Island Guide

Welcome to the HGChristie Bahama Islands Information page. H. G. Christie Ltd. is the oldest and most extensive real estate agency in the Bahamas and has been in business since 1922. We have a history of service excellence here in the Bahamas, and because of this, we are also the exclusive Christie's Great Estates affiliate for the country.

It is our pleasure to provide you with some general information on our country, which you will see below, but more specific information on each island can be found by clicking the links at the bottom.

The Bahamas is an archipelago with 700 islands over 100,000 square miles of ocean. We are known for our balmy weather, which ranges from 70 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. Our breathtaking waters are what most visitors are here to enjoy and there is actually visibility in depths up to 200 feet.

We achieved independence from Britain on July 10, 1973, but our government is modelled on the Westminster style. We are a Member of the Commonwealth of Nations, recognizing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as our Head of State.

The majority of Bahamians live on New Providence which is where our capital city, Nassau, is located. We are also very close in proximity to the United States of America and with over 32 ports of entry and international airports with direct flights from across the globe, we are also one of the most easily accessible tropical destinations.


Thank you for taking the time to visit our pages.

Abaco: The Most Popular Out-Island Retreat

Abaco isn't a single island, but rather a chain of islands from Walker's Cay in the north to Hole-In-The-Wall in the south. Located 75 miles directly north of Nassau and 200 miles east of Florida, this arc-shaped configuration creates naturally protected waters so well-known among yachtsmen and fishermen that Abaco is often referred to as the Sailing Capital of the World.

Once here, one never has to go far to find excellent marinas, guides, and boats for hire, with or without crew. The hub of The Abacos is Marsh Harbour, home of the Abaco office of H.G. Christie Ltd. (Send us an e-mail!), a yachting centre that has all the modern conveniences, from supermarkets, to banks, to fine restaurants - all only a quick ferry ride from charming 19th century towns.

Walking around picturesque Hope Town, where waterfront homes are now starting around $600,000 and there are many vacation rentals, with its candy-striped lighthouse, small wooden cottages and white picket fences, it's hard to believe people once made a living by salvaging wrecked ships. But the proof is right here in the Wyannie Malone Historical Museum.

Ironically, nearby Man-O-War Cay has always depended on shipbuilding for its livelihood. You can still find boats that are handmade without the use of plans, in a tradition that has been passed down for centuries. This cay also has a wonderful natural harbour and homes are currently ranging in price from $575,000 to around $2,000,000.

This tidy settlement is akin to those small New England towns, save for the palm trees and tropical breezes, and prides itself as much on what it has as what it doesn't. There are no jails, police, or high-rise hotels although there are an abundance of cottages are for rent.

Farther north, there's a colonial fishing village on Green Turtle Cay, named New Plymouth. Here, salt-box houses are brightly painted and the people are proud of their heritage. The Albert Lowe Museum, in cheerful green and white clapboard, traces the steps of Loyalists who settled here over 200 years ago. This is a popular beach front location. Prime beach front properties are available with prices now beginning at approximately $500,000.

But Green Turtle Cay is not stuck in the past. With fishing tournaments and an annual regatta, the pace can be quite energetic.

The same is true of Treasure Cay, where a modern resort boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, a marina and facilities for fishing, boating, and scuba diving. There are also many excellent condominiums for sale which are very reasonably priced. And if you are looking for a beach, nearby Treasure Island is superb.

There's also lush, secluded Walker's Cay, attracting those interested in deep-sea fishing, boating, and diving. And if that's not secluded enough, sail to one of Abaco's uninhabited cays where there is nothing but white sand beaches and ultramarine seas to surround you.

At Pelican Cay Land and Sea Park, this underwater preserve presents a surreal setting for the scuba enthusiast. The Abaco National Park allows visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature at its finest among a wide variety of flora and fauna native to Abaco.

This quaint region of the Bahamas is within easy reach as there are direct flights to and from both of Abaco's airstrips from the United States.

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It is impossible to fully describe the beauty of the Bahamas but it is possible for you to own a piece of that beauty in property only moments from the beach of your dreams. We, at HGChristie, would love to make your dreams a reality. Contact us today.

Andros

Andros is the largest of all the Bahamian islands at 2,300 square miles, and is located only twenty miles from New Providence at its nearest point. It is made up of many islands separated hundreds of creeks and rivers, many parts of which have not been explored. Three of the larger rivers divide Andros into three major islands, known as North Andros, Mangrove Cay, and South Andros.

