Bahamas Real Estate Research

Family Islands/Out Islands:

Abaco
Acklins
Andros
Berry Isl
Bimini
Cat Isl. / Little San Salvador
Crooked Isl.
Eleuthera / Harbour Isl
Exuma / Ragged Island
Inagua
Long Isl.
Mayaguana
Ragged Island
San Salvador / Rum Cay

Recipes
Telephone directories, address, yellow & white pages, Government
Shopping
Hotels, Travel Agencies, B&B, Hostels
Restaurants
Law firms
Real Estate Companies
Guides, portals, site hosting, webdesign
Time difference
Temperature conversion
Weight & Volume conversion
Storm intensity table
Attempt to compare size and population of the Bahamas and Switzerland
Other stuff

IMPORTANT
Wherever possible, island-links are stored under a topic (history, marine biology, archaeology, society etc.,) use the above search function or the index to find it.
For general information about an island (location, how to get there, what to do, hotels etc.) go to tourism, e.g. website of the Ministry of Tourism and, for the Family Islands, websites of Out Island Promotion Board

The Islands of The Bahamas (sorted by island)
SCC H.G. Christie - island descriptions http://www.hgchristie.com/Bahamas_Info/bahamas_info.asp

Abaco

!! post specific questions on the

History of Green Turtle, Abaco Lighthouse, etc.

BMOT map of Abaco http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/map.aspx?sectionid=5942
Abaco map (East: Elbow, Tilloo, Lubbers etc.) http://www.summerviewcottage.com/map1.html
Abacos - various nautical charts http://members.tripod.com/capkool/islands.html
Sandy Estabrook's maps http://www.motuiti.com/Abaco%20Chart.jpg - Elbow-Tilloo-Lubbers - - (sailing in the Abacos see here)
Diane & Dave Lubbers Quarters Cay http://www.diadav.com/travel/abaco/lubber.htm
! go-abacos clickable map http://www.go-abacos.com/theabs/theab_map.html
Bahamatravelnet, small map but with attractions and locations marked http://www.bahamatravelnet.com/maps/abaco.html
for more maps see for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see
see here for Abaco - Sandy Estabrook's list of Scheduled Air Carriers and Charters

Abacotoday, message board, pictures etc etc http://abacotoday.com/whatsnew/ and http://abacotoday.com/oii.html
oii Abaco http://oii.net/index.html
Hope Town Fire Rescue http://www.hopetownfirerescue.com/ - hurricane season: updates / damage reports

Barometerbob Abaco Weatherstation see here
see here for Abaco Chamber of Commerce
Abaco Friends of the Environment see here

Abaco newspapers see

Abacostuff Satellite pict. http://abacostuff.com/
Pelican Power - mostly Abaco related info - sailing, history, charts etc.
Abaco http://www.abacos.com/
Linguistics NC State - Abaco

++Discussion
started by irishdame on 21.08.03 about "how to get from Freeport to Abaco" Fodors

jimtony's Abaco trip reports (Green Turtle Cay, Guana Cay) http://jimtony.web.iglou.com/bahamas.htm

! Estabrook Sandy, sailing in the Abacos since 1973, lots of details (sailing related, historical), links etc. http://www.motuiti.com/Abacos.html
Sandy Estabrook’s Quick Plotter http://www.motuiti.com/Quickplotter.html - Green Turtle Cay Slide Show - Solo Trip http://www.motuiti.com/Solo.html

Golf - Treasure Cay Golf Club see here

SCC Outisland Travel & Photography, Abacos, lots of links http://www.outisland.com/
SCC Hope Town Lodge, Elbow Cay, Abaco http://www.hopetownlodge.com/index.htm
SCC Green Turtle Club (Green Turtle Cay) Cay http://www.greenturtleclub.com/index.html
SCC Treasure Cay Hotel & Resort http://www.treasurecay.com
SCC but with nice pictures of Abaco/Treasure Cay http://home.insightbb.com/~lrike/
SCC Hope Town Sawyer House
SCC Summer View Cottage http://www.summerviewcottage.com
SCC http://www.watercolourscottages.com (cottage rentals) & http://www.cruiseabaco.com (sailing charters), according to Mark & Patti: We live full time here in Abaco and operate these our selfs.

Castaway Cay

see here for History of Castaway Island née Gorda Cay

Where is Castaway Island (Gorda Cay)? Sandy Point ...is also the closest point on the Abacos mainland to Disney's "Fantasy Island" cruise ship destination, "Castaway Cay" (previously Gorda Cay). source: go-abacos - map (SW Abaco, south of Mores Isl)

Castaway Island - private island of Disney Cruise http://www.disneycruise.com
Disney Cruise Line (tel. 800/951-3532 or 407/566-7000; www.disneycruise.com): Launched with lots of publicity in 1999, the Disney Wonder is saturated with the total Disney vibe and is specifically marketed to families. It succeeds in mingling state-of-the-art technology and audio-visuals with lots of Disney razzle-dazzle. Disney's ships also offer the best-designed family cabins of any cruise ship, the biggest children's facilities, and even a number of adults-only areas, including one swimming pool, a piano bar, a comedy club, and various social venues. Disney Wonder itineraries begin and end in Port Canaveral, last between 3 and 4 days, and include daylong visits to Nassau and Castaway Cay, the latter a privately owned Bahamian island featuring extensive children's facilities, an adults-only beach area, a family beach area, and all the sports and recreation choices you could want. Most Disney cruises are sold as 7-night packages that include either 3 days at Disney World and 4 days at sea or vice versa. The 4-night cruise offers a full day at sea as well as visits to the ports. A day at Walt Disney World and you'll see the kind of people Disney attracts to its ships -- families, honeymooners, adults without children, and seniors. Just about everybody, actually. Although Disney is certainly family-oriented, it's estimated that 30% of the passengers are child-free married couples or singles. Also, 10% to 15% of Disney's passengers are Europeans eager to experience that patented Disney magic. Source

Acklins (Columbus called it "the fragrant islands"- a reference to the scent of indigenous cascarilla plants)

Acklins Islands by BMOT, by UK BTO

BMOT map of Acklins/Crooked Isl (Crooked: NW, Acklins SE) http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/map.aspx?sectionid=35536&level=2
for more maps see for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see

Fedel's website - about Acklin http://www.acklins.com/AboutAcklinsIsland.html

SCC Acklins Outback Fishing Adventure
SCC Pestell Beach Resort http://www.bahamasgo.com/pestell.htm
SCC Bonefishing Lodge http://www.biztravel.com/TRAVEL/SIT/sit_pages/6040.html
SCC Acklin Island Lodge http://www.anglingdestinations.com/Destinations/Destinations.php?REGION_ID=5&DEST_ID=61
SCC Grey's Point Inn http://www.angleradventures.com/GreysPt/GreysPt.htm

+Book
Strollin' Down Mem'ry Lane in Crooked Island by Terry L. Brown - see

Andros

"La Isla del Espiritu Santo" (The Island of the Holy Spirit) as the Spanish named it in 1550 (a tribute to the abundance of water in Andros).The modern name Andros is believed to be in honor of Sir Edmond Andros, Commander of His Majesty’s Forces in Barbados in 1672."source

Andros by BMOT, by UK BTO

BMOT map of Andros http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/map.aspx?sectionid=6104
androsbonefishing.com map http://www.androsbonefishing.com/androsbonefishing/images/AndrosMap.jpg
Bahamatravelnet, small map but with attractions and locations marked http://www.bahamatravelnet.com/maps/andros.html
for more maps see for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see

Andros history
see history
see Rosalyn, Black Seminoles in the Bahamas

see also BERC Environmental Studies - CAMEX3

Carib Acquisitions, nice website about Andros (looks new, not everything works, yet) http://www.bahamasgroup.com

AUTEC US Navy undersea warfare systems test complex on Andros
XX June 04 broken Wes Clow's Andros sailing links, here

SCC Smallhope Bay Lodge - lots of info about Andros http://www.smallhope.com
Smallhope Bay Lodge - the famous "hole in the wall" http://www.smallhope.com/CTSD/Walls.html
SCC Kamalame Cay - private island and resort http://www.kamalame.com/index.htm#startkamalame
SCC Tiamo Resorts - Ecotourism on Andros Island http://www.tiamoresorts.com/
see also SIDS Ecotourism http://www.sidsnet.org/eco-tourism/ and Tiamo's presentation http://www.sidsnet.org/eco-tourism/tiamo.html

Andros Isl - North or South? QA-Source: Bahamas-mon

Q from: The Statman 18.5.04 / I'm planning a trip Andros. Could anyone give me a little advice on best part of the island to stay, north or south (and/or just a good little advice in gerneral.) Please help !
A From: Christopher 18.5.04 / Be aware that Andros is really several islands. There is North Andros, which includes everything from Morgan's Bluff, to Behring Point.There is Mangrove Cay and also South Andros. Mangrove Cay is "joined" to South Andros by a free ferry between Lisbon Creek and Driggs Hill. That is provided the sea is not too rough (its a small ferry). Administratively, Mangrove Cay and South Andros are "South Andros". Administritively "Central Andros is the area from Behring Point to north of Fesh Creek, and "North Andros" is the rest. There are also several other islands in the complex, but all are essentially uninhabited, except for a few islands that form part of the complex of South Andros to which they are linked by bridges. And you thought it was a simple question. The bottom line of where to go is tempered by three things. What do you want to do, what sort of accommodation do you want, and how much flexibility do you want to travel to other parts of Andros. I suggest you get hold of the Lonely Planet guide to the Bahamas - its the best of the bunch - but even it has errors and is out of date.

