The Abacos and the Exumas
The Abacos and the Exumas are both clusters of islands and cays popular with snorkelers. The Exumas and their tranquil waters are also a favorite among sailing enthusiasts. The Exumas were the filming site of two James Bond movies. The first lighthouse built in the Bahamas is in the Abacos. On land, the Albert Lowe Museum traces the history of shipbuilding on the islands. A must see on the Exumas is the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a 176-square-mile natural preserve. Guests need to charter a seaplane or boat to get there. Accommodations on the Abacos and the Exumas tend to be small inns or hotels; many have their own dining room and offer some watersports and other facilities.

Andros
Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas. It has the second-largest reef in the Western Hemisphere and is a favorite with scuba divers and fishermen. The atmosphere on Andros is very casual. Accommodations on the island tend to be small and unpretentious. Small Hope Bay Lodge is the island's best dive resort. The all-inclusive property has 20 rooms and one suite. Amenities include massages and a variety of watersports and fishing and diving expeditions. Emerald Palms by the Sea is more upscale and offers 18 rooms, two suites, a dining room, a pool, and a tennis court.

Beaches on New Providence Island
The most popular tourist destinations in the Bahamas, Nassau and Paradise Island, connected by a causeway, offer all the beaches a tourist could want. For swimming and water sports, Cable Beach, Paradise Beach, and Cabbage Beach, with their miles of white sand and outstanding watersports equipment, are the places to go. To get away from some of the crowds, drive to secluded Caves Beach, or to intimate Love Beach, which is also popular with snorkelers.

Eleuthera
Eleuthera is perhaps the best known of the Out Islands. It includes Spanish Wells, Harbour Island, and Governor's Harbour. Long and narrow, Eleuthera features uncrowded and beautiful beaches, and small villages inhabited by friendly locals. There are ample opportunities to participate in watersports. For the most part, however, people go to Eleuthera to relax. Harbour Island is a favorite for the laid-back, mellow traveler. A short and exciting water-taxi ride from North Eleuthera, and measuring only two square miles, Harbour Island is a great place to walk, day or night. There are several fine hotels on the island, including the Harbour Lounge, which features a top-notch dining room. Try Arthur's Bakery for desserts and breads. The island's beaches are splendid.

Grand Bahama Island
Recent hotel investments have provided more rooms and in turn more activities for visitors to Freeport and Lucaya. Today, visitors will find a wide variety of watersports, golf, tennis, and horseback riding. Nevertheless, it's still possible to find secluded beaches and ample opportunities to enjoy the island's natural flora and fauna.

Historic Nassau
Downtown Nassau features private and government buildings and other attractions dating as far back as the 18th century. Be sure to walk down the 65 steps of Queen's Staircase and visit Government House and Parliament Square.

Lucayan National Park, Grand Bahama Island
The 40-acre Lucayan National Park is home to the largest underwater cave system in the world. On land, there are trails and elevated walkways through a natural forest. Garden of the Groves is another good spot to enjoy some 5,000 varieties of trees, flowers, and fauna. A renovation project is underway to create a themed animal park.

San Salvador
The small island of San Salvador was Christopher Columbus' first stop in the New World. Visitors today come to the island to dive and visit the New World Museum. Admission is free, but guests must make an appointment through their hotel. There are very few accommodations on San Salvador; among the best is Club Med Columbus Isle. This upscale, all-inclusive resort caters mainly to couples. It has 260 rooms, three restaurants, and a variety of other facilities, including its own diving program. To enjoy Club Med's facilities, one must be staying on the property.