DESTINATION
The Bahamas
DESTINATION INFO
Location
Geography
Name
Population
Language
Currency
Tipping
Government
Documentation
Time zone
Health
Safety tips
The Islands Of The Bahamas is a 100,000-sq-mile archipelago that
extends over 500 miles of the clearest water in the world. Bimini is a
mere 40 miles (80 km) from Florida.
The 700 islands, including uninhabited cays and large rocks, total an
estimated land area of 5,382 sq miles, and register a highest land
elevation of 206 ft. Most notable, however, is that each island has its own
diversity that continues beyond geography, carrying through to the heart
of The Bahamas, the Bahamian people
After observing the shallow sea around the islands, Colombus said "baja
mar" (shallow water or sea), and effectively named the area The
Bahamas, or The Islands of the Shallow Sea.
Somewhere over 300,000.
Trivia: At the 2000 Summer Olympics in Australia, the results were
analyzed on a per capita basis for the first time. It was revealed that with
two medals (1 gold and 1 silver), The Bahamas actually won the Games!
Bahamian English is fascinating mixture of Queen's diction, African
influences, and island patois. Unfamiliar sounding words you'll hear on
our streets and beaches may be survivors from early English settlement
(true Shakesperian English!), echoes of Africa, or local coinages.
In The Bahamas, the legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is
equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar. Even though The Bahamas mint
and circulate their own legal tender, both U.S. and Bahamian dollars are
accepted interchangeably throughout the islands.$1 CDN = $0.85 at Jan
20, 2007.
Tip according to quality of service. Bellboys and porters usually receive
$1 per bag, while most other servers (waiters, taxis, etc.) receive 15%.
The Constitution of The Bahamas is based on the Westminster Model;
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The Executive Branch, The Legislative
Branch, and Judicial Branch. As a member of the Commonwealth of
Nations, The Bahamas recognizes Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as
Head of State. The Governor-General is Her Majesty's representative in
The Bahamas and constitutes a symbol of the nation's unity.
Passport or birth certificate. Departure Tax: $15 US
Eastern Time Zone
Few health risks; no vaccinations necessary
Normal safety precautions
Chris Robinson Associates Inc does not warrant the quality, accuracy or completeness of any claims, statements or information
contained within this document. This document was created at the time of broadcast and may not be current.
 2007 Chris Robinson Associates Inc.
www.chrisrobinsontravelshow.ca
2
CLIMATE
General climate
Today’s weather
Best time to visit
GETTING THERE
Flying time
Cities
Distances
Ferries
Trains
Car Rental
Buses
The trade winds that blow almost continually throughout The Islands of
The Bahamas give the islands a warm, agreeable climate which varies
little year round. The most refreshing time is between September
through May, when the temperature averages 70-75F degrees. The rest
of the year is a bit warmer with temperatures between 80-85F degrees.
26 degrees and sunny for Jan 20, 2007
Mid December to Mid April
Sat flights direct with Air Canada Vacations from Toronto to Nassau;
3 hrs. Sat flights direct with Air Canada Vacations from Montreal to
Nassau; 3.5 hrs.
Nassau – Bay Street; Queen’s Staircase: Nassau’s most visited
attraction. Climb the 65 steps carved out of solid limestone by slaves in
the late 18th century. This 102-foot staircase was named in honor of the
65 years of Queen Victoria’s reign.
Grand Bahama is 120 km east of Palm Beach Florida.
19 Mail Boats connect the islands – for those with time!
None
Major firms; rates start at $60
Buses: few services except in Nassau – private jitneys/minibuses
Taxis: To experience knowledgeable, professional Bahamian hospitality
as you travel in The Bahamas, look for this Bahamahost decal on
taxicabs and jitneys.
Driving: British rules apply, so please drive on the left and be extra
careful on roundabouts. Visitors may use their home licenses for up to
three months.
ACCOMMODATION
TYPES
TARGET GROUPS
Kids
Pirates of Nassau is a world-class pirate attraction in the heart of
downtown Nassau. Experience the true story of pirates in an amazing,
historically accurate, interactive environment, which will entertain, excite
and educate visitors of all ages. Pirate themed pub and Courtyard bar
and PLUNDER! The Pirate Gift Shop.
TropiKids entertainment centre, the Pirates Of Nassau museum,
Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Centre, the Crystal Cay Marine
Park
Chris Robinson Associates Inc does not warrant the quality, accuracy or completeness of any claims, statements or information
contained within this document. This document was created at the time of broadcast and may not be current.
 2007 Chris Robinson Associates Inc.
www.chrisrobinsontravelshow.ca
3
Teens
Romance
Honeymoons &
Weddings
Seniors
UNIQUES
Surprising
History
Books
1000 Places to see
before you die
Opportunities abound for shared family adventure and relaxation,
including spectacular beaches and reefs, water parks, historical
museums, nature and conservation centers.
