The Abacos This 120 mile long chain of islands is the perfect spot for boat and beach lovers alike. Individual cays, many to small to allow cars, distinctive accents, traditional occupations like boat building and four national environmental land and sea parks make this a beautiful spot for a second home.

Acklins/Crooked Island These two islands are two of the most unspoiled, naturally beautiful islands within the Bahamas. Beautiful seas, natural formations such as caves and historic ruins are a draw for these undeveloped island gems. Protected Heritage sites such as Great Hope House on Crooked Island (the remains of a 19th century plantation) and world famous fishing on the bone fishing flats of Acklins mean these islands are worth a closer look.

Andros The largest island in the Bahamas and the fifth largest in the Caribbean have lead to Andros' affectionate nickname "The Big Yard". Andros boasts the Bahamas' largest national park, biggest system of inland blue holes, third largest barrier reef in the world and some of the best bone fishing world wide. This island is a true flats fisherman's paradise. Visit during the summer and experience Crab Fest, which drew over 18,000 people to Andros last year.

The Berry Islands The Berry Islands are a cluster of 30 Cays and numerous islets and are known amongst serious sportsfishermen as the "Billfish Capital" of the Bahamas. A must see for fishing enthusiasts, these islands are also perfect for "idlers" looking for tranquility in unspoiled settings.

Bimini One of the closest islands to Florida (40 miles away) Bimini is world renowned for its fishing. A favourite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, Bimini inspired "The Old Man and the Sea" and "Islands in the Stream." Long before that, however, it was rumored to be the home of Ponce de Leon's fabled "Fountain of Youth", perhaps inspired by the Healing Pool, a mineral rich water hole within the mangroves that is said to have curative properties.

Cat Island Cat Island is home to Mount Alvernia, which at 206 feet is the highest point in the Bahamas. Mount Alvernia is also home to The Hermitage, a monastery that commands 360 degree views of the Island. The annual Cat Island Rake'n'Scrape Festival showcasing this indigenous musical form is a must see.

Eleuthera/Harbour Island Some of the first settlers in the Bahamas arrived in Eleuthera. Preachers Cave is where the shipwrecked adventurers sought refuge from a storm on their first night in the Bahamas. It is also home to the annual Pineapple Festival which celebrates Eleuthera's "First Fruit" with days of food, fun, and of course, pineapple cooking and craft competitions. Harbour Island is one of the small islands of Eleuthera world renowned for its pink sand beaches.

The Exumas The Exuma chain consists of over 360 cays and islands, most of them uninhabitated. The Exuma Land and Sea Park is one of the Bahamas first protected reef areas. Yachtsmen hail this island chain as a paradise for the strings of protected coves and uninhabited white sandy beaches. Exuma's George Town Regatta is an annual event that features Bahamian sloop racing with contestants from all over the Bahamas.

Grand Bahama Island Grand Bahama Island is home to the second largest city in the Bahamas, Freeport. Grand Bahama offers casinos, nightlife and shopping as well as beautiful diving, nature trails, pristine beaches and flats and deep sea fishing adventures. A favourite of boaters, Grand Bahama is known for its canal properties that offer boat owners an opportunity to keep their vessels close at hand.

Inagua Inagua is often referred to as the "best kept secret in the Bahamas". The most southern island, Inagua is salt country, producing almost a million pounds of salt a year. It is also home to the Bahamas' largest flamingo colony, one of the most breathtaking sights in the world.

Long Island Long Island has some of the most interesting historical ruins in the Bahamas, including plantation remains and historical churches. If a livelier scene appeals to you, check out their annual Regatta, one of the most popular in the Bahamas and enjoy the boat races and round the clock partying. Professional Free Divers like to gather at Dean's Blue Hole to challenge world records.

Nassau/Paradise Island Nassau, the capital and largest city in the Bahamas is located on the Island of New Providence. Home to casinos, historical ruins, hotels, shopping, museums and the business capital of the Bahamas, Nassau has something for everyone. No wonder it attracts millions of visitors a year! Paradise Island, once known as Hog Island is home to beautiful beaches and the stunning Atlantis Hotel.

San Salvador One of the most eastern islands in the Bahamas, San Salvador is a nature lover's paradise complete with a fascinating history. The purported landing place of Christopher Columbus, this island is also home to historical plantation sites, the Bahamian Field Station, and one of the few manned lighthouses in the Western hemisphere.