Caribbean

The Bahamas archipelago is a subtropical oasis scattered over 100,000 square miles of ocean, just 50 miles off the coast of Florida. It comprises 700 breath-taking islands, over 2,000 rocks, and cays, and boasts the most transparent water on the planet—with a visibility of over 200 feet. You can see your toes as quickly as you can the world's third-largest fringing barrier reef. Well-known as a maritime playground for sun-starved Americans, this stunning piece of subtropical islands is much more than just a cruise-ship stopover. Stretched between Florida's eastern coast and the depths of the North Atlantic, most of the islands are untouched and unspoiled by human hand. From the funky Nassau to the vast mangroves of Andros, there's an astonishing array of splendid beaches, coral reefs, forests and historic towns to be discovered, all within the compass of an hour's flight. There's sailing around the Abacos' history-filled Loyalist Cays. Partying till dawn at Paradise Island's over-the-top Atlantis resort. Diving the mysterious blue holes of Andros. Kayaking the 365 Exuma Cays. Lounging on Eleuthera's pink-sand beaches. Pondering pirates in Nassau. There's a Bahamian island to match almost every water- and sand-based compulsion, each framed by a backdrop of gorgeous, mesmerizing blue.