Sandals is perfect for weddings and honeymoons!
Next day; $100 license fee
A good choice for seniors: easy to get around, comfortable resorts, short
flights from Canada, spring-like weather in winter
The ratio of flamingos to people on Great Inagua is 61:1.
Cascarilla bark grown in a few Out Islands is used to flavor Campari and
Vermouth.
Geography played a crucial role in Bahamian history. In 1492,
Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the New World on the
island of San Salvador in the eastern Bahamas. Recent archaeological
digs indicate people lived in The Islands Of The Bahamas as early as
300 to 400 AD. These people probably came from Cuba and relied on
the ocean for their food. In the 10th century, Lucayan Indians -- a
subgroup of the Arawaks – settled in The Islands Of The Bahamas.
When Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492 on San Salvador (some
historians think he landed on Cat Island), there were about 40,000
Lucayans living in The Islands Of The Bahamas. Taking advantage of
the people’s gentle nature, he enslaved them three years later and
shipped them off to Hispaniola to work in his mines. Slavery, disease
and other hardships wiped out the entire tribe within 25 years of
Columbus’ arrival. In 1648, a group of dissident English Puritans (known
as the "Eleutheran Adventurers") arrived here in their quest for religious
freedom.
The first English settlers of Eleuthera shipped Braselitto wood to Boston
as a thank you for the support given by the people of Massachusetts.
The proceeds from the sale of this precious wood went to purchase the
land for Harvard College, which eventually became Harvard University.
Charles Town on New Providence Island was burnt to the ground by the
Spanish in 1684, but later rebuilt and renamed Nassau in 1695 to honor
King William III (formerly Prince of Orange-Nassau).
The Bahama Islands became the free and sovereign Commonwealth of
The Bahamas on 10th July 1973 ending 325 years of British rule.
Frommer’s Bahamas 2007
Andros Island for diving and bone fishing
Dolphin Dive, Little Bahama Banks to swim with wild dolphins
The pink sands of Harbour Island
Shark Rodeo at Walker’s Cay to swim with the sharks
Chris Robinson Associates Inc does not warrant the quality, accuracy or completeness of any claims, statements or information
contained within this document. This document was created at the time of broadcast and may not be current.
 2007 Chris Robinson Associates Inc.
www.chrisrobinsontravelshow.ca
4
Must Sees
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
Golf
Fishing
Horse riding
Hiking
Cycling
Diving
Sailing
CULTURE
Music
Films
Museums
Festivals
Best Beaches: Cable Beach, Cat’s Island Beaches
Best diving: Exuma, New Providence and Andros Islands
Cable Beach Golf Course - The Radisson Cable Beach Resort’s golf
course is one of the finest in the Caribbean. It’s a challenging,
7,040-yard, par-72 course.
Ocean Club Golf Course - This 18-hole, par-72 championship course is
designed by Tom Weiskopf and operated by Troon Golf.
Deep sea fishing: The Bahamas has produced over 50 record catches.
Come for big-game tournaments, deep-sea charters, or to witness the
vigorous strike of the bonefish. The flats and deep waters of The
Bahamas are suitable for beginners and sportfishing enthusiasts.
Bone Fishing: Bonefishing has become a local favorite within The
Islands Of The Bahamas. Bonefishing takes place in the flats where
guides slowly pole small flat-bottomed boats for anglers, or the truly
dedicated quietly stalk these elusive fish by wading through knee-deep
water. These quicksilver fighters, weighing up to 15 pounds, inspire both
fly fishermen and spin casters alike with their power and speed.
Windsor Equestrian Centre on New Providence Island (Nassau)
Trails in Lucayan National Park: cavens, mangroves
Best on Grand Bahama Island: flat and with better roads
Coral reefs. Blue holes. Walls. Caves. Shipwrecks. Sharks. Dolphins.
Stingrays. The variety of islands in The Bahamas present a variety of
diving experiences. Beginners and experts are welcome. Lessons and
guides can be found throughout the islands.
The Bahamas has the clearest waters in the world with visibility of over
200 feet.
Sea Island Adventures – twin hulled catamaran cruises to the reefs
Annual One Bahamas Music and Heritage Festival in November – 3
days of music in Nassau and Paradise Island
Film locations: The Outsider, Silence of the Lambs, Cocoon I & II,
Flipper, Thunderball, Splash, Never Say Never Again, Zeus and
Roxanne, Jaws the Revenge and Speed 2
Junkanoo Expo: wharfside museum, culture and history of event
Historical Museum: Lucayan indians
Junkanoo (which has been compared to Carnival in Rio and Mardi Gras
in New Orleans) is a colorful and uniquely Bahamian parade held on
Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Chris Robinson Associates Inc does not warrant the quality, accuracy or completeness of any claims, statements or information
contained within this document. This document was created at the time of broadcast and may not be current.
