BEST ACTIVITIES TO DO IN BAHAMAS

(From Lonely Planet's Bahamas: click book to order)

DOLPHIN ENCOUNTERS

Nothing can prepare you for the thrill of an exalted encounter with dolphins on their own terms and on their own turf. Several operators offer swim-with-wild-dolphins triops that are guaranteed to leave you filled with boundless joy.

ABACO NATIONAL PARK

Few spots are as dramatic and serene as the lonesome headland at Hole-in-the-Wall, highlight of this forested park-a last refuge for the Bahama parrot. The hiking is splendid. It's a true escapists' dream for those who don't mind rustic accomodations.

ABACOS' LOYALIST VILLAGES

the fistful of bicentenary Loyalist villages on Elbow, Man O'War, and Green Turtle cays exude irrestible charm. Splendidly preserved, gaily decorated clapboard houses have been pickled in aspic, and the Loyalists' descendants have managed to retain some of thier old ways, adding a living-museum quality.

INAGUA NATIONAL PARK

If the rewards of standing in the midst of the Western Hemisphere's largest flock of flamingos weren't enough for bird watchers, Great Inagua's saline ponds also attract countless other water birds.

JOURNEYING BY MAIL BOAT

You may choose only to do it once, or it may become the only way you travel between the islands, but a journey tby mail boat i one to remmemeber forever. Far from cushy, this is down-to-earth travel guaranteed to show you a side of life far from the tourist mainstream, and it's sure to bond you to the Bahamian people.

FAMILY ISLAND REGATTA

Put yourself in aparty mood and fly down to Great exuma for the best time time in the islands. This traditional sailing regatta pits local skippers against each other, while onshore the crowds whoop it up in a four-day party.

HARBOUR ISLAND

This is the "in" spot of the moment. Besides the charming historic village of Dunsmore Town, "Briland' boasts a stunning pink-sand beach, great nightspots, and a choice range of accomodations, including P ink Sands, a favorite spot to lay your head in the entire Bahamian chain.

SPORT FISHING

Fisherfolk claim that wrestling a big one from the 'great blue river' is a tip-top thrill. If you can stomach it, your options are legion. Or for smaller yet no less challanging fry, try your hand at bonefishing; adherents swear that even great sex can't compare, but I think they need to go out more often!

SWIMMING WITH SHARKS

Wowee!! You can go swimming with sharks while they feed at several locales. at Stella Maris and at Walker's Cay, you can witness a feeding frenzy just a few feet away. At Freeport and Nassau, the sharks are hand-fed by a diver clad in chain mail. It is definitely not for the tinmid!

COMPASS POINT

Pay one visit to this brazenly colorful, unpretentious gem west of Nassau, a sibling to Pink Sands in Harbor Island, and you will understand why many end their vacation to the Bahamas at this spot.

CUBA EXCURSIONS

If you like The Bahamas, you'll LOVE Cuba, a one-hour flight away from Nassau. Several tour companies offer single-to-multiday excursions to this fascinating and friendly island of sensual charms. Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised!