Blog Archive

BSLC Admin

Celebrate Christmas Holidays in the Bahamas

The Bahamas is a popular tourist destination for the Christmas holidays, and all the islands offer a festive holiday atmosphere with plenty to do and see. There are many carnivals and festivals around this time of year, so bring your slippers and swimming suit and get ready to celebrate Christmas Bahamian-style. Here are some Christmas events you may want to put on your must-see list while in the Bahamas this time of year.

Abaco Christmas Festival

This is a very popular family festival that takes place every year on the first Saturday in December. Shop until you drop at the Arts & Crafts Bazaar where you can get a head start with your Christmas gift shopping. There is a delicious food court area with booths selling delicious local foods, pastries and beverages. During daytime you can also hear performances from choirs, quartets, soloists, marching and calypso bands. If you stay until the evening you can enjoy a top performance of illustrious sounds of Junkanoo,  featuring colorful costumes and the intoxicating beat of goat skin drums.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Exumas

Come visit Regatta Park in George Town on December 6 at 7:00 pm for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This event is perfect for the entire family, and you can sing carols and see performances by local talents. The highlight of the evening is when the park is transformed with thousands of Christmas lights and the Christmas tree is lit.

Boxing Day

Dedicated to the slaves, the name of this holiday is connected to the fact that slaves were given the boxes left over from their masters’ gifts. These were precious boxes usually sent from England and were well-crafted from fine wood. The highlight of the day is the Junkanoo parades that take place on some of the islands. If you are in Nassau, the Junkanoo Festival is one of the most exciting events of the year. The festival features groups of Bahamians dressed in handmade costumes and dancing the whole night through the streets of downtown Nassau. Dances are a mixture of European brass and traditional African instruments.

Creative Nassau Market

The Creative Nassau Market takes place throughout the year, but becomes a very popular destination around the Christmas holidays. Here you can buy a wide range of unique handmade Bahamian products, such as straw items, jewelry, paintings, ceramics, music, clothing, pet wares, local fruit popsicles and drinks, and so much more!

Authentic Bahamian Christmas Craft Show

This event is being held by The Ministry of Tourism in Governor’s Harbour and takes place on November 24 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. An array of handmade crafts and goods will be available for sale, and there will be a farmers’ market, a native designer fashion show and much more. For your enjoyment there will be live entertainment, foods and drinks as well.

BSLC Admin

Swimming with Pigs in the Bahamas

Visitors to the Bahamas come here for different reasons – from escaping the hustle and bustle of the big cities to finding an idyllic spot to enjoy the archipelago’s electric-blue waters. There is so much to do and see here that no one will ever be bored. A unique and one-of-a-kind activity the Bahamas is known for is swimming with pigs, so this is a must do for everyone who comes here. If you’re staying in Nassau or the Exumas you can easily book this activity. You will be picked up from your hotel or villa, and your adventure will start with a boat tour through the Exuma Keys. This is a full-day adventure and there are several tour companies that will take you there. Tours usually depart around 8:00 a.m. and return between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

It is unknown how pigs came to the Bahamas since they are not native to the islands. It is believed that pigs were left on the uninhabited Big Major Cay by sailors who were planning to return to the cay later and cook the pigs. Others believe that pigs swam over from a shipwreck nearby. A third theory is that locals relocated the pigs to Big Major Cay in anticipation of a slowdown in the economy during the Gulf War. Whatever the truth is Big Major Cay is now home to more than 20 pigs and piglets attracting thousands of tourists every year. The area the pigs live is called Pig Beach for obvious reasons. The pigs are very friendly and love making friends with visitors. This unusual activity even attracts celebrities, including Gabrielle Union and Amy Schumer, and the pigs even appeared in an episode of The Bachelor. In addition to swimming pigs you can see Bahamian Rock Iguanas who live on this secluded island.

Tour groups are small and lunch and drinks are usually included with your ticket. During your visit you will have the opportunity to enjoy swimming at Pig Beach, which is very remote and scenic. Here you can swim in the same waters the pigs swim and can even feed them. Pigs love all natural foods and your tour guide will provide carrots, watermelons, grapes, lettuce and other natural foods. Avoid processed foods such as bread and starchy foods since they are unhealthy for the pigs. Since pigs have poor eyesight, they may confuse your camera for food, so best is to keep a distance and take pictures from a distance instead of selfies.

BSLC Admin

Top Three Villa Picks in the Bahamas

The Bahamas has 700 islands and over 2,000 rocks and cays spread over 100,000 square miles of ocean. The archipelago is an ecological oasis and has the clearest water on the planet. There is so much to do and see here and it might be an overwhelming choice to decide where to go and where to stay. As insiders who are familiar with the Bahamas well we present some of the best places to stay.

Over Yonder Cay Luxury Villas

How about your own island? Over Yonder Cay is a private island in the Exumas featuring ultimate luxury and privacy. Here you and your group of up to 30 guests can enjoy four private villas and breathtaking beaches. The focal point of the island is the Meridian House that you can already spot as you arrive by plane. Its central hilltop location is the perfect place to enjoy the dramatic panoramic views all around. The upscale and elegant interior boasts a home theater, gym, sauna and steam room. The West Sands is the second villa located just steps from Whale Bone Beach. The villa’s four luxury bedrooms can accommodate eight guests. Here you can also enjoy private alfresco dining, lounging, a fire pit and a hot tub. The third villa, East Cove, is slightly elevated and overlooks Exuma Sound. It has a master suite, guest suite and two bedrooms with Hollywood bathroom.

Farniente

This four bedroom luxury villa located on Staniel Cay’s ocean ridge is a custom-designed masterpiece encompassing 5,000 square feet of indoor space, including four spacious private suites. For your entertainment you will also enjoy a large 6,000 square foot outdoor area with a heated swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor dining area, sun lounges and private beach access to a beautiful white sand beach. The villa combines a modern combination of island living and the fine touches of European design and elegance. The villa is designed for up to eight guests, and each sleeping suite is privately separated from the others, connected by Farniente’s expansive decking. All suites have their own unique design and feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a sitting area with flat-screen TV, an Antonio Lupi bathroom with a large glass shower, luxury towels and more.

Villa Carissa

Villa Carissa is another highly recommended gorgeous villa located on Harbour Island. It has three custom-designed tropical bedrooms with own bathrooms. The private home also features an adjoining one bedroom, one bathroom guest cottage. Guests of Villa Carissa enjoy a lushly landscaped outdoor area with a large private pool. The villa is just a few minutes away from Coral Sands Resort, where you will have access to all of the resort’s amenities – a heated resort pool, beach cabanas, world-class dining and shopping and more. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, there are plenty of things to do here ranging from beach activities to land tours, hiking, biking and more.

BSLC Admin

Things to Know Before Visiting the Bahamas

What makes the Bahamas an attractive travel destination to Americans and visitors from around the world is the combination of good weather year round, picture-perfect beaches and the large selection of land and water activities. Getting to the Bahamas is easy and you can either fly here or come on a cruise ship. Here is what you need to know before you come.

Passport requirement

You will need your passport to visit the Bahamas, and it needs to be valid for at least six months after your trip. So if you still need to do some passport arrangements, make sure you give yourself enough time to obtain a passport before your departure date.

Currency

Even though the Bahamas have their own currency (Bahamian dollar), it is of equal value to the American dollar. So changing currency is not necessary. The American dollar is accepted everywhere and you can also use most debit cards and the standard credit cards – Visa, Mastercard and American Express. When you use your card there might be small international transaction fees.

Accommodations

Just like most of the Caribbean islands, the Bahamas are pricey. But you will get what you pay for. There are a few good resorts here, but most visitors prefer the seclusion and privacy of a vacation home. If you plan to stay at a vacation home you will most likely have access to additional services, such as a cook, butler, concierge, etc, so you will not be missing out on what resorts offer.

Activities

The Bahamas is an activity paradise and there is so much to do and see here. Ocean activities range from swimming with sharks and dolphins, snorkeling with colorful fish in the shallow waters of Nassau’s famous reefs, diving and exploring deep walls, fascinating wrecks, blue holes, tunnels and more. If you don’t want to get wet you can still explore the amazing underwater world of the Bahamas by taking an underwater cruise in your own submarine. Another must-do is a sunset dinner cruise where you can enjoy a casual atmosphere on a sailing catamaran, watch the sunset and enjoy a buffet dinner.  For the most adventurous of you, come and parasail over the clear blue crystal waters of Cabbage Beach. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will take your breath away. If you are into land adventures, you will love venturing out on an ATV. This is a unique way to drive through and explore the lush jungle and enjoy panoramic views of the turquoise sea and beautiful shoreline.

