Very close to Florida and above the Greater Antilles, a garland of islands extend over from northeast to southeast, occupying privileges places on the Ocean. Looking at the sea, in the beach, a particular spirit overwhelmed our senses, a sublime combination of turquoise waters that make us recall stories of pirates and filibusters.

The Bahamas became popular in the 1960's when tourism industry started to flourish and today is one of the most significant kingdoms of the world, closely linked to cruisers, golf courses, parties held until late at night and of course, the sea enjoyment. The truly enchantment of this country made up by 700 cays and islets from which just some 30 are inhabited, lies on the sea and on its virginal nature. About 3.5 million tourists arrive, out of which 80 % comes from the United States. Other travelers who constantly come to rest in these islands are British, Canadians or Japanese who find here an ideal destination. The Bahamas have excellent diving sites, aquariums as Crystal Cay and sea spots to freely swim with dolphins. Every week at least five cruisers are found here, sharing a dock close to Downtown, the most picturesque site of the country with Victorian-style wooden houses, very colorful and many small establishments, especially stores. The track of the old aboriginal population disappeared, like in the neighboring Antilles, though there are names that still remain as "Arawak cay," the best place to eat typical dishes, just caught from the sea. Along these places, the Great Admiral Christopher Columbus landed for the first time on the territory that he would name after America (according to his navigation diary) when arriving to "an islet of the Lucayans called Guanahaní, according to the language of these natives, on Friday, October 12, 1492, baptized as San Salvador. Spanish abstained from colonizing the Lucayan's Island or the Bahamas. It was not until the 18th century that the British settled their colonies in the Bahamas. Many inhabitants here were involved in smuggling, a practice that grew in these islands, the shelter for corsairs and pirates. The dispute for the holding of these territories was an ordinary panorama in the Caribbean scenario. Warfare conflicts in former colonial powers were faced until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1783 confirming the rule of Great Britain.

Bon Voyage There are many sites not to be missed in the Bahamas. Excursions to Blue Lagoon Island are recommended or the hiring of a boat to sail near Paradise Island where the astounding Atlantis Hotel is located. Many travelers dedicate an important part of their time to cast their luck at the casinos. The most important ones are found at the Atlantis Hotel or at Crystal Palace in the pleasant Cable Beach. You may fall under the spell of jewelry and watches just strolling along Bay Street. Rates of well-known branches are found at Nassau at a lower percentage in comparison with New York's prices. Following this route, you may be found at the Water Tower at 216 feet above sea level. The tower was built in 1928 and the panoramic view is excellent. Other sites are Fort Fincastle, built in 1793 to protect the city, very close to the tower as well as the Queen's Staircase, thus named to pay honor to Queen Victoria erected in the 18th century. Pictures can be taken from Balcony House, a wooden house dating back from 1788 and one of the oldest building.

Natural Sites Despite all the charming places created by man, nature continues being the essence. These natural sites were the door opened to Europeans on the "New World".