Despite its size, Andros is the least densely populated island in the Bahamas with a population of only 6,000. Most of the residents are located on the east coast in the 3 major towns: Nicholls Town, Andros Town, and Congo Town.

Travel around Andros is easy as there are four airports, one of which is the Andros Town International Airport. But there is also the weekly mailboat or daily airplane can be taken to Nassau from Little Harbour.

Largely free of commercial development and still unspoiled, you can enjoy the natural beauty and isolation of this large island. Andros is known for its contrasting ecosystems of pine forests, mangrove swamps, blue holes, hidden lakes, long reefs, agricultural properties and miles of flats. This island is a paradise for the nature enthusiast who may be fortunate enough to spot flamingos or six foot long iguanas, but there are also more than 50 species of orchids and over two hundred types of birds native to the island. The eastern shoreline of Andros also has many idyllic, deserted beaches and one coconut grove after another.

Andros also provides other exciting entertainments, like diving, fishing, sailing, and hunting. A scuba lovers haven, Andros is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the world's third largest coral reef which runs 145 miles along the length of Andros' east coast. There are many spectacular dives up and down its coast as the reef has a dramatic drop more than 6,000 feet into the Tongue of the Ocean, a deep oceanic trench. Also, there is an extensive network of fresh and saltwater blue holes, water filled cave systems, attracting cave divers from around the world. Approximately 400 inland and ocean holes exist. Ocean holes, as the name indicates, are found in the sea, while the inland holes are completely surrounded by land and at the base are separated from the sea.

Andros is a heaven for fishermen, especially around Lowe Sound, which is sometimes called "the bonefishing capital of the world." There are several excellent places where fish can be found in abundance, especially with the aid of a world-famous guide such as Bonefish Charlie.

In Little Harbour, Andros' most popular summer regatta takes place every year, an event not to be missed by residents or visitors alike.

Andros features some of the best sporting life in the Bahamas and Green Cay holds the second largest breeding colony of white-crowned pigeons in the world. The pigeons, one of the hunters' prime targets, fly to Andros in search of food and water where they breed and rest in July and August, finishing in September.

Unique to this small piece of the world, the colourful and casual fabric known as Androsia began here, in Fresh Creek. The Androsia factory, producer of bright batik and island fabrics, is a very important employer in the settlement. The long pieces of dyed fabric are delicately hand-painted, using the ancient Indonesian method, and then hung on lines to dry. This local specialty is produced in a variety of vibrant colors and designs, and is distributed widely throughout the Bahamas.

Known as the "Big Yard", due to its vast natural landscape and the "Sleeping Giant", because of its low key atmosphere, Andros is a relaxed island awakening to the 21st century in its own distinctive fashion.

Bimini: A Fisherman's Paradise

Head 50 miles due east of Miami and you'll sail right into the blue-green harbours of Bimini, the closest point in the Bahamas to the mainland United States.

This tiny chain of islands, the largest of which are North and South Bimini, is internationally recognized as one of the finest fishing areas in the world for its abundance of big game fish. In fact, no fewer than 50 world records have been set in these waters.

The main gateway is Alice Town, a resort area with bustling yacht harbours, a straw market, and casual open-air bars serving plenty of hot conch chowder and icy daiquiris. Many championship tournaments are held here year-round, though anyone who likes may give big game fishing a try by renting a boat with a skipper and a crew who know the waters. South Bimini is home to the South Bimini Airport, perfect for those who would rather travel by air than sea, but still want to enjoy all that Bimini has to offer.

Bimini began as a rendezvous for rum runners during Prohibition in the United States, and as a haven for wreckers who plundered ships that ran aground on reefs. Today, the wrecks of Spanish galleons make for fascinating dive sites along with the black coral, exotic fish, and a mysterious stone formation known as the Bimini Road that some say is leads to the lost continent of Atlantis.

Onshore, there are plenty of interesting sites well. Blue Marlin Cottage was Hemingway's home from 1935 to 1937, however, the hotel where he used to stay, the Compleat Angler, was recently destroyed in a fire that also claimed much of the Hemingway memorabilia that was kept there. Ernest Hemingway was also said to have been stimulated by this charming locale, and when a 500 lb. Blue Marlin was caught off the coast of Bimini he was inspired to write The Old Man and The Sea, as well as Islands in The Stream. Another famous visitor is the popular musician, Jimmy Buffet, who spent time there while writing one of his own books.

