The Bahamas are internationally known for their miles of soft, sandy beaches and laid-back lifestyle. Avid divers and fishermen flock to its many islands for bucket list experiences and trophies. It is also the perfect destination for any traveler seeking a place to disconnect and soak up the sun. While it is easy to spend all day, every day on the beach, you might be surprised to learn that there is much more to this tropical paradise than meets the eye. Regardless of how you spend your time in the Bahamas, here are a few interesting facts to know before you go!
The world’s third-largest wine cellar is in Nassau
Yes, you read that right. The third-largest wine cellar in the world is not in France, Italy, or California, but rather in the Bahamas. With more than 250,000 bottles from 400 winemakers in 15 countries, the collection at Graycliff includes some of the rarest, most expensive wines in the world. If you are torn between wanting to take a trip to paradise or a trip to wine country, Nassau is the place for you.
The Bahamas is home to the third-largest Barrier Reef
Passionate scuba divers and snorkelers do not have to travel far to discover colorful and exotic fish. Stretching over 190 miles, the Andros Barrier Reef is the third-largest barrier reef in the world. Visitors can take guided trips out to the reef and explore the beautiful world that lies beneath the water’s surface.
At Harbor Island, the sand is actually pink
While the rest of the Bahamas may be known for their white sandy beaches, Harbor Islands’ claim to fame is pink sand. The sand’s pink hue comes from foraminifera, a microscopic organism with a reddish-pink shell, while the sand is a mix of coral, shells, and calcium carbonate.
Hawaii originally imported its “pines” from The Bahamas
Pineapples were grown in The Bahamas from the early 1700s but were not exported on a large scale until 1844. During that year, it is believed that upward of 15,000 dozen were shipped. Eleuthera is still home to some of the sweetest pineapples on earth.
There are approximately 700 islands in The Bahamas
You’ve likely heard of Nassau, Harbor Island, and the Exumas, but The Bahamas is much larger than just those few islands. While only 30 of the 700 islands are inhabited, you can still spend your days’ island hopping and exploring the Bahamas’ 2,000 beaches.
As a Bahamas Specialist, let’s get started planning your luxury vacation. Reserve your complimentary consultation call with me to begin!
Image credit: featured image by Mikhail Nilov; gallery images by 10 Star, Cassidy Marshall, Diego F. Parra