Berry Island

"Reportedly, they were given that name because of the abundance of thatchberry trees to be found there."source

Berry Islands by BMOT, by UK BTO

BMOT map of Berry Isl http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/map.aspx?sectionid=6185
BVG map http://www.the-bahama-islands.com/islandmaps/berrymap.html
for more maps see for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see sp;

Great Stirrup Cay, private island NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line), Factsheet http://www.ncl.com/news/Downloads/Great_Stirrup_Cay_factsheet_Oct01_070802.pdf

Coco Cay (Little Stirrup Cay), private island RCCL (Royal Carribean) http://www.fantasy-cruises.com/rcclcococay.htm
Morrica's Coco Cay pictures and infos (also about cruise in general) http://members.csolutions.net/morrica/cococay.htm
see comments on Virtual Tourist Message Board
Half Dan / Indiana Dan, da' Island Man http://www.blue-n-gold.com/halfdan/bahamas.htm - slightly different version (scroll down)

SCC Little Whale Cay, private island, incl. map http://www.littlewhalecay.com/
SCC Little Whale Cay (private island, for rent) http://www.vladi-private-islands.de/rent_islands/sites/reg5_whalecay.html
SCC Chub Cay Resort & Marina http://www.chubcay.com/

Bimini

"Bimini" is also Taino name for Florida, see here

Bimini by BMOT, by UK BTO

BMOT map of Bimini http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/map.aspx?sectionid=6292
Bahamatravelnet, small map but with attractions and locations marked http://www.bahamatravelnet.com/maps/bimini.html
for more maps see for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see

Bimini "Keefes Undersea" http://www.biminiundersea.com/bimini.htm
see also Robert's report about Keefes Wild Dolphin Encounter
Bimini - My favourite rock ... http://www.tropicdiver.com/bimini.htm
David Kresge on Bimini http://www.davidkresge.com/Bimini.htm
Travellady, about Bimini http://www.travellady.com/Issues/Issue60/bimini.htm
To Bimini by experimental airplane http://www.experimentalairplane.com/bimini.html
! The Bell Tolls for Him (Capt. Harcourt Neville Brown) http://www.miaminewtimes.com/issues/1997-07-31/feature.html

The Bimini Love Program "provides free veterinary care and spay/neuter assistance on Bimini island", clinic for dogs http://www.biminilove.org/ - Consie's story http://www.islaanimals.org/tails/consie.htm - does this clinic still exist? website stopped updates in 2002
S.N.I.P. about Project Potcake http://www.snip-spayneuter.com/snipppmore.html

SCC Compleat Angler Hotel & Bar & Museum "where Ernest Hemingway (and Senator Gary Hart Hart and what's her name) used to hang out" http://bahamas.wheretostay.com/property/528.html#review - BMOT-info - tropicdiver-review

SCC Bimini Big Game Resort & Marina http://www.biminibiggame.com/
SCC Bimini Blue Water Resort http://www.boipb.com/hotel.php?islandname=Bimini&hotel_id=37

Bimini, Latvian Film Festival (named after "Bimini" made by the festival president, Arnolds Burovs, about Heinrich Heine's fantasy poem "Bimini") http://www.bimini.lv/index-eng.php?p=3

Cat Island (Obeah Island, the first "San Salvador") / Little San Salvador

Cat Island may have been named after a 17th Century pirate named Arthur Catt source, or the name may refer to its one-time large population of feral cats.

Cat Island by BMOT, by UK BTO

BMOT map of Cat Island http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/map.aspx?sectionid=6373
Maps of Cat Island BVG website - islandhoppinn > Cat Isl (too small)
for more maps see for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see

Trip Advisor about Cat Island, e.g. click on one of the hotels and look for "TripAdvisor user reviews" http://www.margaritabeachrentals.com/cat_island_bahamas_links.htm

Cat Island history
see history

Trip reports
Eva & Rick (2003 and 2004) traveltalkonline message board
jimtony's trip report http://jimtony.web.iglou.com/cat.htm
John Hinkamp's trip report http://www.doctorfly.com/Articles/TripSub/CatIsland.txt
Chalres Stirling's trip report http://www.bsactravelclub.co.uk/reports/catisland.htm

++Discussion
started by cyndi on 26.10.2003 on Bahamas-mon Board
started by Jeff on 18.07.2003 on Bahamas-mon Board

+++Article
22.12.03 "Cat Island resorts optimistic on tourism" Nassau Guardian

SCC Greenwood Beach Resort http://www.greenwoodbeachresort.com/ - BMOT-info
SCC Cat Island Dive Center http://www.greenwoodbeachresort.com/englisch/dive.htm

Little San Salvador (Half Moon Cay)
for San Salvador see here

private Island of HAL Holland American Line http://www.holland-america-line-travel-club.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=71
Sealetter Port review Half Moon Cay http://www.sealetter.com/Jun-00/half700.html

...were is it?

Now, since the boat had just been cruising the "Magic Diving Triangle" of three islands in the southern Bahamas (Rum Cay, Conception, and San Salvador) you might be tempted to jump to the rather logical conclusion that "Little San Salvador" was right next to the bigger San Salvador (which is not all that big to begin with). In the classic tradition of Caribbean geography, you would be off by two hundred miles and a couple of islands! Actually, Little San Salvador is located between the islands of Eleuthera and Cat Island, and is currently uninhabited. (source: PeterHughes)
Half Moon Cay is located on 2,400-acre Little San Salvador Island, Bahamas. The island, purchased by Holland America Line in January 1997, is less than 100 miles southeast of Nassau between southern Eleuthera and Cat Island. Half Moon Cay [anchorage] is built on 45 acres along a crescent-shaped white sand beach more than a mile in length that fronts on a protected bay leading west to Exuma Sound. Half Moon Cay was named after Holland America Line's logo, which depicts explorer Henry Hudson's ship, the Half Moon, and also to reflect the crescent shape of the beach. (source cruiseinc)

Biega Sailing Adventures http://www.biega.com/bahamas.html > scroll down to Little San Salvador
Plus The only map that I could find on-line where Little San Salvador is marked > between Eleuthera and Cat Isl)

Oceanphotos Little San Salvador (LSS) on a nautical map Eleuthera-LSS - inside LSS - LSS to Cat

Crooked Island called Samoete by the Arawak Indians and Isabella (after the Queen of Spain) by Columbus

Crooked Island by BMOT, by UK BTO

BMOT of Acklins/Crooked Isl (Crooked: NW, Acklins SE) http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/map.aspx?sectionid=35536&level=2
Map by Birdrock Lighthouse http://www.birdrocklighthouse.com/maps.html
for more maps see for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see

Jorgen's Crooked Island website http://www.crookedisland.biz/
Crooked Island - Birdrock Lighthouse http://birdrocklighthouse.com/
SCC Crooked Island Bone Fishing / Out Island Inn http://crookedislandbonefishing.com/
SCC Pittstown Point Landings http://www.pittstownpointlandings.com/

Eleuthera

named Segatoo by Columbus, renamed Eleuthera by Captain William Sayle

!! post specific questions on one of the forums

Maps and pictures
for more maps see for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see

BMOT map of Eleuthera http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/map.aspx?sectionid=6454
! Eleuthera detailed maps http://www.eleuthera-map.com
! Eleuthera (nautical) map http://www.bahamas-rental.com/Map.html
Settlements of Eleuthera with map and photos http://www.eleutheraliving.com/settlements.htm
Diane & Dave Eleuthera / North Palmetto http://www.diadav.com/travel/sablerose/maps.htm
Bahamatravelnet, small map but with attractions and locations marked http://www.bahamatravelnet.com/maps/eleuthera.html

! Harbour Island Guide map http://www.harbourislandguide.com/map.htm

Comment by PerryJ (10.11.04) about this map: I can vouch for the accuracy of the map -- I created it from scratch. I mapped all of the roads from GPS data gathered during my last stay on Harbour Island. Everything should be within about +- 25'. The roads are actual "tracks" taken by the GPS. I made a serious effort to map all the major and minor roadwork, however there are some additional dirt /sand and private roads that aren't listed such as the private community on the south end of the island. Source: Briland board

BVG Harbour Island map (street names are too small) http://www.the-bahama-islands.com/islandmaps/hislmap.html
Harbour Island Marina map - topography http://harbourislandmarina.com/info/map.html
Red Apple Harbour Island Map - selfdrawn http://www.redapplebb.com/harbourmap.html
Schoop, various maps http://www.discover-eleuthera-bahamas.com/eleuthera-map.html

Eleuthera Sat image http://www.members.shaw.ca/n.holl/satell6.htm
Eleuthera NASA picture http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/history/shuttle-mir/multimedia/sts-84-photos/84p-070.htm
Eleuthera NASA Pict http://images.jsc.nasa.gov/luceneweb/caption_direct.jsp?photoId=STS066-88-056
great satellite picture of Tarpum Bay Eleuthera http://asterweb.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/gallery.htm?name=Tarpum

Princess Cays, private beach resort of Princess Cruises http://www.princess.com/destination/port.do?resTradeId=C&resPortId=RSD
where is it? http://www.boipb.com/eleuthera.pdf > scroll down to map on page 3, it's on the south tip of Eleuthera, near Bannerman Town

The resort area known as Princess Cays, constructed in 1999 is also located in the South western area of Bannerman Town and boasts some of the most pleasureable activities and jobs for the local inhabitants of South Eleuthera. Princess Cays exists exclusively to serve the traveling tourists stopping over on day trips aboard a few of the larger international cruise lines including carnival cruise lines and Disney cruises. This large playground area on the beautiful south western shore Bannerman town is worth the trip up to the southern end of the island to see and feel. Its an absolutely gorgeous view of the beaches and ocean in the area where the ocean drops off for many miles just beyond the shores of the Bannerman Town beach, allowing the largest of the cruise lines to come close enough into the harbor to have its guests disembarked by serving tender boats which transport the guests back and forth for the day. The facility boasts of most fun and recreational toys and amenities available to todays cruising passengers including such toys as Jet Ski’s, Scuba diving and the best beach in this side of the island for those who want to just lay out and catch the sun. This location employs a major portion of the work force in South Eleuthera as well as many vendors of unique Bahamian gift ideas and artifacts. Source: http://www.tarpumbay.com/

Eleuthera / Harbour Island websites
!!!!Eleuthera Harbour Island http://www.briland.com/
!!! My Harbour Island, Robert Arthur http://www.myharbourisland.com/, e.g. "meet the locals", "Share your thoughts"
EricN pictures, 360degr-photos (new/under construction) http://www3.sympatico.ca/ericn/
!! Maxine Rose Schur on Eleuthera http://www.maxineroseschur.com/travel-eleuthera.html
jimtony's Eleuthera trip report http://jimtony.web.iglou.com/menueleuthera.htm
XX 8.11.04 broken

Dieter Schoop "Eleuthera perspective of a winter resident" http://www.discover-eleuthera-bahamas.com lot of insider info (but also lots of ad links...)