When it comes time to rest, there are any number of places to go, from Esther Rolle's for some irresistible freshly baked bread to the End of the World Bar overlooking the harbour. You will notice that as the day goes on and people come in from the sea, the pace in Alice Town picks up considerably.

Farther north, away from the bustle of Alice Town, are the tranquil settlements of Bailey Town, Porgy Bay, and Paradise Point with their beautiful beaches and azure waters.

The best real estate opportunities can be found on South Bimini where there are canal and oceanfront lots for sale. To the south of Bimini is Cat Cay, a private island and club haven for the rich and famous.  South Bimini is the site of the freshwater spring where, local legend has it that, Ponce de Leon allegedly searched for the Fountain of Youth. Whether true or not, it only adds to the charm of this delightful string of islands.

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Are you looking for an affordable condominium in Bahamas? Or, are you looking for a private island paradise? Whatever your real estate needs are in The Bahamas, HGChristie Real Estate can help. We have excellently priced condos and properties all over The Bahamas. We also have a wonderful selection of private islands available for those of you who seek some majestic privacy. Call, fax or e-mail us today.

The Berry Islands: Welcome to Paradise!

The Berry Islands are a string of about 30 small islands and cays located 35 miles due north of Nassau. The entire island chain accounts for only 12 square miles of ground, and has a population of only around 700 people.

You can reach the Berry Islands by way of charter flight from Florida, or from Nassau. Or, if you come by private plane, you can arrive on the airstrip at either Chub Cay or Great Harbour Cay. Great Harbour Cay is the largest of the Berry Islands at 8 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, and holds the largest port. Chub Cay is the second largest island, and has been called the "billfish capital of the Bahamas."

Like the Bimini Islands, fishing is the name of the game in the Berry Islands. There are only two resorts here, the Great Harbour Yacht Club in the north, and the somewhat more modest, Chub Cay Club in the south. Both of these resorts cater to the needs of the yachting and fishing set.

For activities, don't forget diving and golf. Private charter dive boats are available as well as daily dive trips from Great Harbour Cay, and a challenging 9-hole golf course can be found at the Great Harbour Yacht Club. If relaxation and beaches are more to your liking, then you have come to the right place. Both of these resorts also feature pristine white-sand beaches.

The limited area of the islands will restrict your wandering, but if you are looking for a place to live, there are several options. For your own private island, contact John Christie at H.G. Christie's Nassau office. Mr. Christie specializes in private island real estate, and if you can afford it, the seclusion of a private island is always available. If you are looking for a condominium or private home, there are opportunities to be had near both the resorts. H.G. Christie is here to help you find a location that matches your desires as well as your budget.

Several of the islands are owned by the rich and famous, but there are a number of deserted islets and cays as well. Explore - you never know who you might meet.

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Condominiums are a fabulous value. They are secure, deluxe and with an excellent location, the beach can be only a few steps away. There are condominium opportunities all over The Bahamas, and HGChristie Real Estate is there to help you find a location that matches your wants and your budget. See how inexpensive island living can be. Contact us today.

Off The Beaten Track

Cat Island is a place rich in history. Cat Island was once thought to be the actual site of Columbus' landing in 1492, a point hotly disputed by the folks on San Salvador. During the American Revolution, American Loyalists sparsely settled the island and the ruins of plantations can still be found dotting the island. Now, Cat Island's population is under 2,000 people who make their living from subsistence farming, fishing, and limited tourism. The main settlements on this peaceful island are Arthur's Town (once the childhood home of actor Sidney Poitier), Orange Creek, and Port Howe.

Cat Island offers absolute peace and quiet making it a perfect vacation destination. It is lush and green with rolling hills and the highest point in the Bahamas - Mt. Alvernia, which climbs to 206 feet above New Bight, topped by a monastery called The Hermitage.

Mt. Alvernia
However, the island is practically undiscovered. Located 130 miles southwest of Nassau, and over 300 miles from Miami, Cat Island is well off the beaten path. There are two daily direct flights from Nassau to Arthur's Town in the north, and to New Bight in central Cat Island, both via Cat Island Air. Direct international service is available via Lynx Air (www.lynxair.com) and Continental (www.continental.com). There are also several private charters servicing the two municipal airports and a private airstrip at Hawk's Nest. Taxi service is available from both airports and many of the local hotels and resorts will arrange to pick you up or assist with rental car reservations.

