lake mead camping There are virtually no designated walking, hiking or bicycling trails on any of the islands. These a

IN THIS CHAPTER Geography 3 History 9 Getting There 12 Before You Go 16 The People 17 Eating & Drinking 18 Accommodation 20 Restaurant/Hotel Prices 22 Practical Information 23 How to Use This Book 30 Tourist Information 31 Because the islands are no more than the exposed top portions of the Great Bahama Bank, an extension of the North American continental shelf, there are only three deep-water channels lake mead camping suitable for the passage of large vessels. Of the 700 islands and 2,000 islets, called cays (keys), making up the archipelago, only about 30 are inhabited. Some are little more than boulders that appear and disappear with the rise and fall of the ocean. Some are long and thin and stretch for many miles. Still others are home to thousands of busy people. The vast majority of the islands, however, are deserted, with pristine beaches and tropical forests that are untouched by humans.

There are virtually no designated walking, hiking or bicycling trails on any of the islands. These activities are very much go-as-you-please affairs, especially on the Out Islands. The main roads are the first and most obvious choice, but there are also the beaches, of course, and hundreds of unmarked side roads that often end up at a secluded beach where you can enjoy a picnic lunch and a swim. At least in the Out Islands, there s no reason why you shouldn t wander at will. The locals are friendly and willing to give ideas, directions and the benefit of their knowledge about the best places to go and sites to see. Don t be afraid to ask.