Dining

Discovering the Bahamian cuisine is a must-do for everyone who comes here. The Bahamas offers a large selection of dining options, from casual beachfront cafés and award-winning fine dining restaurants to Mom & Pop eateries featuring traditional Bahamian favorites in a laid-back atmosphere. There are even tours that will take you off the beaten tourist path on a delicious culinary adventure through Nassau’s vibrant downtown neighborhood where you will visit and sample local delicacies, including classic conch fritters, baked macaroni and cheese, rum cake and more.

BSLC Admin

Top Bahamas Attractions

Located southeast of Florida, the Bahamas is an archipelago of 700-plus islands. Grand Bahama and Paradise Island are among the best known and are home to many large resorts. The Bahamas are the quintessential Caribbean vacation destination where you will find many gorgeous white sand beaches, historical sites, museums, water parks, nature parks and so much more. Here are some of the most popular Bahamas attractions.

Atlantis Bahamas, Paradise Island

Located on Paradise Island, the Atlantis Resort is one of the Bahamas’ most popular tourist attractions, home to a casino, six lagoons, and a huge 141-acre water park, called Aquaventure. It is the perfect playground for the entire family. The resort also features top-notch accommodations, a golf course and several restaurants. Atlantis Bahamas also boasts the world’s largest open-air marine habitat. The aquariums are home to over 50,000 marine animals from over 200 species, including sharks, eels, piranha, rays and many more.

Lucayan National Park, Grand Bahama Island

Located on Grand Bahama Island, Lucayan National Park features 40 acres of palm, pine and mangrove trees, as well as beautiful Gold Rock Beach, the Burial Mound Cave and Ben’s Cave, both of which are part of one of the world’s longest underwater limestone cave systems. Located less then 20 miles from downtown Freeport, the national park is within easy reach.

Queen’s Staircase, New Providence Island

Queen’s Staircase in downtown Nassau on New Providence Island is a historic staircase that was carved out of limestone by slaves in the late 1700s. It took more than 16 years to complete and was named after Queen Victoria, who ruled over this region for 64 years. She abolished slavery in the country. Spanning 102 feet, Queen’s Staircase is also sometimes referred to as 66 steps, though only 65 are visible.

The Glass Window Bridge, Eleuthera

To enjoy one of the most unique views in the Bahamas, visit the Glass Window Bridge on Eleuthera. Measuring just 30 feet in width at its narrowest point, this strip of land connects Eleuthera’s Gregory Town and Lower Bogue. On the northern side, you’ll see the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and on the southern side the turquoise waters of the Exuma Sound in the Caribbean Sea. It is this stark contrast between the Glass Window Bridge’s two sides that is so fascinating for many visitors. You can see both sides without leaving your car, but to truly enjoy the view, you can hike around the area. There is also a public beach on the Caribbean side.

Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, Eleuthera

Located on Eleuthera, the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve is a 25-acre national park, a lush oasis featuring beautiful native flora, from orchids and ferns to mangroves and cacti. There are miles of trails within this nature preserve, so it is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll with plenty of great photo opportunities.

BSLC Admin

Over Yonder Cay – One of the Best Vacations in the World

Located in the heart of the Bahamas’ Exuma chain about 200 miles from Florida, Over Yonder Cay is the perfect vacation destination if you are looking for privacy and ultimate luxury. The 72-acre island used to be a quaint fishing outpost in the past. Today, it features four stunningly beautiful island villas spread out around the island, yet within a golf cart ride away from each other. Each one of the villas offers an amazing level of comfort and features stunning architectural design and state-of-the-art green energy technology.

The main villa, Meridian House, offers guests plenty of space, with four en-suite bedrooms that sleep eight guests. It is situated on the highest point of the island with panoramic sweeping views of the Exumas on all sides. Situated close to the main beach is West Sands, which accommodates eight guests as well. This villa also has four bedrooms, two of which share a bathroom. Overlooking the eastern beach is East Cove, which also sleeps eight guests. The remaining villa, South Point, is surrounded on two sides by the sea as it is located on a peninsula. The villa has room for six guests, with three bedrooms, two of which share a bathroom. All villas have satellite TV, Wi-Fi Internet and iPads, as well as a Kaleidescape entertainment library and Crestron control system. Meridian House also features a 12-seat movie theater; the three other villas each have a 70-inch TV. Suites are also equipped with a 40-inch TV and en-suite bathroom.

