The Bahamas is made up of 700 islands and 2000 chunks of coral and limestone, and it is playground for sailors, anglers, adventure lovers and eco tourists.

Just 30 of the islands are populated and these are among the most favoured destinations for cruise ship passengers. New Providence accommodates 60% of the population and in Nassau, the capital, you can go on a horse drawn carriage tour of a vibrant city filled with history.

Cross a bridge and you are on Paradise Island, a modern dream resort tailor made for fun seekers featuring a casino, a marina, the world.s biggest aquarium and palatial hotels.

Beyond these best-known destinations are many serene islands, known as the Out Islands. You can sail into 30 marinas on the Abacos Islands; dive into the 6000 feet Tongue of the Ocean Trench which lies between the Berry Islands and Andros where you will find the Andros Barrier Reef.

Travelling by bus will cost a fortune, except for Nassau and Freeport where private minibuses operate within the city. There is no public transport on any of the Out Islands. Car hire is the best option and can be obtained through several international car rental companies which have outlets in Nassau and Freeport.

There is no shortage of taxis in Nassau, Freeport or the Out Islands. If are you planning to do a island hopping, intra island flights could be the best option and Bahamasair serves Grand Bahama and the Out Islands.

Abacos
The boomerang shaped Abacos chain is the second largest land mass in the country and comprises Abaco (the main island) and the Abaco Cays, a necklace of dozens of smaller cays. The Sea of Abaco is a major hot spot for yachters.

Biminis
Perched on the edge of the Gulf Stream, just east of Miami , the Biminis are barely 10 miles and completely flat. North Bimini is shaped like an inverted crabs claw whilst below it lies South Bimini , a chunkier and virtually uninhabited plot of land.

Most things happen in Alice Town on North Bimini , especially in summer where people arrive to fish, relax, drink beer and tell big fish stories.

Eleuthera
This slender island with its scenic headlands and seascapes has traditionally been the destination of choice for socialites drawn here by chic resorts. One of the best places in The Bahamas it boasts Dunmore Town with 200 years of architecture.

Grand Bahama
Freeport/Lucaya is a modern area with duty free shopping, gambling and beach lounging.

Nassau
Nassau has a special charm lent by a blend of Old World architecture and contemporary vitality.

Andros
Andros is rough and wild and covered with palm savannas, forests of mahogany, pine and palmettos and huge mangrove wetlands. Andros is not geared towards tourism, apart from those who are interested in diving amongst the world's third longest barrier reef or birdwatchers.