Bermuda and the Bahamas
Introduction
Bermuda is perceived as a tropical paradise, but dubbing it such would do
injustice to the pastel cottages, quaint shops, and manicured gardens that are
the markers of a more staid, suburban way of life. Still, sun, sea and sand are
the mitigating factors that prompt half-a-million-plus annual visitors. This
Atlantic haven is one of the cleanliest places in the world, for it is without
slums, crime and unemployment. It boasts a mild climate, pink beaches, turquoise
waters, coral reefs, 17th-century architecture and splendid golf courses.
The Bahamas is a unique country, for it is comprised of 700 islands - and 75% of
the land mass lies underwater. The sea is this country's prevailing feature, and
local painters, divers, boat builders, fisherman and chefs all draw inspiration
from it. Though the Bahamas is only an hour's flight from Florida, it seems much
more secluded, and there are times when you may discover that the only set of
footprints gracing the shore belong to you. You can unwind on a luminous beach,
witness marching pink flamingos, visit ancient forts and explore underwater
caves.
Getting Around
Mapping your way through the streets of Bermuda and the Bahamas is quite
possible. Larger cities might require the use of a guide, but most towns are
relatively small and a day's walk enables you to take in all the chief
attractions. Locals are friendly and they are more than willing to point you in
the right direction. |
Cruise Tip
If you explore on your own, keep an eye on your watch. If you miss a launch,
you'll have to meet the ship at the next port, at your expense.
...More Tips
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Examples of shore excursion opportunities in Bermuda
and the Bahamas include:
Sports Excursions
- Mountain bike the Bermuda railway trail through
King's Wharf and take in stunning seascapes.
- Parasail 400 feet over the skies of Cococay.
- Golf at the popular Robert-Trent Jones'-designed
Port Royal Golf Club in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Adventure Expeditions
- Cruise the waters of Paradise Island in Nassau
at 70 miles-per-hour in an authentic championship race boat.
- Tandem sky dive over the Grand Bahamas from more
than 10,000 feet.
- Kayak safari through St. George, Bermuda past
breathtaking lagoons and vibrant coral reef.
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Cultural Attractions
- Visit an 18th century Bahamian mansion in the
Grand Bahamas and create, bottle and name your own perfume.
- Hear the sounds of authentic steel drum bands
and watch limbo and fire dancers when you visit the Clayhouse Inn Nightclub at
St. George, Bermuda.
- Unravel the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle at
the Ocean Discovery Center in Hamilton.
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Nature Trips
- Walk through the Garden of the Groves in
Freeport and view its 10,000 plants, waterfalls, duck ponds and native birds.
- Spelunk Bermuda's Crystal Caves, a vast cavern
in Hamilton that descends 120 feet below the surface to a crystal-clear pond
below.
- Tour the tropical paradise of Half Moon Cay,
Bahamas and see swaying palms, sea grape trees, curly-tailed lizards and
banaquit birds.
Historical Tours
- Retrace the steps of legendary pirates in Nassau
when you visit the dungeons of Fort Fincastle and Fort Charlotte.
- Trolley train tour Bermuda's Royal Naval
Dockyard, which the British built in the early 1800's as a harbor for its fleet
of ships.
- Tour St. George's Carriage Museum, St. Peter's
Church and King's Square by candlelight.
Wildlife Interaction
- Journey through Discover Atlantis, an extensive
marine habitat aquarium in Nassau that is home to more than 150,000 fish
representing 200 species.
- Tickle the tummy of a giant stingray in Half
Moon Cay, Bahamas.
- Swim with friendly dolphins at Blue Lagoon
Island in Nassau.
Shopping Districts
- Shop at Freeport's International Bazaar, a
10-acre complex comprising 90 shops representing different regions of the world.
- Delight in the vast array of handicrafts sold at
the world-famous straw marketing Nassau.
- Browse the Crafts Market for Shetland sweaters
and bone china in Hamilton, Bermuda.
| Enhance
your travel to Bermuda and the Bahamas by reading about its culture, people and
history in these novels: |
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Out-Island Doctor - Evans W. Cottman, Wyatt
Blassingame
The Bermuda Triangle Mystery Solved - Larry Kusche
Gun Ketch - Dewey Lambdin
Sparks Returns - John Prince
Wind from the Carolinas - Robert Wilder
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