Another unique feature of Over Yonder Cay is the island’s cutting-edge hybrid energy system. It is almost entirely powered by wind and solar energy harnessed by three wind turbines and a 1.5-acre solar field. Several back-up generators provide power to the island if necessary.

Over Yonder Cay offers guests a variety of activities – both on land and in the water. Guests have full access to the island’s boats and water sports toys, including crewed motorboats for snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and excursions to the neighbor islands. The 120-foot sailing yacht is perfect for a great adventure at sea, while the 50-foot Merritt is available for a fishing tour. A pair of 30-foot sailboats and catamarans are available as well.

The West Beach Club features a pool, hot tub and a great sound system, so it is the perfect place to relax during the day and party by night. Over Yonder Cay also features a nine-hole par three golf course, a floodlit tennis court, a beach volleyball court and two fitness centers. The island also features three spectacular pools and hot tubs throughout the property.

With its 320 days of sunshine per year and average temperatures that rarely fall below 77°F (25°C), Over Yonder Cay is a year-round travel destination. There are several ways to reach the island. Guests can arrive directly from Miami or Fort Lauderdale on one of the island’s two eight-passenger Cessna Grand Caravan seaplanes. Nearby commercial airports include Staniel Cay (a 10-minute boat ride away from Over Yonder Cay), or Georgetown (30 minutes away from Over Yonder Cay by seaplane). Georgetown has an 8,000-foot runway that can accommodate large private jets. Over Yonder Cay can also accommodate larger vessels for those arriving by yacht. The island’s deep-water marina can handle multiple yachts of up to 13 feet of draft at mean low tide.

BSLC Admin

Top Bahamas Beaches

Situated in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of Florida, the Bahamas archipelago encompasses 700-plus islands and even more beaches. Many of them are picture perfect tropical beaches and stand out for their perfect mix of sand and surf. The islands of Grand Bahama and Paradise Island are home to many hotels and resorts and are among the best known. Top snorkel and scuba diving sites include the spectacular Andros Barrier Reef, the black coral gardens off Bimini and Thunderball Grotto.

Located on Grand Bahama Island within the protected Lucayan National Park, Gold Rock Beach is the most beautiful section of this island’s 90 miles of south shore coastline. This white sand beach is almost a football field wide at low tide, and the shallow nearshore waters are perfect for wading and snorkeling. For those who prefer to stay dry, the park is also home to limestone caves that are worth a visit.

Due to its proximity to the most popular resort in the Bahamas, Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is a must-see. Since it is just a short stroll from Atlantis Resorts Bahamas, it is one of the most visited beaches in the Bahamas. The beach is a great place for swimming and snorkeling. There are many things to do here. Atlantis Resorts Bahamas is a huge property, home to six luxury hotels, a fabulous gambling casino as well as Paradise Beach, made famous in movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and James Bond’s Thunderball and Casino Royale.

Another top Bahamas Beach is Pink Sands Beach, located on Harbour Island, which is accessible via a two-hour ferry ride from Nassau. The island is known for its 35-plus miles of pale pink sand beaches. The pink sand comes from broken coral pieces and shells of foraminifera, a single-celled organism. Harbour Island is one of just a few locations in the world with pink sand beaches, so this island is well worth a visit.

Long Island is home to Deals Beach, which is situated along the island’s main road. It’s a beautiful two mile stretch of sand with a shallow bay, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, wading or sailing. Another top Bahamas beach is Long Bay Beach on San Salvador Island. This beach was named after the longboats that Christopher Columbus and his crew used to come ashore here in October 1492. The exact location is marked by a white cross, and it is the most photographed place on the island. Swimming and snorkeling are popular activities here, and there are a few large reefs just offshore that are teeming with marine life.

Looking for a beach that’s off the beaten path? Visit Tahiti Beach in the Abacos. Located on the southern tip of Elbow Cay, this stunningly beautiful white sand beach is lined with coconut palms. It is very secluded and accessible only on foot, bike or by boat, so you are sure to find a stretch of sand to call your own. Tahiti Beach is a great spot for swimming or collecting sea shells, starfish and sand dollars.

Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site!