Eleuthera phone directory http://www.eleu.net/eleuphone.html

Surfing see here

India Hicks (Harbour Isl) http://www.nysocialdiary.com/socialdiary/2004/03_16_04/socialdiary03_16_04.php and comments (Briland modem)
Tarpum Bay (private, George Major) http://www.tarpumbay.com/
Chef Susan Neff - cooking class & hide away http://www.chefsusanneff.com/index.htm
Harbour Island Guide, !map, lots of pictures http://www.harbourislandguide.com
Your island information source - for locals & tourists http://www.eleutheraliving.com/
Bahamas Vacation, e.g. Harbour Island, Governors Harbour etc. http://www.bahama-vacation.com/island_of_eleuthera.html
Eleuthera Internet Connection http://www.eleu.net/
XX 15.4.04 broken Eleuthera Informer http://www.eleutherainformer.com/

!! SCC The Landing, Harbour Island http://www.harbourislandlanding.com/- Travellady-review - Tripadvisor review
SCC Eleuthera - camping etc. Bahamas Adventure www.bahamasadventures.com
SCC Eleuthera - pictures 1978 (private website) http://home.comcast.net/~dorothyg020/
SCC Eleuthera - Clark Cottage on Harbour Island http://www.clarkcottage.com/
SCC Pink Sands Hotel - Harbour Island, Bahamas http://www.islandinns.com/45.html
SCC Eleuthera Rental http://www.eleuthera-rental.com/index.html - more about Aaron Beachhouse - Sable Rose
SCC Johnson Grocery of Harbour Island http://www.johnsongrocery.com/

Miscellaneous

Nassau to Eleuthera - by air or by ferry? QA-source Fodors/Bahamas

Q From: beachlover 24.08.04
I'm having problems finding convenient connections from Nassau to Eleuthera and back. Bahamas Air and Southern Air only flies twice a day (at 8am and 5pm)- and the ferry only goes once a day, at 8am. Are there any other options that won't break the bank that anyone knows of? I'd really appreciate your help!! Thank you!
A From: wantsomesun 24.08.04
USAir and Continental also fly out of Florida into N. Eleuthera, and Chalks flies charters out of Nassau as well. The BoHengy was doing 2 trips a day, so you might check the www.bahamasfastferries.com website for the latest info. I had heard the ship was being dry docked for repairs but not sure of the dates. The good news is that Jet Blue is starting to fly into Nassau as of Nov 1 which will give more travel options and better prices to Nassau. Where were you thinking of staying on Eleuthera and what airport? Hope this helps.
A From: RobertoB 24.08.04
Another option is overnight in Nassau at a place such as Orange Hill Beach Inn and catch the morning flight over. I can also highly recommend Southern Air.
Q From: beachlover 24.08.04
Thanks - I'll look into Chalks, I hadn't seen anything on them yet. We're actually flying in to Nassau from New York, so those flights from Florida don't help... I did call Bahamas Fast Ferries and they said they had 2 ferries a day during the week, but only one a day in the early morning on weekends. I figured with the afternoon ferry, I may as well take Southern Air - but is the ferry ride worth taking for the views?
A From: wantsomesun 24.08.04
In a short answer, YES, the ferry takes about 2 hours to get over to Eleuthera/Harbour Island and the ride is really beautiful. The water is so crystal clear that you can see all the way to the bottom. Since the airfare and ferry cost is just about the same you might want to fly one way and take the ferry the other direction.
A From: colin1960 24.08.04
The fast ferry is going to be in dry dock for 2wks from 13th Sep. Southern air fly to North Eleuthera at noon daily I know as i just bought tickets today for a trip in sept.Round trip on Southern Air is $120.

Glass Window Bridge

Glass Window Bridge, originally the site of an extraordinary natural arch linking the Exuma Sound to the Atlantic, is one of the most impressive sights on Eleuthera. Unfortunately however, the natural formation was washed away in a hurricane in 1965, but the location itself is still immensely scenic. To watch the ragged, deep blue waves of the Atlantic crash and swarm across rocks toward the Sound is truly mesmerizing. Artist Winslow Homer painted this area in 1885, and called the painting "Glass Window" http://www.the-athenaeum.org/art/detail.php?ID=659. source eleu.net

When Winslow Homer sketched the area in 1885, the neck of land had a natural arch forming the window, so named because sailors on the choppy Atlantic Ocean could look through and see the glassy Caribbean on the other side. "It was like looking into somebody's warm, calm living room," said Ann Mullin, who owns a resort nearby. "But they couldn't get to it." The arch was knocked down by storm waves sometime after the turn of the century, and a series of bridges built to replace it have fared little better. A concrete bridge was shifted seven feet by a storm on Halloween 1991, and the rebuilt bridge was shifted again by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Islanders refer to the storms, when the Atlantic sends waves exploding up and over the narrow strip of land, as "a rage." The bridge is closed during a rage - it was shut down only once in 2003 - and foolhardy trespassers have been blown to their death. A rusted car still sits on the boulders below, a testament to the power of the sea. "Four or five years ago, a policeman and Sam Pedican walked over it during a rage and didn't make it," Mullin said. "The policeman survived - his hip was broken - but Sam died. They found his body a couple of days later." source: eleuthera-maps

story, written about the above mentioned incident on the Glass Window Bridge:
Marvin Hunt (US Writer, North Carolina State University) "Sam Pedican and the Rage at Glass Window" http://www.wgaprc.com/Globe/Pedihunt.html

++Discussions
started on 14.11.04 by Charlie Eleuthera board
started on 14.11.04 by Jim Eleuthera board

Exuma / Ragged Island

"Exuma is believed to have its origins in some Indian name, its precise derivation has never been established" source

BMOT map of Exuma http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/map.aspx?sectionid=6535
Exuma maps - great maps incl. satellite maps ! http://www.exumamap.com/

Exumabahamas.com map http://www.exumabahamas.com/islandmap.html
Bahama Houseboats - Map of George Town area http://www.bahamahouseboats.com/map.htm
Diane & Dave Staniel Cay map http://www.diadav.com/travel/staniel-cay/staniel-map.htm
Bahamatravelnet, small map but with attractions and locations marked http://www.bahamatravelnet.com/maps/exuma.html

! Damianos great map of Exuma and Exuma Cays http://www.damianos.com/maps/greatexuma.aspx - http://www.damianos.com/maps/exuma.aspx
Little Halls Pond Cay, private island owned by Actor Johnny Depp

Vladi's maps http://www.vladi-private-islands.de/sales_islands/sites/05_map.html
Musha Cay, private island and luxury resort http://www.rbrww.com/locations/444/ - http://www.unusualvillarentals.com/caribbean/bahamas/musha/mushacay.shtml

for more maps see for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see

+++Articles
07.01.04 "Exuma photographer calling the shots" Nassau Guardian
26.08.04 "Exuma airport upgrade to accommodate tourist influx" Nassau Guardian

see also CMRC

! Exuma http://www.exumabahamas.com/
Exuma http://www.bahamas-exuma.com/index.html
Little Exuma http://www.geocities.com/ffhcia/index.html
Exuma History see here
Lansing Cay see here

"Bahamian Rhapsody" ( Jumento Cays), Outside magazine 2001 http://outside.away.com/outside/magazine/travelguide2001/bahamas.html
jimtony's Exuma trip report http://jimtony.web.iglou.com/exuma.htm

Golf - Golf at Four Seasons Great Exumas see here

SCC Peace and Plenty Resorts http://www.peaceandplenty.com/en/index.html
SCC Four Seasons Resort at Emerald Bay, Great Exuma http://www.fourseasons.com/greatexuma/
+++Article 20.10.04 "Four Seasons Resort now offering Grand Bahama residents first pick at employment opportunities." Nassau Guardian/Freeport News
SCC Exumas Bowe Cay (private Island) http://www.bowecay.com/index.htm
SCC Bahama Houseboats http://www.bahamahouseboats.com/index.htm
SCC Higgins Landing, Cottages on Stocking Island http://www.higginslanding.com/

Flight Simulator 2004 Orlando > George Town, Exumas > Santo Domingo http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulator/fs2000_articles_aroundtheworld_leg5.asp

Ragged Island (Sand Islands, Zandislands)

The sickle-shaped Ragged Island Range stretches from the Jumento Cays at the southern tip of The Exumas curves east, then south down to Great Ragged Island with its main settlement of Duncan Town. It is a very dry, wild, windswept place, surrounded by a treacherous sea. Ragged Islanders are in much demand for their skills in navigating these shoals; their chief occupations are shipping, fishing and making handicrafts. The islands have an area of 15-square miles and a population of 89. source Geographia/Bahamas

BVG map of Ragged Island http://www.the-bahama-islands.com/islandmaps/raggedmap.html
for more maps see

BVG info about Ragged Island http://www.the-bahama-islands.com/ragged.html
Ragged Isl Administration (dated 2001) http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/bahamasweb/aboutbahamas.nsf/0/d12c183ccb2c021f06256a87007b7e41?OpenDocument

! Found at Sea, By Mike Tidwell, The Washington Post, 28.02.99 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/travel/destinations/caribbean/raggedisland022899.htm
Excerpts: "Bahamas Out-Islands Promotion Board in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. "Never heard of it," said a woman named Maura. "We have zero information on the place. Sorry." - How to get there: mail boat from Barreterre, Exuma, to Duncan Town. But it doesn't always stop in Barreterre...