Cat Island is one of the best kept real estate secrets in the Bahamas. With miles and miles of unspoiled beaches and numerous protected coves, the island is a beautiful place to live. The land prices are also among the lowest in the country. Greenwood Estates offers very reasonably priced homesites, all with access to a lovely pink sand beach.

If you are looking for a laid-back destination to build your dream home in paradise, plan to spend some time on Cat Island. Excellent fishing, blue hole diving, and endless beachcombing opportunities await you on this little gem of an island.

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HGChristie Real Estate would be delighted to provide information on how easy it is to own property in The Bahamas. If you are looking for a vacation home, a retirement property or an investment, HGChristie is the place to start. Give us a call. You'll be surprised how easy and affordable island living can be.

Eleuthera Means Freedom

In 1649, English dissidents in search of religious freedom shipwrecked on the shores of this enchanting island and called it Eleuthera, from the Greek word for Freedom. Centuries later, Eleuthera is still liberating all those who come.

Located 200 miles from Florida and only 60 miles east of Nassau, Eleuthera is just over a mile wide and 110 miles long. The main settlements of this quaint island are Governor's Harbour, Rock Sound, Tarpum Bay, Harbour Island, and Spanish Wells. With direct flights from the U.S. to three airports, the North Eleuthera Airport, Governor's Harbour Airport, and the Rock Sound Airport, Eleuthera is quite easily reached.

Eleuthera is also the site of three major annual sailing regattas: the South Eleuthera Homecoming and Regatta held in April, the All Eleuthera Regatta held in Governor's Harbour the first week in August, and the North Eleuthera Regatta which is held on October 12th - Discovery Day. These sailing races bring visitors to Eleuthera to watch the fast and exciting events and to enjoy onshore activities in a carnival-like atmosphere.

Blessed with pink-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, sheltered coves, and a natural bridge - the Glass Window, that divides the pounding Atlantic and the clear, calm Gulf. Few areas in the world can rival the natural beauty of this island. The storybook settlements in Harbour Island and Spanish Wells are equally inviting and draw thousands of tourists each year.

The place to start exploring Eleuthera is the place where it all began - Preacher's Cave, where the first settlers took refuge and held religious services.

A short ferry ride takes you to pastel Cape Cod-style cottages and palm lined streets. This is Spanish Wells, named for the Spanish ships that once replenished their fresh water here. Aside from sightseeing, the fishing and diving here are excellent.  There is even an unusual sunken train wreck to explore.

Harbour Island is also a close, captivating town with homes dating to 1790, the Bahamas' oldest established churches, white picket fences, stunning pink sand beaches, and residents who extend a friendly wave to passersby. With tennis, fishing, diving, waterskiing, and bicycling, there are always activities to keep you busy. There are properties available here that have spectacular views of the ocean and the sheltered bay, as well as prime beach front lots.

Back on the main island of Eleuthera, Gregory Town, set atop a cliff, is home of the sweet, juicy Bahamian pineapple. To celebrate its pineapple history, Eleuthera has a yearly pineapple festival where you can tour the pineapple farms, enjoy craft displays, and pineapple recipe contests. Try a glass of the Gregory Town special, a fine pineapple rum. During the festival, a Pineathalon is held where athletes compete in a difficult swim, bike, and road race. Visitors become wrapped up in the excitement of the entire island as it prepares for the festival.

Nearby, descend into The Cave, where magnificent columns and intricate passageways appear as underground cathedrals. Governor's Harbour is to the south, once a thriving farming community, it is now a charming Victorian village with homes that date back to 1850. Between Palmetto Point and Tarpum Bay lies Windermere Island, a pristine retreat for the well to do with miles of what many consider to be the best beach in the Bahamas. The only access to this community is over a single bridge that is monitored by 24-hour security. Here, there are beachfront homes, condos, and lots for sale.

Rock Sound is a thoroughly modern town with well-provisioned stores, fine dining, and one of the most elegant resorts in the Bahamas. The Rock Sound Airport has been recently refurbished and resurfaced as well.

Eleuthera is easy to get to, hard to leave, and impossible to forget.

Flight Information

BAHAMASAIR	Easy access to hop over to Nassau for a day or night of shopping, casino, gambling, etc. Flight Time: 20 Mins. Call 1-800-222-4262
Continental	Flight Times: Approximately 1 hour.
American Eagle	Flight Time: Approximately 1 hour.
Southern Air	Charter Call (242)377-2014.
Twin Air	Charter Call (954)359-8266 www.flytwinair.com

Fast Ferry

A fast ferry, the BoHengy, travels from Nassau to Governor's Harbour or into Harbour Island daily. The ferry trip takes about 90 minutes and is very comfortable and dependable. The cost is approximately $58/person, each way.