 2007 Chris Robinson Associates Inc.
www.chrisrobinsontravelshow.ca
5
ATTRACTIONS
Beaches
Wildlife
Parks
Gardens
Highest Point: Mount Alvernia on Cat Island at 206 ft (63 meters) is
the highest point on the islands.
The emerald and turquoise waters of The Bahamas archipelago
naturally form breathtaking beaches. Seclusion. Activity. Countless
meandering miles of sand - white, or pink.
Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island is one of the more beautiful beaches
on Nassau/Paradise Island. It is ideal for beach walking, swimming or
sunbathing. Such water sports as water-skiing, snorkeling and
parasailing take place.
Swim with Dolphins: Blue Lagoon Island close encounter: After an
educational talk on our deck, wade into waist-deep water for close-up
contact with our dolphins. Swim with the dolphins: Spend approximately
30 unforgettable minutes in the water.
More than 80,000 West Indian Flamingos, national bird of The Bahamas,
reside in the Inagua National Park, which makes up almost half of
Great Inagua Island; Other exotic birds on the island include pelicans,
herons, egrets, and Bahama pintail ducks.
109 species of birds breed in the Islands of the Bahamas
Several species of whales and dolphins, including blue and humpback
whales and spotted dolphin are found in the waters of The Bahamas.
National Parks: Abaco NP - This National Park, comprising 20,500
acres in Southern Abaco near Hole In The Wall, has been designated a
preservation area by the Bahamas Government and is managed by The
Bahamas National Trust. Included are 5,000 acres of pine forest – the
nesting area and habitat of about 1000 endangered Bahama or "Abaco"
Parrots.
The Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island is the site of the
world's longest known underwater cave and cavern system.
Ardastra Gardens & Conservation Center - More than 300 birds,
mammals and reptiles from The Islands Of The Bahamas, the
Caribbean, Latin America and around the world are on display among
acres of lush tropical gardens.
Versailles Gardens - Stroll through these spectacular gardens, a
popular spot for weddings. Bronze and marble statues -- like a life-sized
Hercules sculpted in Greece in the 12th century -- as well as fountains,
reflecting pools and waterfalls are scattered throughout. A lacy gazebo
sits high above the boat-filled harbour.
Chris Robinson Associates Inc does not warrant the quality, accuracy or completeness of any claims, statements or information
contained within this document. This document was created at the time of broadcast and may not be current.
 2007 Chris Robinson Associates Inc.
www.chrisrobinsontravelshow.ca
6
Castles/Forts
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Shopping
Markets
Nightlife
Casinos
CUISINE
Food
Drinks
Restaurants
MORE INFO
Brochures
Website
Fort Charlotte is by far the largest and covers 100 acres. Located on a
hill overlooking the far west end of the harbour, it commands an
impressive view of Paradise Island, a good part of Nassau and the
harbour. Built in 1788 by Lord Dunmore, this fort has a moat, dungeons,
underground passageways and 42 cannons, which have never been
fired in an act of aggression. It is one mile west of downtown Nassau,
just off West Bay Street.
The Bahamas abolished all import duties on 11 categories of items.
Perfumes and Fragrances, Crystal, Leather Goods, Jewelry, Fine Linens
and Tablecloths, Watches and Clocks, Photographic Equipment, China,
Binoculars, and Telescopes are all duty free. Savings on these items are
between 25% - 50% off US prices.
Straw markets reveal foods, spices, ceramics, crafts, art, and music.
Da Island Club "Where the grown folks hang out." Presenting the best in
Bahamian and Old School music nightly; King Eric's Native Calypso
Show - A truly Bahamian treat when you take in "King Eric's Native
Calypso Show."
The 50,000-sq.-ft. Atlantis, Paradise Island Casino, is a spectacular
themed casino bringing the outside in with its panoramic windows and
skylights; At the 35,000-sq.-ft. Crystal Palace Casino, slots are open 24
hours. Table games are open 24 hours on weekends.
Seafood, callaloo, cassava, tropical fruits, spices, meat pies
Kalik Beer; rum, cocktails eg the Tranquil Turtle
The Graycliff Restaurant is a five star restaurant situated in a 250 year
old mansion in Nassau. It has one of the largest wine cellars in the
Western Hemisphere with over 200,000 bottles of the world's finest
vintages and also has its own cigar factory.
1-800-BAHAMAS
www.bahamas.com
www.sandals.com
www.aircanadavacations.com
Chris Robinson Associates Inc does not warrant the quality, accuracy or completeness of any claims, statements or information
contained within this document. This document was created at the time of broadcast and may not be current.
