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Across the Straits of Florida, just 50 miles from Miami begins the 120,000 square miles of ocean lightly scattered with 2,400 islands known collectively as the Bahamas. The site of Columbus' first landfall in the New World, this diverse group of islands provides limitless vacation possibilities for young and old alike. Settled by the Lucayan Indians, these low-lying limestone and coral islets (Cat Island boasts the highest point at 207 feet) have a history rich in British tradition, pirate lore and served as a haven for Southern sympathizers after the Civil War in the United States. On July 10, 1973 the Bahama Islands became the free and sovereign Commonwealth of the Bahamas, ending 325 years of British rule.
Over half the nation's population lives on this island. Buildings and customs direct from the days of the British Colonial Empire blend with modern sights and sounds. An efficient, constantly expanding airport hosts large jets from the world over, as well as many small aircraft that connect the Out Islands with bustling civilization. Cruise ships make Nassau and Freeport, Grand Bahama Island regular stops on their Caribbean routes. Accommodations in each city range from first class resorts to small family-run inns. Nightlife, water sports, golf, tennis, fishing and family activities make these two islands a favorite vacation destination for travelers seeking a tropical resort atmosphere. Diving in the Bahamas is as varied as the islands themselves, from shallow coral gardens teeming with new fish life, to dramatic wall drop offs plunging into the deep blue. You will see everything from a tiny gobie to a hammerhead shark and all types, sizes, and colors of fishlife in between. The coral reefs are home to a profusion of sea fans, gorgonians, colorful sponges, black coral trees, and hard corals in all varieties. Elkhorn coral antlers reach up for the sunlight on many shallow reefs and large brain coral boulders join together to make huge patch reef systems throughout the islands. The Bahamas is a good place for beginners to gain new skills and feel comfortable in the water. The sun is almost always shining through the clear water, making visibility good in the shallower depths. Lots of sandy patches are home to stingrays, goatfish, sea stars, lizardfish, flounder, and what look to be waving grass fields of finger-sized garden eels. Stop and watch the busy yellowhead jawfish cleaning out their burrow, and see if you can find the rubble-strewn home of an octopus.
The copyright of the article Bahamas Diving--Something for Everyone in Scuba Diving is owned by Linda Gettmann. Permission to republish Bahamas Diving--Something for Everyone in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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