Enjoying the white sand beaches and beach water sports is one of the most popular activities for Bahamas visitors. Some of the most frequented beaches are Cable Beach in Nassau, the beach at Paradise Island and Lucayan Beach on Grand Bahama Island.
Sportfishing has been a favorite Bahamas activity since Hemingway wrote about fishing in Bimini. That small island continues to attract those seeking swordfish, marlin, sailfish and tuna. Fishing charter boats depart from all of the major port cities, including Nassau, Freeport and Paradise Island.
Bahamas cuisine combines West African cooking with British culture, a reminder of centuries of British rule. Highlights include conch chowder and fritters, rock lobsters and refreshing Bahama Mama cocktails.
Music and dance are a part of daily Bahamian life. Steel drum bands accompany most meals and events. The annual Junkanoo Festival is celebrated Dec. 26 and features a street parade complete with feathered costumes and rhythmic music.
Several of the Bahamas Islands feature casino gambling. The two most popular casino destinations are Paradise Island, just off the coast of Nassau, the nation's capital; and Grand Bahama Island, one of the largest of the Bahamas Islands. Bahamian casinos rival Las Vegas, with slot machines, table games, sports books and poker rooms.