Historical

26 October 1492 Columbus' fleet anchored on Ragged Island Range, Bahamas.
most all agree that Columbus' final stop in the Bahamas was in Sand Islands (a.k.a. Ragged Island range) on the southeast edge of great Bahama Bank, before heading on to Cuba source pelicanpower

Grand Bahama

for maps see for more satellite images see
for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see

! see mainly under topics (fishing, golf, etc.)

comments and info about suspicious "free trips", "free cruise", "huge discount" see here

Hotels -Bahamas Tourist Office > pick an island
Carrie's list of things to do in Freeport
see here for MOON Bahamas

get the picture, read Lewis "lenghthy" trip report, 21-28 July 2004 http://f27.parsimony.net/forum67650/messages/2154.htm

!!! GBPO Grand Bahama Port Authority http://www.gbpa.com/authority.lasso history, economy, infrastructure, real estate (DEVCO) etc.
HPH Hutchinson Port Holding / FHC Freeport Harbour Company (lists cruise line calls in Freeport) http://www.hph.com.hk/business/cruise/bahamas.htm
+++Articles:
28.03.2000 "Freeport Harbour tripling space and upgrading terminal" Washington Post
21.12.04 "St. George dies: But Freeport will move forward stronger than ever Sir Jack says" Freeport News - Nassau Guardian

Nancy & Danny, private website concentrating on Grand Bahama http://www.fortunecity.com/oasis/bahia/443/index.htm with forum

Bed & Breakfast places, hotels see here

SCC Our Lucayan Beach & Golf Resort, Freeport http://www.ourlucaya.com/
+++Article 08.02.05 "Our Lucaya among top wedding resorts" Freeport News

SCC Ocean Reef Yacht & Beach Club http://www.oryc.com/
SCC Port Lucaya Marketplace http://www.portlucayamarketplace.com/index.lasso
SCC Kings Court Resort, Freeport Bahamas Hotel (small conto hotel) http://www.kingscourtbahamas.com - short review
SCC TimeTravelCorp (Flamingo Bay, Taino Beach, The Ritz) http://www.timetravelcorp.com - go to "links" for individual websites - hurricane update
SCC Island Seas (timeshare, condos) http://www.islandseas.com/index.htm - reviews/comments Geographia/GBI board: 13414 (with aerial photo) - 13404

SCC Crowne Plaza Golf Resort & Casino at The Royal Oasis (also known as The Royal Oasis) http://www.theroyaloasis.com/
+++Articles
11.01.05 "Reopening uncertainty at resort big concern - Crowne Plaza Golf Resort and Casino at the Royal Oasis" Freeport News
20.01.05 "Royal Oasis expects answer from insurance carriers at end of Jan." Nassau Guardian
01.02.05 "Government meeting with resort owners" Freeport News

SCC RCI timeshares see here

Carries extra long posting about some budget timeshares in Freeport
(Lakeview Manor Club, Island Resort & Golf Club / Taino Beach Vacation Club)

SCC Club Viva Fortuna (Viva Fortuna, Wyndham Fortuna Beach) http://www.vivaresorts.com/property_vdb_2.html
Frances aftermath - reopening in December 04 or January 05 07.09.04 GBI/Board
! John Kusterers unofficial Viva Fortuna Website (lots of info, pictures, links) http://www.geocities.com/clubfortuna/
some reviews: John P 05.07.04 - 6.7.04 -
see also tripadvisors reviews

12.4.93 Source: http://hometown.aol.com/caribeguy/freeport.html
When your travel agent tells you the resort you will be staying at has an Italian flare [sic!], you better investigate. To me "Italian flare" meant Italian cuisine and architecture. Little did I know that to my travel agent at the time "Italian flare" meant that Italian was the main language spoken and that the majority of the guests were from Italy. Not having taken Italian in school I found myself to be an outsider during my stay at Club Fortuna.

Inagua

"Inagua is an anagram for the herbivorous animal common to its shores: the iguana." source: Bahamasgateway
"The ratio of flamingos to people on Great Inagua is about 61:1" source: Bahamas incentive manual

about Inagua by bahamasgateway - geographia

BMOT map of Inagua http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/map.aspx?sectionid=6616
BVG map of Inagua http://www.the-bahama-islands.com/islandmaps/inaguamap.html

Inagua - wonderfully wild http://www.discoverinagua.com/ (offline 20080910)

Inagua - wildlife http://www.discoverinagua.com/nature-wildlife.html (Inagua Tourism Association 2007)

for more maps see here
for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see

Morton Salt Company (Chicago), solar salt http://www.mortonsalt.com/industrial/products/facilities_solar.htm
about salt industry (Turks and Caicos) http://www.tcmuseum.org/salt_industry/

James Bond Dr. No "the mythical island of Crab Key" http://www.ajb007.co.uk/articles/007/drnoarticle/

Inagua Archaeology see here

2000-02-20 "Counting Flamingos on Great Inagua" New York Times

+++Article
10.09.07 "Bahamas Flamingo Colony Survives Hurricane Ike" AP

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) -- Thousands of pink flamingos in the Bahamas emerged unscathed from Hurricane Ike's direct hit on their breeding colony, the warden of Great Inagua island's national park said Monday.

Warden Henry Nixon said he saw a few dead birds on his first visit to the park since Ike pounded the island with 135 mph (217 kph) winds Sunday, but the vast majority apparently found shelter in coves and behind mangrove trees.

"The flamingos are doing fine. There are thousands of them all over the place," Nixon told The Associated Press. He said the mangrove clusters the birds use for protection were also still intact.

The national park covers nearly half the 600-square-mile (1,550-square kilometer) island in the southeastern Bahamas and with roughly 50,000 West Indian flamingos, it claims the largest breeding colony in the world.

The park was established in 1965 and has helped reverse a decline in the flamingo population from hunting and development.

Some birds may have survived by flying to nearby islands, said Lynn Gape, deputy director of the Bahamas National Trust.

"Birds are very sensitive to barometric pressure," she said.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham was planning a visit to assess the damage in Great Inagua, which is home to about 1,000 people.

The storm tore the roofs of homes and toppled trees and utility poles but no deaths or injuries were reported.

18.11.04 "Morton Salt stops power supply for Inagua" Nassau Guardian

Great Inagua Island

QA-Source: http://www.geographia.com/guestbook/bahamas/
Q From: Michael Walsh Date: 5/28/03 10:07:56 PM
Hello, I was wondering if there is anyone out there that has been to Great Inagua Island? I would like to visit this Island because it is unspoiled and also the last outpost. I was planning to take the mail boat from Nassau and would appreciate any pertinent info about that journey etc. I have done extensive reading about this Island and also Little Inagua. Thanks much.
A From: Scubagirl Date: 5/28/03 10:54:18 PM
Mike, I went to homecoming 2 years ago. My boyfriend has family there. It is stark. The people are friendly, but reserved. There is little convenience, and rarely see air-conditioning and only a few cars. I don't think there is any car rentals, but you might borrow a bicycle from the b&b and ride around town. There are only about 10 guest rooms on the island. There is only one small settlement. In order to explorer the National Park, you need to have the park ranger escort you.
There are wild boar and wild donkeys everywhere, and the mosquitoes are bigger than a hummingbird. I loved the people, we had a great time, but the island was less than desirable. I'm not a prima donna, but this was a "far from comfortable" experience. BTW, the mailboat will take about 30 hours depending on the weather. I must say the island is pristine. Steamy hot, and vegetation is not lush. Unless you go during homecoming, you could likely be the only visitors in town. I must say, coming upon the flamingoes on the lake was breathtaking. They are dwindling in numbers, but still a heavenly site.

SCC The Main House http://www.inaguamainhouse.com/index.htm

Long Island

!!all the links you need about Long Island (Robert) http://www.bahamas-li.net/lidirect.html

BMOT map of Long Island http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/map.aspx?sectionid=6697
LongIslandIsHere map http://www.longislandishere.com/map.htm
Diane & Dave map Little Deadman's Cay http://www.diadav.com/travel/deadman/maps.htm
chezpierrebahamas.com map (enlarge) http://www.chezpierrebahamas.com/images/longmapWEB.JPG
for more maps see for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see

+++Article
04.01.2004 "In The Bahamas, The Other Long Island" Washington Post

Long Island Satellite Picture http://www.cb.uu.se/~tommy/dyn.html

SCC Little Deadman's Cay http://www.bahamasvacationguide.com/wellman.html
SCC Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort http://www.capesantamaria.com/

Mayaguana

BTO Website about Mayaguana http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/templrgstandard.aspx?sectionid=6741

BMOT map of Mayaguana http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/map.aspx?sectionid=6778
for more maps see for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see

To Mayaguana by experimental airplane ... to collect license plates http://www.experimentalairplane.com/mayaguana-story.html
RSSTI (Red Sea Sustainable Tourism Initiative) Ecolodge Planning Case Study - Sustainable Development of Mayaguana http://www.rssti.org/links/Mar_2000/presentation02.html
Cold War, May 1961 - US combat operations with tactical aircraft against Cuba http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/coldWarStudiesProgramme/pdf/cubaSeminarOutline.pdf search for Mayaguana

New Providence/Paradise Island

see mainly under topics! - e.g. history
for maps see NASA satellite image of Nassau http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/sseop/images/ESC/small/ISS001/ISS001-E-6395.JPG
for more satellite images see
for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see

Where are ... Blue Lagoon Island, Athol Island, Rose Island, Pearl Island etc.?

