subject: Navigating Around Tourism In The Bahamas [print this page] When thinking of where to spend a yachting holiday, the Bahamas usually tops the list of dream locations. This group of islands located in the southeast of the United States near Florida have become a very popular destination for many yachters due to the vastness of its crystal clear oceans and the guarantee of sunny skies. But before you embark on your watery holiday around the islands, consider our tips for avoiding the crowds.
The two main ports for docking yachts are Freeport and Nassau. However, to really enjoy the beauty of the area you really want to seek out the quieter, lesser-known areas where you'll have more space to yourself and get greater value for money on shore.
The 700 separate islands called the Out Islands are generally considered to offer a more unique experience, although they are, like most of the area, seeing a seeping increase in package tourists.
Conception Island is another such gem. This is a private and uninhabited island that provides a sanctuary for many birds, fish, turtles and corals. Moor up in the northern bay, south of the coral reefs of West Cay where you can safely avoid any strong winds or waves. Once you've dropped the anchor, you can travel to the lagoon located in the interior of the island using a dingy or you could just enjoy snorkelling over the coral reefs that expand out for 4 miles.
If you want to guarantee that you see turtles during your visit - Dos Mosquises Sur in the Archipelago Los Roques National Park is your finest bet. Los Roques itself offers an extraordinary beauty that can be found in the bright and contrasting colours of its plants and ocean, and the southern island of Dos Mosquises is home to a national park where baby turtles are cared for and raised.
If you plan to spend a night or two on solid ground, and don't mind taking a step away from the lap of luxury in order to procure a more authentic experience, try searching out the island group's array of Posadas. These are small hotels, or lodges, that often also double up as restaurants where you can sample home cooked food Caribbean style.
