town Captain Moxey leaves Monday at

Cat Island 267 Getting There 267 By Air 267 By Mail Boat 269 By Private Boat 269 Sightseeing 269 The Hermitage 269 The Deveaux Plantation 270 Adventures on Water 270 Boat Rentals silverwood campground 270 Diving & Snorkeling 271 Best Snorkeling Sites 271 Dining 272 Accommodations 273

South Andros Kemp s Bay, Bluff, Long Bay Cay, Driggs Hill, Congo Town Captain Moxey leaves Monday at 11 pm and returns on Wednesday at 11 pm. Sailing time is 3 hours. The fare is $30. Delmar L. leaves Thursday at 10 pm and returns silverwood campground on Monday at 5 am. Sailing time is seven hours. The fare is $30. Bimini & Cat Cay Bimini Mack. Schedule varies. 242-393-1064. Sailing time is 12 hours. The fare is $45. Berry Islands Mangrove Cay Express leaves Nassau Thursday silverwood campground at 10 pm. Return arrives 7-9 am on Sundays. Fare is $30. Cat Island, North & South Arthur s Town, Bennen s Harbour, Bluff, Bight North Cat Island Special leaves Wednesday at 1 pm and returns on Friday. Sailing time is 14 hours. The fare is $40. Cat Island, South Smith s Bay, Bight, Old Bight Sea Hauler leaves Tuesday at 3 pm and returns on Monday. Sailing time is 12 hours. The fare is $40. Bahamas Daybreak III Eleuthera Rock Sound, Davis Harbour, South Eleuthera leaves Monday at 5 pm and returns on Tuesday at 10 pm. Sailing time is five hours. The fare is $20.

tuttle creek campground Dress The dress code is casual and comfortable. Days are spent in shorts, swimsuits, slacks or jeans

Dress The dress code is casual and comfortable. Days are spent in shorts, swimsuits, slacks or jeans. Although the islands have been independent for more than 25 years, the influence of more than 250 years of British rule is still evident. You shouldn t wear swimsuits except at the pool or on the beach. Do not wear them in shops, restaurants, and on the streets of Nassau and Freeport/Lucaya.

Grand Bahama Grand Bahama, through the efforts of dedicated individuals and institutions such as the Rand Memorial Nature Center and the Lucayan National Park, has become something of an environmental headquarters for the islands. With its miles of sandy beaches, excellent shopping, two casinos, a dozen or so large hotels, a waterfront district and many restaurants, Grand Bahama is quickly becoming a major vacation destination.

bodega dunes Ocean Club. This is another condominium resort on Grace Bay Beach. The units here are for sale or, a

Ocean Club. This is another condominium resort on Grace Bay Beach. The units here are for sale or, and this is what interests us most, for rent. There are some 86 units ranging in size from one-bedroom to three-bedroom deluxe suites. All have ocean views, large bathrooms, air-conditioning, and kitchens of one sort or another. The resort is a series of buildings built around landscaped gardens and a courtyard. The resort does have a restaurant that serves international cuisine, and there s a cabana bar. Art Pickering s Provo Turtle Divers see page 321 is located just next door in an

and Bahama yellowthroat warbler. Other prized birds include the white-tailed tropicbird, Bahama pintail, Bahama parrot, great lizard-cuckoo, loggerhead kingbird, Bahama mockingbird and the stripe-headed tanager, to name but a few. These birds cannot be found on all of the Bahamian Islands, so a birding guide can ensure you make the best use of your time.

backpacking northern california Buses Bus travel can be an adventure. And if you want to meet the people, there s no better way to d

It s been many years since I began writing travel books. Over those years I ve visited numerous exotic destinations: magnificent beaches, wild and remote mountain retreats, painted deserts, and bustling, historic cities, but of all those incredible places the islands of the Bahamas are my favorite. Time and again I return to Nassau, Freeport, Abaco, Eleuthera and Harbour Island, and I continue to be inspired by their beauty. There truly is no other place I d rather spend a vacation. The Bahamas have everything, from bustling international cities not too big, not too small to tiny islets where it seems no human foot has ever stepped. The weather is sometimes wild, but not for long. The gentle sea breezes, the hot sun, and those great stretches of shallow, emerald water bounded by blinding white strips of sand are irresistible.

Today, with the boom in tourism, the black population is doing better. Many of the new businesses on the islands are owned by Bahamians of African descent and there s a real sense of pride in this ownership.

Buses Bus travel can be an adventure. And if you want to meet the people, there s no better way to do it than finding your way around Nassau by bus. For 75 , it s a great way to travel. Bahamians are very friendly and will come to your

big creek pet hospital It s been many years since I began writing travel books. Over those years I ve visited numerous exot

It s been many years since I began writing big creek pet hospital travel books. Over those years I ve visited numerous exotic destinations: magnificent beaches, wild and remote mountain retreats, painted deserts, and bustling, historic cities, but of all those incredible places the islands of the Bahamas are my favorite. Time and again I return to Nassau, Freeport, Abaco, Eleuthera and Harbour Island, and I continue to be inspired by their beauty. big creek pet hospital There truly is no other place I d rather big creek pet hospital spend a vacation. The Bahamas have everything, from bustling international cities not too big, not too small to tiny islets where it seems no human foot has ever stepped. The weather is sometimes wild, but not for long. The gentle sea breezes, the hot sun, and those great stretches of shallow, emerald water bounded by blinding white strips of sand are irresistible.

Turtle big creek pet hospital Cove Inn. Now we re moving on to the less expensive opportunities. This is a two-story hotel built around a large, freshwater swimming pool. It s rather a simple affair, but clean and inviting. The rooms are comfortably big creek pet hospital furnished and provide views over either the pool or the marina, which is just a few yards away. All rooms are air-conditioned, and the bathrooms, though adequate, are a little big creek pet hospital on the small side. Poolside, you ll find the Tiki Hut Cabana and Grill. The other on-site restaurant is the Terrace, but it s open only for dinner; reservations are recommended. No beach, I m afraid, but a shuttle runs throughout the day between the hotel and the beach. Inexpensive and recommended. Turtle Cove Marina, Suzie Turn Rd., Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, BWI, 800-887-0477; www.provo.net/turtlecoveinn. EP $142.

Shopping The Bahamas have shopping with a difference. The prices are not always what you might hope for, but searching for a bargain is half the fun. From the tiny street market in George Town on Great Exuma to the International Mar

CP (Continental Plan) includes a continental breakfast. EP (European Plan) denotes no meals, although restaurant facilities are available either on the property or nearby. big creek pet hospital MAP (Modified American Plan) denotes breakfast big creek pet hospital and dinner. FAP (Full American Plan) includes all meals. All-Inc. (All-Inclusive Plan) includes all meals, big creek pet hospital beverages (alcoholic big creek pet hospital and soft), watersports, tennis big creek pet hospital and golf, if available. big creek pet hospital