Contact number is (242) 323-2166 or www.bahamasferries.com.

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If you are planning to retire to a warm secluded beach, you should be looking at The Bahamas. It is easily accessible to the United States with daily flights from almost every island. Property values are affordable, and the beaches go on forever. At HGChristie Real Estate, the oldest and most extensive real estate company in The Bahamas, we would delight in showing you the property of your dreams. Contact us today.

The Exuma Cays: One Of The Most Popular Boating Destinations

The water that surrounds the 365 cays of the Exumas is light green, deep blue, and every imaginable hue in between; the pristine beaches are too numerous to count; and the people who live here are as welcoming as the surroundings.

Stretching over 100 miles, from Sail Rocks to Beacon Cay, Exuma is an exotic island chain. With its northernmost cays only 35 miles from Nassau, this wonderland is closer than you may think. The largest of these many cays is Great Exuma on which lies the Exuma International Airport where there are direct air links from the U.S., so your beach playground is never far away.

The main settlement, located on the island of Great Exuma, is George Town which lies on scenic Elizabeth Harbour. This small town is charming and quaint with its pleasant pastel homes, cozy inns, and sprawling fig trees that shade its open-air straw market where ladies sell their handicraft.

Many locals here bear the name Rolle, as do two settlements: Rolleville, and Rolle Town, this is in honor of a cotton plantation owner, Lord Rolle, whom upon his death, left his large estate to the area's freed slaves. Such history is plentiful in Exuma, and ruins of plantations can still be found in Rolleville, Rolle Town, and Williams Town.

In mid-April, this sleepy town awakens to one of the Bahamas' most spirited events, The Family Island Regatta. For this week long extravaganza, Bahamian sloops and work boats from all over the islands vie for the "Best of the Bahamas" title. Not an empty inn can be found as fans fill the town, cheering for their favourite boats and celebrating for days.

Aside from the regatta and other smaller races like it, much of Exuma remains blissfully undisturbed for the vast majority of the year.

This island chain is a popular location for boating, sailing, snorkelling, and cave exploring and across the harbour from George Town lies Stocking Island, where a challenging underwater cave has yet to be fully explored - an irresistible attraction for those who love diving.

There are many attractions in this chain that have kept Bahamians and visitors returning to these cays. The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, accessible only by boat, is a spectacular 200 mile wide national park, home the Bahamian Iguana, tropical birds, magnificent marine life, coral reefs, caves, and beaches protected by the Bahamas National Trust and all as untouched as if they had yet to be discovered.

Just south of the Park, Staniel Cay is a picture postcard settlement famous for sloop racing and diving. Like most of the Exumas, it's also known for a beauty and serenity not to be found anywhere else.

Another such attraction is Thunderball Grotto, a breathtaking cave that can only be entered through an entrance just above the low tide mark and must be swum into. The Thunderball cave is located just a few yards off of Staniel Cay and was actually the location where the James Bond film Thunderball was filmed.

If you are interested in buying an island, the Exuma Cays are a prime location, as these islands range in size from small one-man cays, to private estate-sized islands, a private island smorgasbord. Because these islands have a relatively low purchase price and because of the low Bahamian tax system for foreigners, many wealthy individuals, as well as celebrities, own their own secluded islands in the Exuma Cays.

Don't be surprised if you don't want to go back home, but you may not have to as there are many excellent real estate opportunities here, any of which we'd be more than happy to help you to own. Beachfront lots and homes abound, and compared to other islands, prices here are a bargain.

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If you need to get away, a property here can be the perfect destination. Relax and take in the beauty and peace of the beaches and sea. Talk to us here at HGChristie, the most respected real estate company in The Bahamas. We have all the information you need to make your first step into owning your own paradise.

Grand Bahama: Activities Galore!

Grand Bahama is the most northern of the major Bahamian islands and lies just 75 miles off the coast of Florida. About 75 miles long and 4 to 8 miles wide, there is little elevation and the highest point is only 68 ft., making it one of the flattest islands in the entire archipelago.

In the 1950's Wallace Groves of the Abaco Lumber company, formulated a plan for making Freeport a major industrial and shipping centre. This plan was formalized in 1955 through the Hawksbill Creek agreement, which established 150 ,000 acres of land as an international duty free port and industrial complex. Recent investments in Freeport include a new plastics factory and one of the largest container transhipment terminals in the world.