Maps: BahamasTravelNet- Peter Loud
On the north coast of New Providence Island, just north of Cable Beach, is Balmoral Island (Sandals / Blackbeard's Cay, Discovery Island), Long Cay (historically known as Rooster Cay), and a little further east toward Nassau are Silver Cay and Arawak Cay. On the north coast of Paradise Island is Cabbage Beach where several hotels are located. To the northeast of Paradise Island is Salt Cay (Blue Lagoon Island) and east of Paradise Island is Athol Island. Further to the northeast of Paradise Island is Rose Island, an approximately 25 minute boat ride. The large lake in the center of New Providence Island is Lake Killarney, which is brackish and not suitable for swimming. Paradise Island (historically known as Hog Island) is accessed by 2 large bridges (each has one-way traffic, the Western Bridge is northbound to Paradise Island and the Eastern Bridge is southbound to New Providence Island). The bridge is open to pedestrian traffic for access to East Bay Street. There are ample taxis at the resorts and there is a water taxi service to Prince George Wharf (Nassau) that leaves (and returns) every half hour at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal just under the western bridge. source: http://www.cariberesource.com/bahamas/nassau.html

Blackbeard's Cay
Legend has it that when the pirate Blackbeard was still sailing the world he and his fearsome cronies used this island as a meeting and party spot. Blackbeard's Cay shares Balmoral Island with Sandals Resort (Sandals Island) . As well as beautiful beaches the island has a retail shop, Dive Shop, Dining Pavillion, restroom facilities and for private events a stage and dancefloor area with sound systems and generators. Source: http://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/pages/locinfo?id=3193

Pearl Island Treasure Hunt - where exactly is Pearl Island?? http://www.pearl-island-bahamas.com/safari_tours_bahamastry_001.htm (website seems to be under construction) - "Pearl Island is a privately owned island where many celebrities have found tranquility and have partied until sunrise."
A From: Scubagirl, 20.07.04: Pearl Island is that tiny private island with the Lighthouse just off the east end of Paradise Island, adjacent to Athol Island. At some point it was owned by Eddie Murphy, not sure who owns it now. It's primarily used as a cruise ship tour for Treasure Diving (for conch and seeded pearls), There's a conch farm, 3 resident stingrays and a little daiquari stand.It has a tiny slip of beach, and terrific snorkeling off the back side, which unfortunately can only be reached by going over the jagged coral. There are still private guest houses on the property, Christina Aquilerra was reported to have a private party there last month.

(Late) History of Paradise Island

History on Paradise Island, a sliver of very precious land a bridge away from Nassau, can be measured in pre-Sol and post-Sol. [...] Sol Kerzner took the island by storm in 1994, scooping up several major hotel properties owned by Merv Griffin. In less than a year, he opened the doors on Atlantis, a spectacular 1,136-room resort with a 14-acre waterscape park. Four years and $650 million later, the soaring Royal Towers more than doubled Atlantis’ guest capacity. The world's largest outdoor open-water aquarium became even bigger -- 11 million gallons, 100,000 species. New attractions were added – The Dig, an interactive underground replica of an archeological site with windows onto the underwater world of the lagoon; and a huge likeness of a Mayan Temple with five-story waterslides into a shark lagoon.
While Atlantis was being built, a much quieter project was underway at another Kerzner acquisition, the Ocean Club, the 1960s private enclave of Huntington Hartford II, heir to the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company fortune. It was Hartford who convinced the government to give Hog Island a new name -- Paradise Island. Hartford built the Ocean Club, a luxurious 52-room hotel and four two-bedroom cottages, and commissioned architect Dick Wilson to create an 18-hole course for the pleasure of his guests. In the 1960s the Ocean Club was the place to be seen with the likes of William Randolph Hearst, Burl Ives, Benny Goodman and a host of earls, dukes and ambassadors. When Hartford’s fortune and interest waned, the club passed into other hands. Source Worldgolf

Hotels on New Providence / Nassau or Paradise Island

Hotels -Bahamas Tourist Office > pick an island

Bed & Breakfast places, hostels see here

SCC for Atlantis / Comfort Suites / Ocean Club see here
SCC BCH British Colonial Hilton (5*) Hilton website - Hilton Caribbean website - tripadvisor reviews - Fact Sheet - Brochure (pdf)
++Discussion 07.07.04 British Colonial Hilton / use of facilities cruisecritics board
SCC Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/NASBS/main.wnt
SCC Sandals Royal Bahamain http://www.sandals.com/main/bahamian/ba-home.cfm - Sandals International
Sandals/Frances ++Article 09.09.08 "Sandals Royal Bahamian closed temporarily" Nassau Guardian - hurricane news
SCC Radisson Cable Beach & Golf Resort http://www.radisson-cablebeach.com

SCC Westwind Club Timeshare: Westwind 1 http://www.westwind1.com/index2webtv.htm / Westwind II http://www.westwindii.com/Main.asp

SCC RCI timeshares see here

RIU in the Bahamas

+++Articles
05.11.04 "'Hotel RIU' to replace PI's Sheraton Grand - Spanish group invests $20 million to create new all-inclusive resort" Nassau Guardian
29.11.04 "RIU holding second job fair - Hoping to interview people not served" Nassau Guardian

The Sheraton Grand Resort announces the sale of its hotel property on Paradise Island to the Spanish RIU hotel group. The hotel closed its doors on May 10th for major renovations and upgrading of its facilities to 5 star status by December 2004. source: majesticholidays
RIU is a TUI hotel company http://www.tui.com/en/konzern/companies_brands/hotel_companies/uebersicht.html
description of the new hotel: e.g. here: http://www.sunquest.ca/destinations/hotel.aspx?svid=154

RIU official website (Nov 04: page not complete yet) http://www.riu.com > pick H. RIU Paradise Island
RIU inofficial website http://www.riubambu.com/RIU_WEB_PAGES/MENU/RESORT/PARADISE_ISLAND/paradise.htm
RIU inofficial website - message board - RIU Paradise Island http://www.riubambu.com/discus/messages/8972/8972.html?1099937784

+++Discussions
Dec 2004 first reviews about the "new" RIU Paradise Island Tripadvisor

QA-Source fodors
Q From MuyLinda 29.9.04 I just read that the Riu is taking over the Sheraton on Paradise Island and will open as a Riu resort sometime soon. This kind of peaked my interest as we've had two great vacations at the Riu Yucatan in Playa del Carmen. Does anyone have any info on this? A great beach is always my #1 priority. Thanks! A From colin1960 3.10.04 They bought the Sheraton on Paradise Island[next door to Atlantis] and are in the process of refurbishing at the moment,don't know when it is scheduled to open,I understand it will be all inclusive once it does re-open.

SCC Club Med Paradise Island http://www.come2clubmed.com/paradise_island.htm
September 04, closed down now due to Atlantis extension
+++Article
23.09.03 "Time takes its toll on Paradise's Club Med" Nassau Guardian
09.07.04 "Kerzner edged out Club Med's 'concept' - Club Med president says Kerzner keeps getting "bigger"" Nassau Guardian
09.09.04 "Police block Club Med staff" Nassau Guardian

Rumours about Club Med PI

<>Scubagirl 09.01.05 Tripadvisor board<> [...] There is a rumour that Club Med will purchase the South Ocean Resort on the south side on New Providence. This would make a great spot for a low keyed property such as Club Med. No word yet on when this will take place

Atlantis / Comfort Suites / Ocean Club
SCC Sun International Atlantis usw. http://www.atlantis.com/
SCC Sun International http://www.sun-international.com/

Atlantis map http://www.atlantis.com/resortmap/content/pdf/map.pdf - map legend
about Atlantis restaurants see here

SCC Comfort Suites http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/bs003 (=choice hotels, their franchiser) - BMOT info
SCC Ocean Club (One & Only Resorts) http://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/oao/oceanclub/MainFrameset.aspx?lang=0&sct=home - BMOT info

About.com / Travel with kids - about Atlantis http://travelwithkids.about.com/cs/sunzonesresorts/a/atlantisresort.htm

++Discussions: Atlantis admission, use of facilities, stay at Comfort Suites instead etc.
30.01.04 "Atlantis 25$" Cruise Critics (June 04: looks like price is now $29)
13.05.04 "Another interesting discussion about Atlantis for cruise passengers" Cruise Critics
02.08.04 "Atlantis vs Comfort Suites" BVG Board

Q From: NYLady Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2003 (QA-Source: board does not exist anymore)
Can you utilize the facilities at the Atlantis? Swimming pool, restaurants, etc..?
A From: Scubagirl Date: Thursday, March 27, 2003 If you are a guest.. of course, if not, you can only enjoy the casinos, shoppes and inside restaurants (reservations recommended). The Digs-underground aquariums are viewable with a day pass which cost $25. Pools, slides, lagoon beach and other outside features are available only to guests. The beach is public, and is accessible thru a public walkway next to the Sheraton. Lounges are for guests only. There are security people throughout the property who check for wristbands.
Q From: Lona Date: 2/26/04 We are traveling to the Bahamas next month. .was wondering if tourists can go to the Atlantis waterparks even though we will not be guests of that hotel.
A From: scubagirl Date: 2/26/04 Atlantis facilities are for guests of Atlantis, Harbourside, Comfort Suites and Ocean Club ONLY. There are security guards at exits and around the grounds preventing those without ID bracelets from wandering the grounds or using the slides etc. No Day Passes are available. You can, however, shop in the upscale shops, and enjoy the casinos. A huge part of the aquarium can be viewed at the Great Wall of Water Restaurant.
A From: Finche Date: 2/27/04 You can buy a day pass, I think it is $25.00. I will be at Atlantis on 3/23/2004 - 3/29/2004.
A From: bahamabreezes Date: 2/28/04 No sorry, but Atlantis stopped offering day passes a couple of years ago. You can pay $25.00 to take a tour of the dig, and see some of the grounds, but you can not use the pools and lazy river if you are not a guest of the resort.