 2007 Chris Robinson Associates Inc.
www.chrisrobinsontravelshow.ca
7
HOTEL PRIZE
PARTNER
Location
Facilities
Accommodation
Activities
Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort in Nassau
Edwardian England in the Tropics!
Voted Top Caribbean Spa Resort by the readers of Condé Nast
magazine, this stunning Five Star Diamond Resort provides discerning
couples with unmatched opulence, Old World sophistication and,
underlying it all, a particularly infectious Caribbean energy. Sandals
Royal Bahamian is the flagship of Sandals Signature Spa Collection
whose hallmark is unrestrained luxury and the very pinnacle of top-notch
service and amenities.
Couples only, no children allowed.
Hurricane Guarantee: In the unlikely event that hurricane force winds
(as defined by the U.S. National Weather Service) directly hit the
Sandals or Beaches resorts while you are a guest, interrupting the use of
all the included activities, Sandals or Beaches Resorts will offer a free
replacement vacation to be taken at any Sandals or Beaches Resort of
your choice. This replacement stay will be for the same duration as the
one originally booked, regardless of how many days were affected by
the hurricane.
On Cable Beach, Nassau
Take a stately ferry ride and discover, just minutes from shore, your own
personal island, Sandals Cay. Complete with two powdery white-sand
beaches, crystal-clear aquamarine waters, a freshwater lagoon-style
pool with swim-up bar and a full-service restaurant specializing in
delectable seafood, Sandals Cay truly embodies the ideal island retreat
within Sandals Royal Bahamian.
7 swimming pools, 2 swim up bars, fitness centre, spa
There is an astounding range of 13 categories of accommodations at
Sandals Royal Bahamian, assuring the perfect selection to match your
tastes. More than half the resort is comprised of lavish suites, each
boasting the finest designer details and graciously accompanied by
upgraded amenities and a Concierge staff who possess the uncanny
ability to know precisely when and how to please you. Top-of-the-line
suites offer the height of personalized "beck & call" luxury; a Sandals
Butler and airport transportation in a private Mercedes-Benz.
Sailing, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, scuba, snorkel, volleyball
Chris Robinson Associates Inc does not warrant the quality, accuracy or completeness of any claims, statements or information
contained within this document. This document was created at the time of broadcast and may not be current.
 2007 Chris Robinson Associates Inc.
www.chrisrobinsontravelshow.ca
8
Restaurants
Few resorts in the world can match the exceptional fine dining selection
at Sandals Royal Bahamian's eight specialty restaurants. Each boasts
its own authentic ambiance and decor, with a mouth-watering menu from
a creatively inspired master-chef. From the heart-warming traditions of
Northern Italian fare, and the chic intimacy at an Art Nouveau restaurant
serving Five Star Diamond French Cuisine, to a dazzling formal dining
room showcasing an authentic period crystal chandelier, and a casual
beachside café featuring grilled favorites. For instance at Baccarat
Restaurant: Classical French cuisine prepared by an award winning chef
served in an Art Nouveau interior overlooking the moonlit pool.
AIRLINE PRIZE
PARTNER
Air Canada
This winter, Air Canada Vacations offers best-value packages at
hundreds of resorts, many all-inclusive, located in some 30 popular
destinations serviced by over 340 Air Canada flights per week. Choose
from Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas (Nassau), Barbados, Bermuda, Costa
Rica (Liberia, San José), Cuba (Cayo Coco & Cayo Guillermo, Cayo
Largo, Havana, Holguin, Varadero), Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata,
Punta Cana, Santo Domingo), Grand Cayman, Grenada, Hawaii
(Kailua/Kona, Honolulu and Maui), Jamaica (Montego Bay), Mexico
(Cancun/Mayan Riviera, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta,
Ixtapa/Zihautanejo), St. Lucia, St. Martin/Maarten and Turks & Caicos.
In addition to destinations featured in the brochure, packages are also
available this winter to Florida (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Miami and
Tampa), Guadeloupe and Puerto Rico (San Juan).
The Air Canada Vacations advantage: Travel advantages with Air
Canada Vacations include reliable Air Canada service, spacious seats
with more legroom, advance seat selection as well as free larger
baggage capacity allowance, in-flight entertainment and headset. All
holiday packages include round-trip airfare, accommodation, return
airport transfers at destination and Aeroplan® Miles. Convenient flexible
durations and ultra-convenient weekend departures are also available.
Flight details
Chris Robinson Associates Inc does not warrant the quality, accuracy or completeness of any claims, statements or information
contained within this document. This document was created at the time of broadcast and may not be current.
 2007 Chris Robinson Associates Inc.
www.chrisrobinsontravelshow.ca
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