Most of the action is to be found in the Freeport and Lucaya areas. Here you can find a wide range of potential residences with the resources of a major industrial and tourist centre. Freeport also has easy access to the rest of the world with numerous flights to American and European cities. Here you can find three 18-hole golf courses and one 9-hole golf course as well as an array of other sports including, sports fishing, sailing, scuba diving, swimming, waterskiing, cycling, jogging, riding and tennis.

In the Freeport area, one can find all the conveniences of a city while being only minutes from beautiful white sand beaches and a short drive to "Out Island life". Freeport is different from any other location in The Bahamas because it was a planned city and was laid out accordingly, and it is still maintained and governed by The Port Authority. This is a duty free zone and there is no property tax. Some items, including cars under certain circumstances, can even be imported duty free.

Probably the most famous landmark in all of the Grand Bahama Island is the International Bazaar in downtown Freeport. True to its name, it has dozens of shops selling goods from around the world. Goods at the International Bazaar sell for about 10-40 percent below retail, but you can strike your own bargain at the nearby Bahamian straw market. Take your pick of hand-crafted handbags, placemats, hats, jewellery and mahogany and pinewood carvings (the bartering is half the fun).

You'll find more international treasures a few miles east of Freeport at the waterfront marketplace of Port Lucaya where 85 shops sell everything from lingerie to nautical antiques, and the restaurants offer delicious Bahamian, British, American and Japanese cuisine.

After shopping you can delve into nearly every sport under the sun. The Underwater Explorers Society (UNEXSO) has excellent facilities for scuba diving and snorkelling to the many sea gardens, caves, colourful reefs and fascinating shipwrecks that lie just off the coast of Grand Bahama Island. You can even snorkel alongside dolphins in a program called the Dolphin Experience.

The marinas in Freeport and Lucaya offer parasailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing and deep-sea fishing, and are also the departure point for glass-bottom boat tours and dinner cruises.

Grand Bahama isn't all nonstop sports and activities, should you choose to slow down you'll find that there's ample opportunity to enjoy rest and relaxation. After all, it was the native Bahamians, the Lucayan Indians, who invented the ultimate in relaxation: the hammock. And with 57 miles of beach surrounding Grand Bahama Island, there couldn't be a better place to enjoy one.

To get away from all of the activity you don't have to go far. Taino, Williams Town, and Xanadu beaches are just a few lovely places to escape to for the afternoon. The Bahamas National Trust Rand Memorial Nature Centre is just five minutes from Freeport, but it's an entirely different world. Its nature trails wind through 100 acres of protected Bahamian forest where you can see graceful pink flamingos, the national bird of The Bahamas, and 21 species of native orchid. Garden of the Groves is close by with thousands of exotic plants and flowers from around the world amid waterfalls, streams, ponds, flamingos, and a lush fern gully.

This island also has its own sprawling national park as well as miles of beautiful beaches surrounded by shallow seas and coral reefs, treacherous for the ships of centuries past, but now a precious treasure for divers. Venturing into the smaller settlements outside Freeport, you can even try your hand at the age-old pastime of bonefishing.

The Lucayan National Park is only a few miles away, though it seems considerably more removed. After journeying through a pine forest you'll see signs for the park, which features the largest explored underwater cave system in the world, along with trails leading through a forest of native trees, a mangrove swamp, and a number of blue holes. Just across the road, a path leads over some of the highest dunes in The Bahamas to a gorgeous isolated beach. This is Gold Rock Beach where the white sand seems to go on forever before slipping into the ocean.

There are scenic beaches and scattered fishing villages that line the road until it ends at the last mainland settlement, McLean's Town. More accessible, but still retaining the small-town feel of eastern Grand Bahama Island, are the settlements extending west of Freeport.

West End is the island's oldest and westernmost settlement, where you can watch fishermen pulling in their catches each day in much the same way as generations before them. If you like, you can rent a boat yourself and go bonefishing, considered by experts to be one of the toughest challenges.

There are some fantastic Bahamian events that take place in Grand Bahama, celebrations similar to those held in Nassau and Paradise Island. Junkanoo, our famous African-inspired festival, is celebrated on Boxing Day - December 26, and once again on New Year's Day - January 1. The festivities take place in downtown Freeport but samplings of Junkanoo are also held throughout the year in clubs and hotels.

The Goombay Summer Festival incorporates the sound of Junkanoo, but focuses more on Bahamian culture. The festivities are held at the International Bazaar or in the Lucaya area in June and July.

Discovery Day - October 12, commemorates Columbus' first landing in the New World on the Bahamian island of San Salvador. One of the many events held on this day is the annual Conch Cracking Competition in McLean's Town.

Independence Day - July 10, is a national holiday celebrating the independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Grand Bahama begins this national holiday at 4 a.m. with a Junkanoo parade in West End.

An island as active as Grand Bahama Island certainly doesn't slow down when the sun sets. There are two very popular casinos on the island, Princess Casino near the International Bazaar and the Lucayan Beach Casino, both of which feature cabaret shows, spacious lounges and all the games of chance: blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and slot machines. There are also countless nightclubs and discos offering everything from live Goombay bands to Las Vegas style revues to native floor shows and limbo competitions.

In Grand Bahama, there is a perfect place for just about anyone. The Lucayan Marina Village has a town square feel along with colonial architecture and is built on a land locked peninsula with lots of boat dockage and gated security. The Oceanview is a new condominium tower on the beach that sports large elegant units and wide balconies overlooking the ocean. There are also canal front and prime beachfront lots where you can build your own custom home or simply embark on a good investment opportunity.

New Providence: More than just Nassau...it's where you find Paradise!

New Providence is an oval-shaped island covering an area of 80 square miles, upon which you will find the capital city of Nassau. When most people think of the Bahamas, they are thinking of the island of New Providence or, perhaps more accurately, of Nassau and Paradise Island. There are several excellent beaches around the island along with some good inlets and harbours. Paradise Island, a thin slice of land about four miles long, is connected to Nassau by a toll bridge, and is a bustling, tourism-centric island.

New Providence lies about 100 miles due west of the tip of Florida and Nassau is located on the north side of the island, just east of centre. On the western end of the island, the Sir Lynden Pindling International Airport is easily reached by direct non-stop flights from the United States, as well as from several European nations.

Fully developed, Nassau has a wide variety of activities, from casinos, floor shows and world class restaurants to a full range of water sports. New Providence is an ideal vacation or retirement destination for someone requiring access to all of the modern services and conveniences.

New Providence is an island steeped in history but ready for the future. It became a British colony in 1666, having been settled the year before by English settlers, many of whom were from Bermuda. Originally called Charles Towne in memory of King Charles II, the name of the Bahamian capital was changed to Nassau in 1695, to honour King William II, who was of the house of Orange-Nassau.

Throughout its early history, New Providence was a haven for pirates until Captain Woodes Rogers, himself a former pirate, was named the first Royal Governor of the Bahama Islands in 1717. Rogers either pardoned those pirates who had been scared straight, or hanged those who refused to give up their violent lifestyle. In memory of his service, a statue of Rogers was erected, which still stands in front of the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau.

During the American Civil War, the Bahamas served as a safe haven for blockade runners to the South, and during Prohibition, it was also a major source of illegal liquor that was being smuggled into the United States.

New Providence and Paradise Island offer perhaps the widest choice of residential property in the Bahamas. Much of it is very up-scale, with homes in the millions of dollars being rather common. The island boasts one of the most exclusive residential areas in the world, Lyford Cay, which has a single guarded gate as well its own private golf course. For someone fortunate enough to be looking for an exclusive haven for the rich and famous, Lyford Cay would be ideal.

Port New Providence is another private residential gated community which offers homes, condos, and lots and is styled as a yachter's community with every property sitting on the canal front. Old Fort Bay, near Lyford Cay, is a developing waterfront community that places an emphasis on an Old Nassau lifestyle with modern amenities.

The newest gated community is located on Paradise Island. Ocean Club Estates, affiliated and sharing a golf course with, the One & Only Ocean Club resort is an exclusive retreat with homes and condos that can easily reach into the millions of dollars. This prestigious location also offers many of the luxurious amenities of the Ocean Club and Atlantis resorts, a wonderful bonus.

Outside of these private and very expensive residential areas, the most desirable areas to live on New Providence are various waterfront sites found along West Bay Street, Cable Beach, and Sandyport. These areas are located to the west of Nassau, but Winton Heights, Eastern Road, and Camperdown are some other popular areas found on the eastern end of the island.

Many of the homes and condominiums along these stretches of waterfront at least equal in cost those of Lyford Cay, but among these beautiful homes it is not uncommon to find smaller, well-kept single family residences and condominiums that, while not inexpensive, may well be in the financial reach of many potential retirees.

If you are looking for moderately priced family housing on New Providence, don't despair. Outside of the areas identified above, and usually somewhat removed from the water, are numerous middle-class residential areas, particularly in the Cable Beach area. There are other excellent properties available in the Coral Heights and Coral Harbour areas, just south of the airport. These areas may be the best middle-class retirement locations on New Providence, with many modest homes, some with canal access to the ocean, near to dive shops, and in the proximity of the South Ocean Golf Course.

A home on New Providence or Paradise Island is a lot like moving into an upscale district in any major city. Patience and the help of a good realtor can make all of the difference.

New Providence and Paradise Island offer the full range of recreational activities. Marina facilities are plentiful and modern with related water oriented activities widely available. New Providence boasts many dive shops, several of which are outside the Nassau/Paradise Island area, thus giving access to a variety of different dive locations around the island.

In addition to a private golf course on Lyford Cay, New Providence and Paradise Island offer three world class golf courses: The Cable Beach Golf Club, which is run by the Radisson Cable Beach Resort; the Ramada South Ocean Golf Resort, on the south-western part of the island; and the Ocean Club Golf Course on the eastern end of Paradise Island.

New Providence and Paradise Island both have more of everything that the Bahamas has to offer: more hotels, more homes and condos, more restaurants, more marinas and more dive shops than any other island in the country. It also has a larger population than any of the other islands by far. The 1990 census revealed 171,542 residents, up from 135,000 in 1980. It is by far the most exciting island of The Bahamas.

Island living on New Providence or Paradise Island starts with an e-mail or a phone call. Let us in on your island dream and it could soon be reality. We are HGChristie Real Estate and we are experts at making dreams come true.

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New Providence is calling you. Answer the call! Island living starts with an e-mail or a phone call. Let us in on your island dream home and it could soon be reality. We are HGChristie Real Estate, and we are experts at making dreams come true.

San Salvador

San Salvador, once called Guanahani by the native Lucayan Indians, is where it all began for the New World. It is here that Christopher Columbus landed in 1492, declaring the land to be the property of Spain.

It has been more than 500 years since those European men discovered the Lucayans and their peaceful islands but after so much time and change to the world, some of that peace and simplicity to life remains in San Salvador. Here, every resident is involved in the community and all have concern and feeling for each other. There is hardly ever a face without the island's characteristic friendly and happy smile.

The principal town of San Salvador is Cockburn Town where the mailboat unloads its produce, freight, and mail from Nassau. The island's only airstrip and high school are also located here. Life in this small town centres around the Riding Rock Inn, the softball field, and the community's disco lounge.

On the north end of the island, you will find the Gerace Research Centre, where more than 1,000 students and researchers use the station as a headquarters for studying marine geology, biology, and archaeology.

There is much to enjoy on this beautiful and idyllic island. History buffs will enjoy visiting the many monuments. The Cross Monument was erected on the spot where Columbus is believed to have landed, and the Chicago Herald Monument was put in place on the eastern shore in 1892 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of his landing. The Mexican Monument stands where the transfer of the Olympic flame was made from Greece to the New World for the 1968 Olympics held in Mexico City. Also, on a hill overlooking a quaint and attractive bay sit the ruins of Sandy Point Estates, a Loyalist cotton plantation.

The natural surroundings of San Salvador is an attraction in and of itself, as you can enjoy gorgeous beaches like East Beach where messages in bottles often come ashore. Also, the wildlife here is worth a look, as you will notice the magnificent Frigate birds swooping overhead, motionless iguanas sunning themselves, humpback whales playing just offshore, and colourful tropical fish flitting around the reefs.

The reefs offshore can be breathtaking, and one such reef system, just outside of French Bay, is astonishing. Large stands of coral topped with elkhorn and staghorn corals sits in 50 feet of crystal clear water. These waters hold a great pull, drawing you into diving, snorkelling, water sports, and boating.

San Salvador holds something for everyone, be it ancient Indian and early Spanish archaeology, historic ruins, unlimited opportunities for water sports, or time and space to relax on an unspoiled beach.

The Other Islands

There are over 700 islands and cays in The Bahamas, with lots of discoveries to be made and thousands of beaches to explore. That is the lure of The Bahamas, what we believe to be the most beautiful country on earth. Come and visit us, take in our hospitality, soak in our sunshine, and let our beaches relax you. It's paradise.

Come join us!