Q From: kathleen davi (source: Frommers) 14.06.04 I am going on a cruise in a few weeks and was wondering if there is a day pass that allows access to the water attractions and beach at the Atlantis hotel Thanks!
A From: Tamara Zoo 15.6.04 Occasionally, when they can't fully book rooms, they open them up as DAY ROOMS for about $200 plus taxes. This is NOT guaranteed. And it doesn't happen often. Most folks book a room across the street at the Comfort Suites, which allows up to 4 people access to all of Atlantis.

San Salvador (Guanahani, San Salvador, Watling Isl) / Rum Cay

Little San Salvador see here

Christopher Columbus made his first landfall on San Salvador Island during his historic voyage to the New World. Four separate monuments mark the exact spot where he came ashore on October 12, 1492. However, it is generally regarded that he landed at Long Bay, where a big stone cross now stands. Called Guanahani by the native Lucayan Indians, Columbus renamed the island San Salvador or "Holy Saviour," noting in his journal: "The beauty of these islands surpasses that of any other and as much as the day surpasses the night in splendour." The island was taken over by British buccaneer George Watling, and he renamed San Salvador Island after himself (Watling Island). It wasn’t until 1925 that the island’s name was restored to its original. source BMOT

see here for more about history, Columbus etc.

see also under Gerace - Geology - Marine Biology - Archaeology -

<>GERACE / San Salvador GIS map http://www.geraceresearchcenter.com/sansalvadormap.htm
GERACE San Salvador GIS website with various maps http://www.newhaven.edu/sansalvador/gis/index.htm
BMOT map of San Salvador http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/island/map.aspx?sectionid=6940
for here
NASA satellite image of San Salvador http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/sseop/images/ESC/small/ISS009/ISS009-E-13929.JPG
for more satellite images see
for (more) pictures/satellite images/photos see

Unesco Paper San Salvador "Environment and Development..." http://www.unesco.org/csi/pub/papers/gerace.htm
Carleton San Salvador Overview http://www.acad.carleton.edu/curricular/GEOL/RelatedPrograms/bahamas/info/overview.html
San Salvador Island http://sansalvadorbahamas.com/AugSSsite/2sansalbahamas.htm
SCC Walker's Island Adventure http://www.islandadventure.biz/
SCC Riding Rock Inn, Resort & Marina http://www.ridingrock.com/

Club Med (was closed after hurricane Frances in Sept 04 - should open again on Dec 18th 2004)
Club Med San Salvador Columbus Isle http://www.clubmed.com/usa/> Caribbean & Bahamas > Columbus Isle
Brent's Columbus Isle review (1998) - lots of info (also about Club Med in general) http://www.blackpearls.net/columbus.html
"I and Wendy" honeymoon on Columbus Isle review (1999) http://www.ianandwendy.com/Wedding/clubmed/club_med_trip_report.htm
mhammoc's report, with pictures (Sept 2003) http://www.mytripreport.com/display.php?reportid=242
bibi's photos (September 2003) http://www.geographie.rub.de/ag/bib/Columbus/ and http://home.eplus-online.de/hornig/bibi/

Club Med Columubs Isle Forum http://www.clubmedplanet.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=39

+++Article 15.07.04 "Caribbean Spotlight featured at Club Med San Salvador" NassauGuardian

Club Med flies with Star Airlines (Charter), see here

Rum Cay (named Mamana by the Lucayan Indians then Santa Maria de la Conception by Christopher Columbus)

The "Sleeping Beauty" of The Bahamas, with its historic Loyalist cotton plantation ruins and Indian artifacts, lovely rolling hills, golden beaches and necklace of coral reefs encircling its shores.[] Rum Cay is supposed to have derived its present name from the wreck upon its shore of a West Indian rumrunner laden with the commodity. Port Nelson, a sheltered harbour on the south coast, is the only settlement. The island is 10 miles long and 5 miles wide and has fewer than 100 inhabitants. source Geographia/Bahamas

BVG map of Rum Cay http://www.the-bahama-islands.com/islandmaps/rummap.html

SCC Rum Cay Marina http://www.rumcaymarina.com/ - incl. "what to do", accommodations etc.
SCC Rum Cay Bahamas (realtor) http://www.rumcaybahamas.com/index.htm incl. "what to do" etc.

Surfing - see here

Bits about history

Columbus's second landfall [in the Bahamas], Santa Maria de la Concepcion, must be Rum Cay, which is 20 miles east of Long Island, roughly the distance the explorer claimed to have traveled between the two. Source Millersville / Columbus

Rum Cay - history http://www.rumcaybahamas.com/rum_cay.htm
Wild Island Tours - history http://www.wildislandtours.com/rumcay.html

Other miscellaneous topics

see also
see also MOON Bahamas

!! find links to some hotel under the island

Hotels - Bahamas Tourist Office > pick an island > scroll down to hotels

List of Travel Agencies http://www.wetings.com/travelagencies.htm
Travel Agencies/Tour Operators voted Best Tour Operator Worldwide by the Bahamian Government:
Apple Vacation http://www.applevacations.com/servlet/SiteController/regions/bahamas.jsp?RegionCode=BAH
Travel Impressions http://www.travelimpressions.com/destinations/bahama.html
Esquire Travel Group http://www.esquiretravelgroup.com/valueaddedprograms.html
Unusual Villa & Island Rentals http://www.unusualvillarentals.com/ - Bahamas

Travellady, hotel reviews http://www.travellady.com/Destinations/caribbean.htm scroll down to Bahamas
(Landing, Wyndham, Our Lucayan, Radisson Cable Beach, British Colonial Hilton)

SCC Bahamas.gour.net, only a few entries, but with their websites etc. http://bahamas.gour.net/All.405.0.html
SCC HotelGuide Nassau and Paradise Island http://nassau.express-hotel-guide.com/
SCC VRBO Vacation Rentals by owner http://www.vrbo.com/vrbo/carib.htm > Caribbean-Bahamas

RCI timeshares
Timeshare booking, info about resorts, some with website http://www.rci.com/RCIW_index?body=RCIW_rdMain > pick "Bahamas" as [country] > search
Advisory - availability of resorts e.g. after hurricane: US & Canada list (incl Bahamas) - enter resort ID here to get resort details
Reviews, Travel Journals (Bahamas) http://www.rcicommunity.com/planning/journalRegion.asp?LocationID=116

Bed & Breakfast, Hostels

SCC Dillets Guesthouse B&B (Nassau) http://www.islandeaze.com/dillets/
SCC Arawak Inn - self catering rooms, with either a stove or microwave, and refrigerator - (Nassau) http://bahamiansonline.com/arawakinn.html - BMOT
SCC Villa Towne & Country of Nassau http://www.mackeywebdesign.com/hib/youth_hostel_bahamas.htm

SCC Aunti Anne's B&B (Freeport) http://www.bahamasvacationguide.com/auntieanne.html

Q From JJ 30.11.04 Has anyone heard of this b&b? So far I like what their website says (well of course all websites have to say positive things) but I'd like to hear from anybody who has actually stayed there. How far from everything? how secluded or not?
A From Janice 02.12.04 I've never stayed there but have spoken to some tourists that have. The lady who runs the place is extremely friendly and her place is very well kept. I guess the downside would be that it's in a residential area so a car would definitely be a necessity if staying there. It is a reputable company though so if you're prepared to rent a car I'd say go and enjoy!
A From Rick Stracqualursi 09.12.04 I know the Acosta's pretty well. The B & B is excellent - actually much better looking than the photos on their web page. Mike and Anne are very genuine people. I would stay with them without hesitation. In fact, I own a place on the Island, and Mike keeps track of it for me when I am away. By all means, stay at Aunt Anne's. You will enjoy it.
QA-Source: Geographia/GBI Board

BVG Bahamas Vacation Guide, link to B&B places http://the-bahamas-hotels.com/bandbs/
BootsnAll hostels guide http://www.bootsnall.com/hostels/car/#bah
BedandBreakfast.com (small) search result for Bahamas http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ppf/NodeID/132/Search.aspx
search for hostels in the Bahamas http://www.hostelnorthamerica.com/choosecity.php/ChosenCountry.Bahamas
(there seem to be no iyhf-members in the Bahamas)

Cheap Accommodation in Freeport
see hotels mentioned under "I won a free trip..." - some of them are acceptable small but clean places (see Cal's comments there)

Cheap Accommodation / Youth Hostel (Nassau) QA-Source:http://www.bahamas-on-line.com/bahamasforum.shtml

Q From liz, Date 1.10.03 / Clean, safe, with a view - Hi! Would like your imput. Looking for a clean, safe hotel (going solo) with a view on or near a beach within walking distance (is this a good idea?) to restaurants and shopping under $200-170 in Nassau for Christmas or New years. Is this possible? A From Marylou, 1.10.03 Try Nassau Beach Hotel, right on the beach, reasonably priced, clean, safe (take the same precautions you would take in any city) and within walking distance of restaurants and some shops. And during the day you can take a jitney downtown to Bay Street to shop at the Straw Market and downtown shops, take a water taxi over to Paradise Island to see the Atlantis hotel. A From Scubagirl, 1.10.03 I agree with Marylou about the Nassau Beach Hotel, it's a good location and relatively safe. I usually recommend the British Colonial Hilton for safe solo travel. It's more of an upscale hotel (not a resort), on a small private beach, but very secure and located downtown just steps from everything. I don't know about the rates around the holidays. That time of year is the highest you'll find year round. Check the Radisson or Wyndham Cable Beach, or The Sheraton on Paradise Island. A From Scubagirl, 2.10.03 Looks like most of the places we mentioned are either booked or over your day rate. Try Holiday Inn Junkanoo. The day rate for the holidays is about $100 plus taxes (which run about $20 a nite. ) It's located across the street from Junkanoo beach. It's a moderate/budget hotel, but it's clean, safe and affordable, and within walking distance of most anything. A From Daniel 2.10.03 Try Orange Hill Resort (about $100/nt.); there is also a Youth Hostel in Nassau: International Traveler's Lodge and Hostel at 23 Delacy St. 242-325-4147 a dorm room goes for $26 a private room for $76 in winter. Forget the big resorts! Around the holidays they have a 6-8 nt. minimum, and prices are raised up to 50% above the highest in season winter rates-so you will pay $300-400 USD per night! (I am going to the Bahamas in Feb. there will be 4-5 adults and we won't have to pay any more than $100-250 per night for a room!!!) Hope that helps! Love, Daniel A From Scubagirl, 2.10.03 Orange Hill might be a safe bet, but the youth hostel is far from a safe haven for solo travelers, especially a women. Neither is really within walking distance of anything, except the beach across the street at Orange Hill. No shopping, no restaurants, no nightlife. Stick to the beaten path, Liz, you'll be safe and happy.
A From Candy, 2.10.03 I totally agree with Marylou. I stayed at Nassau Beach Hotel November of last year and August of this year and the accommodations were GREAT. This is not a five star hotel but the staff, beach and people were great and I would recommend it for a single person as well. Our rooms had a view of the entire courtyard and side view of the beach. We had no complaints as I feel a trip is what you make of it. Heck just getting away from the daily routine is five stars in itself. Enjoy your stay in Nassau beach! Regards, Candy

long discussion about the Orange Hill started by spaceroute on 30.01.05 Fodors board

Restaurants

BVG Bahamas Vacation Guide, links to restaurants http://www.the-bahamas-restaurants.com/
Frommer's overview, best restaurants http://www.frommers.com/destinations/bahamas/0205020124.html
! Bahamasgo, Nassau restaurants - price category, menus with prices http://www.bahamasgo.com/restaurants.htm
TheBahamian list of restaurants http://restaurants.thebahamian.com/
see also Scubagirls recommendations here
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Bahamas (Nassau/PI) by Jay Michaels http://www.chowbaby.com/10_2000/features/Article.asp?X=623
Bahamas.gour.net - only a few entries yet but incl. their websites etc. http://bahamas.gour.net/All.376.0.html
Bahamas Golden Pages - menus with prices of (a few) restaurants http://www.bahamasgp.com/menu-home.html#

Atlantis Restaurants "Dining Comparison Chart" http://www.atlantis.com/explore/dining/content/chart/images/diningcompare.pdf

++Discussions
"Local hangouts in Freeport" started by Tachel on 25.08.04 Geographia/GBI board
"Restaurants [Freepor]t" started by John on 29.09.04 Geographia/GBI board
! "Restaurant List? [Freeport]" started by Top on 02.11.04 Geographia/GBI board

+++Articles
29.12.03 "Chicken in da bag, Keith's Way" Nassau Guardian and a related discussion on Geographia/GBI board (26.8.04)
20.01.05 "New gourmet café opened - Downtown eatery now one month old - Lakasbah Gourmet Café and Cocktail Lounge" Nassau Guardian

SCC Sun And.. (Nassau).http://www.sun-and.com/
SCC Columbus Tavern (PI) http://www.phclub.com/Restaurant.htm - Pieter Jan V's comment
SCC Chez Willi (Nassau) http://chezwillierestaurant.com/
SCC Cafe Matisse (Nassau) http://www.cafe-matisse.com/
SCC Buena Vista (Nassau) http://www.bahamasgo.com/buenavista.htm (menue, on Scubagirl's website)

SCC Graycliff (Nassau) http://www.graycliff.com/ - review Marlinmag -
+++Article 22.02.05 "Graycliff owner [Garzaroli family] opens new Brazilian-style steakhouse[Humidor Churrascaria Restaurant]" Nassau Guardian

Posted by Paulie on Tue - Nov 2 "A couple of hints for Graycliff." (common typo: Greycliff)
When you make your reservation make sure you ask to be seated inside. Try to book on a day when few cruise ships are in town. Part of the ambiance of Greycliff is that as you sit in the dimly lit dining room, you are taken back to almost exactly how it was when the Duke of Winsor and Wallis Simson were sitting n the same spot 65 years before you. Greycliff used to enforce a dress code but the ambiance is kind of ruined if you are sitting next to a half in the bag dude in a tank top from a cruise ship. Dress up a little. Get there a little early, grab a drink and walk around the grounds. You will be walking in the footsteps of kings, queens, deposed kings, presidents, the Beatles, the Stones, and, of course Winston Churchill. Flip the sommolier a few bucks to give you a tour of the wine cellar. Wine Spectator magazine named it one of the best collections in the world but even more cool is the fact that Greycliff is built on the foundation of an old fort/garrison and the wine cellar is the old dungeon. When the cab drops you off you will come to this gate surronded by this old run down fence in sort of an old run down neighborhood and think 'boy, what have I got myself into." Will you ever be pleasantly surprised. Source: BVG/Nassau board

Sophia's Choice - restaurant ratings in the Nassau Guardian
24.09.04 Radisson versus Wyndham Nassau Guardian
23.10.04 Choices Restaurant, training restaurant, Nassau Nassau Guardian
29.10.04 The Reef Restaurant, Nassau Nassau Guardian
04.11.04 The Poop Deck Nassau Guardian
date? Money Penny Cafe Nassau Guardian
25.06.04 RJ's Restaurant Nassau Guardian

Dr. Sophia Rolle is a Lecturer in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Studies at The College of The Bahamas. She is also a marketing consultant for Sojourner Douglas College and as a graduate student at Iowa State University, trained students in the finer points of restaurant service and dining etiquette. Dr. Rolle will be frank in the assessment of the restaurant she visits, commenting on services received and observed during the course of her dining experience. She will rate the establishment in 13 categories on a scale of 1:5 with five being the highest. Dr. Rolle is not a chef, but feels she is eminently qualified to comment on the food and beverage. source: Nassau Guardian

Law firms

! OPM List of Attorneys & Law Firms http://www.opm.gov.bs/lawyers.php?offset=0
BFSB Members "investment adv" http://www.bfsb-bahamas.com/member.lasso?category=InvestmentAdvisory&Management
BFSB Members "law" http://www.bfsb-bahamas.com/member.lasso?category=Law
XX 18.5.04 website changed, info not available anymore/yet List US Embassy Nassau Lawyers of New Providence http://usembassy.state.gov/nassau/wwwhnewprovidenceisland.html
XX 18.5.04 website changed, info not available anymore/yet List US Embassy Nassau Lawyers Family Islands http://usembassy.state.gov/nassau/wwwhfamilyisland.html

ILN International Lawyers Network http://www.lawinternational.com/index.html (Bahamas is listed under Central America)
+++Article: 21.05.04 "Bahamian lawyers to join top law firms at London conference" Nassau Guardian

! Bahamian Online Legal Resource Center http://www.lexbahamas.com
SCC lowtax.net Business laws in Bahamas http://www.lowtax.net/lowtax/html/jbaolaw.html#banking
SCC list (ads) http://www.caribbeansitedirectory.com/links/bahamas-financialandlegalservices.html
! SCC Callenders & Co. Attorneys at Law (large law firm) http://www.callenders-law.com/default1.asp
SCC Lennox Paton Counsel & Attorneys-at-Law http://www.lennoxpaton.com/
SCC Higgs & Johnson Counsel & Attorneys-at-Law http://www.higgsjohnson.com/
SCC Halsbury Chambers, Counsel & Attorneys-at-Law, Notaries Public http://www.halsburylawchambers.com/
! SCC Moss Paul D., Attorney at Law (small law firm) http://www.bahamasdominion.com - new address 1.11.04: 2nd Floor, Maritime House, Frederick St, (photo?)
SCC Strachan CV Hope Mrs. of Hope Strachan & Co.Attorney (no website so far) Ph. 242-356-3829 (hstrachan at hslawco.com.bs)

Freeport
SCC Cafferata Adam, Cafferata & Co., P.O.Box F-42614, Freeport, Bahamas, (242) 351-4086, FAX (242) 351-3506. (message board recomm.)
SCC Glinton & Co Maurice O. ., Suite B Regent Centre East, P.O. Box F-42505, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas / Phone: 352-4484 /
Fax: 352-4526 / rablish at batelnet.bs (message board recomm.)

Real Estate Companies

+++Article 12.02.05 "Peet: Govt 'cautious' about raising Rent Control ceiling too high [Rent Control Act]" Nassau Guardian

The International Persons Landholding Act http://www.bahamasrealestateassociation.com/re_legislation.lasso
SCC IDM Title Service "Purchasing Real Estate in The Bahamas" (incl. Development and Construction Matters) http://www.idm-inc.com/kathedv6-95.doc
Owning a house in the Bahamas (Emerald Bay Resort) http://www.emeraldbayresort.com/owning.html

! OPM List of Reals Estate Companies http://www.opm.gov.bs/realestate.php
List of Real Estate Companies http://www.wetings.com/realestate.htm
(XenuErr) SCC list (ads) http://directory.google.com/Top/Regional/Caribbean/Bahamas/Business_and_Economy/Real_Estate/

BREA Bahamas Real Estate Association ("BREA"), http://www.bahamasrealestateassociation.com/
+++Article 24.05.04 "BREA: Foreign agents selling realty illegally" Nassau Guardian

SCC Bahamas Vacation Homes (Eleuthera) http://www.bahamasvacationhomes.com
SCC Bahamas Realty http://www.bahamasrealty.bs/
SCC Christie H. G. http://www.hgchristie.com
SCC Paradise Real Estate http://www.paradisebahamas.com/
SCC Durrant-Harding Real Estate http://www.durrantharding.com/
XX 15.4.04 broken SCC Great Harbour Cay (Berry Is) http://www.greatharbourmarina.com/
SCC Jack Isaacs Realty http://www.jackisaacs.com/
SCC Knowles Realty http://www.knowlesrealty.com/
SCC REI Real Estate International http://www.realestateint.com/

Guides, portals, site hosting, webdesign

!! SCC We Tings http://www.wetings.com/home.htm
!! SCC Bahama Companies (only a few but very nice links) http://www.bahamacompanies.com/
SCC Bahama Travel Net http://www.bahamatravelnet.com/home.html
SCC Bahamas Net Pages (lots of links) http://www.webbahamas.com/index.html
SCC Bahamas Business Directory http://www.bahamas-biz-directory.com/
SCC The Bahamian, Citizen & Resident guide to Bahamian businesses, services & products http://www.thebahamian.com
SCC Bahamas Vacation Guide Freeport, Nassau, Paradise Island etc. hhttp://www.bahamasvacationguide.com/index.html
SCC Bahamas Gateway history (old and new), recipes, culture etc http://www.bahamasgateway.com/index3.htm
SCC Bahamians online and iBahamian http://www.bahamiansonline.com/index.htm
SCC Bahamascope http://bahamascope.net/
SCC Bahamas Mall http://www.bahamas.mall.bs
SCC Bahamas Accommodations and Travel Resource http://www.bahamas-mon.com/
SCC Bahamas Online - Bahamas Net (also provider) http://www.bahamas.net.bs/
SCC Bahamas On-Line - tourism http://thebahamas.com
SCC Bahamas Guide http://thebahamasguide.com/
SCC Bahamanet http://www.bahamanet.com/index.cfm
SCC Bahamatings http://www.bahamatings.com/
SCC what's on bahamas - bahamas guide - for news, accommodation, hotels, nightlife and dining http://www.whatsonbahamas.com/

SCC Thyme Online, web design & development http://www.thymeonline.com/

Time difference, e.g. Zurich - Nassau

GMT Greenwich Mean Time = UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) // DST = Daylight Saving Time

2003-03-17 Zurich: 3pm (15h) / Nassau 9am (9h)	when both no DST	ZH - 6h = BS
2003-04-02 Zurich: 4pm (16h) / Nassau 9am (9h)	when only CH has DST	ZH - 7h = BS
2003-04-07 Zurich: 3pm (15h) / Nassau 9am (9h)	when both have DST	ZH - 6h = BS
2003-10-27 Zurich: 3pm (15h) / Nassau 9am (9h)	when both no DST	ZH - 6h = BS

Zurich http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=268
MEZ = GMT+1 hour (no DST). DST 2003: starts on March 30, 2am / ends on Oct. 26, 3am
Nassau http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=173
MEZ-6h = GMT-5 hours (no DST). DST 2003, starts on April 6, 2am / ends on Oct. 26, 2am

compare time:
start with Zurich (see above), click on "when I call/have a meeting with someone in Zurich"
> for Place/City No. 2 pick Date and City = Nassau > show timetable
(does not work if you start with Nassau because you cannot pick Zurich)

Temperature, weight & volume conversion

Temperature conversion C > F (http://www.onlineconversion.com) and Weather Calculators
C to F: (C*1.8)+32=F
F to C: (F-32) / 1.8= C
100C = 212F // 30C = 86F // 0C = 32F)
Approximate: Celsius X 2, then add 30 / Fahrenheit - 30, then divided by 2

Common Meteorological Conversions, NOAA http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/box/calculate2.shtml
same calculators but includes tables (e.g. C > F > C conversion) http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pub/metcon.shtml

Weight & Volume conversion (http://www.onlineconversion.com)
1 pound = 0.4535924 kilogram / 1 kilogram = 2.2046226 pound
5 pound = 2.2679619 kilogram
32 ounce = 0.9071847 kilogram (approx 1kg) / 1 kilogram = 35.2739619 ounce
18 ounce = 0.5102914 kilogram (approx. 500g) / 500 gram = 17.636981 ounce
15 ounce = 0.4252428 kilogram
12 ounce = 0.3401943 kilogram
1 gallon [US, liquid] = 3.7854118 liter / 1 liter = 0.2641721 gallon [US, liquid]

Storm intensity - more links about hurricanes see here

Storm intensity	Tropical	Tropical	Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Damage, Potential Scale (5 categories)
scale	depression	storm	1	2	3	4	5
barometric pressure in inches (cm)	29.73 (est) (75.5)	less than 29.53 (75)	28.94-29.53 (73.5-75)	28.5-28.91 (72.4-73.4)	27.91-28.47 (70.9-72.3)	27.17-27.88 (69-70.8)	less than 27.17 (69)
wind speeds in mph (kmph) Beaufort	less than 39 (62.8) 5	39-73 (62.8-117.5) 11	74-95 (119-153) > 12	96-110 (154.5-177)	111-130 (178.7-209)	131-155 (211-249.6)	more than 155 (249.6)
storm surge in feet (m)	none	less than 4 (1.22)	4-5 (1.22-1.52)	6-8 (1.83-2.44)	9-12 (2.74-3.66)	13-18 (3.96-5.49)	more than 18 (5.49)
damage by storm surge	none	none	minimal	moderate	extensive	extreme	catastrophic

Source: USA today http://www.usatoday.com/weather/hurricane/whscale.htm
1 mile (m): 1.61 kilometer // 1 feet = 30.48 centimeter // 1 inch = 2.54 centimeter (http://www.onlineconversion.com)
more about saffir-simpson-scale: http://stormcarib.com/guide.htm#saffir
Beaufort Scale http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lot/webpage/beaufort/
Beaufort-Skala http://www.discovery.de/de/pub/specials/wetterextrem/meteo/fachbegriffe/beaufortskala.htm

Diameter of a hurricane: 300-500 km
Diameter of the eye: up to 40km
Height: 12 - 20km

Attempt to compare size and population of the Bahamas and Switzerland

	Bahamas:	Jamaica	Switzerland	Dominican Republic (East Hispaniola Island
Total Land + Water	13,940 km2	10,991 km2	41,290 km2	48,730 km2
Land	10,070 km2	10,831 km2	39,770 km2	48,380 km2
Water *)	3,870 km2 ?	160 km2	1,520 sq km	350 sq km ?
Coastline	11,238 km	895 km	n.a. (1,852 km land boundaries)	1,612 km ? (1,288 km coastline, 360 km land boundaries)
Area of continental shelf	79,840 km2	5,609 km2	n.a.	5,863 km2
Territorial sea (up to 12 nautical miles)	283,164 km2	15,973 km2	n.a.	14,041 km2
Claimed Exclusive Economic Zone	369,149 km2	234,780 km2	n.a.	246,454 km2
Population	300,000	2,700,000	7,500,000	8,800,000 Mio
Population density	21	245	181	181
Dimension 1	900km		348 km W-E
Dimension 2	300km		220 km N-S

sources: gazetteer.com, cia facts, earthtrends
4,403 sq mi (11,404 sq km), (x2.59 / 1 mile = 1.609 kilometer)

Conclusions:
On a map, it's difficult to directly compare the size of the Bahamas and Switzerland. 1st because the Bahamas is an island nation. 2nd Both countries are small. If shown on the same map, they are too small to allow comparison. If shown larger, they will be on separate maps with different map scales for both areas and countries (Caribbean-Europe, Bahamas/Switzerland). On a map, it's easier to compare Jamaica and Dom Rep: But the area of Jamaica is somewhat smaller than the area of the Bahamas (21%). The area of the Dominican Republic is somewhat larger than the area of Switzerland (15%).
approx 5900km2: Andros is about the size of Kt Bern,
approx 200km2: New Providence is about the size of Kt Zug
approx 1400km2: Grand Bahama is about the size of Kt Aargau

*) XX open question - what does the above "water" figure EXACTLY comprise? it's not "inland water", not "water between island" not coastal waters but ??

... more about size

Although the size of The Bahamas is traditionally estimated by its land mass (about 5,400 square miles including many tiny, uninhabited rocks and isles), these islands extend over a marine territory of about 100,000 square miles--almost twice the size of Spain and substantially larger than Great Britain. http://www.geographia.com/bahamas/bseco01.htm

Although the total land area of the archipelago is 13,934 square kilometers, slightly larger than New Jersey and Connecticut combined, the islands are sprawled over an area of approximately 259,000 square kilometers (see fig. 18; table 6, Appendix A)
http://countrystudies.us/caribbean-islands/117.htm

... more about territory

EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone, Law of the Sea http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/csdl/eez.htm

Küstengewässer - coastal waters / Hoheitsgebiet - sovereign territory / Territorialgewässer - territorial waters / territorial sea

2.4.6 Verlauf der Hoheitsgrenze in den Küstengewässern
Die Hoheitsgrenze ist die Grenze, bis zu der ein Staat seine Hoheitsbefugnisse ausüben kann. Im Landgebiet fällt sie mit der Staatslandgrenze zusammen.
An der Meeresküste schließt sich an das durch die Staatslandgrenze begrenzte Gebiet nach See noch das Küstenmeer (sogen. “Territorialgewässer”) an, das dann gegen das “freie Meer” (bzw. hohe See) hin durch die “Hoheitsgrenze” abgeschlossen wird.
Soweit der genaue Verlauf der Hoheitsgrenze durch einen Uferstaat amtlich bekanntgegeben ist, wird er auch als rote Linie in die Seekarte eingetragen.
source: http://www.studentshelp.de/p/referate/02/614.htm

Other stuff

"The Original Swiss Sweet Shop" http://myswissbakery.com/products.html

"... makes the best wedding cakes in Nassau.[] Armin Wernli came to The Bahamas over a decade ago and worked as Executive Pastry Chef at two local resorts. He learnt his trade in Switzerland and other European countries. []"

Swiss Club Bahamas, Armin Wernli, President, P.O. Box N-229, Nassau, Bahamas
Tel. 242-393-2202 / Tel. 242-327-5836 / Fax 242-327-6481

http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/zameri/vbns/ref_livfor/livbhs.html

Source:
http://www.bahamaslinks.ch/pmisc.html#Island

Bahamas Real Estate Research Page in the process of being updated with new real estate content