Vacations Bimini - Bahamas

Bimini is located a mere 50 miles off the shore of Miami, Florida, making it a popular holiday

destination for Americans. It is also famous for its first-rate big-game fishing. Bimini is composed of three major islands, North, South, and East Bimini. Most of the population lives in Bailey Town on North Bimini.

The first early settlers included a group of emancipated slaves from West Africa, who built houses
with the materials at hand. The first colony was relocated from South to North Bimini to facilitate easier access to shipping lanes. The main industry of this first settlement was salvaging goods from ships wrecked on the Great Bahama Bank and the Great Isaac Rock. Bimini also served as the base for rumrunners from Nassau, who prospered during the American prohibition. Farming of crops such as cassava, corn, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, and pineapples later became the staple of the economy, along with fishing, as the sea offers up fish, conchs, crawfish, crabs and turtles.





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If you love fishing, Bimini is the right place for you to enjoy. Bimini, Bahamas is rich in fishes, shellfish and other sea animals.

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Facts About Bahamas

Bahamas is a North American country, which comprises of an archipelago of 700 islands. The English-speaking nation is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, spreading over an astounding area of 13,878 km2. All the islands of the archipelago are low lying, with flat surface. The highest point in the country is Mount Alvernia, also known as Como Hill and has an altitude of 63 m. Bahamas is also quite prone to hurricanes, which have ravaged the island shores a number of times. This has left life stranded to an extent that it is still recovering to this day. Given below are some more interesting and fun facts about Bahamas.

Interesting & Fun Facts about Bahamas

    * The official name of the country is the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. It is an archipelago, consisting of more than 700 islands.
    * The capital city of Bahamas is Nassau. The two other big cities of the country are Nassau and Freeport.
    * The name of the country comes from the Spanish word ‘bajamar’, meaning ‘shallow water’. The official language spoken in the country is English and the currency, the Bahamas-Dollar is at par with the US-Dollar.
    * Bahamas was a British colony until 1973 and is now an independent nation. The Duke of Windsor was the Royal Governor of The Bahamas during from 1940 to 1945.
    * There is no income tax or corporate tax levied in Bahamas. Around 50 percent of the national GDP is generated by tourism. It is one of the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean. After tourism, financial services constitute the second-most important sector of the Bahamian economy
    * Eighty percent of Bahamian natives are of African descent. Two-thirds of the population lives in the New Providence Island (the location of Nassau).
    * The largest immigrant community in the Bahamas is that of the Haitians. 30,000-50,000 of the residents are concentrated in the New Province, Abaco and Eleuthera islands, including the legal and illegal residents.
    * School attendance in Bahamas is compulsory between the ages of 5 to16. Out of the 210 primary schools run in the country, 158 are operated by the government.  The remaining 52 schools are operated by private owners. Higher education is also offered by many non-Bahamian colleges in the country.
    * The Bahamas is enrolled as an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The political and legal traditions of Bahamas closely follow the British ones, owing to their commonwealth membership. 
    * The country has a parliamentary form of democracy and regular elections are held. The Bahamian senate consists of 16 members, who are appointed by the Governor-General. The Governor-General also appoints the Chief Justice on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Privy Council of the United Kingdom serves as the highest appellate court.
    * The local government districts in Bahamas elect local councils for town planning, business licenses, traffic issues and maintenance of government buildings. Lower level town councils are also accorded minor responsibilities in some large districts.
    * Another interesting fact about the country is that the Bahamas women's 4x100 relay team won a silver medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.






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The Bahamas is such a beautiful place. You can do many things which will make your stay more memorable.

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Valentines Day in the Bahamas? Get Engaged or Married at Blue Lagoon Island

DOLPHIN ENCOUNTERS HELPS HUNGARIAN COUPLE MAKE A SPLASH ON THEIR WEDDING DAY

BLUE LAGOON ISLAND

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something wet? Hungarian couple Jan and Charlene Both realized their wedding day dream by exchanging their vows in the sparkling waters of Blue Lagoon Island, a great thing for couples to do on Valentine’s Day in Nassau Bahamas, with their witnesses, Jake and Fatman - two of Dolphin Encounters' dolphins - looking on adoringly.

"From the beginning we knew that we wanted dolphins to be a part of our wedding. It was just a matter of finding the perfect place to do it. We looked everywhere. We searched the Internet for so many places. Then we found Dolphin Encounters and it was just perfect -everything we wanted," said Mrs. Both.

The couple flew over 5,000 miles from the Netherlands to exchange wedding vows in the Bahamas, leaving family and friends behind as they escaped to paradise.

Many people may think it strange to get married with dolphins, but the truth is dolphin weddings are what anyone would wish for their day- it is special, beautiful, meaningful, at times tearfully joyful and always, always fun!," said Latoya Rolle, Wedding Coordinator at Dolphin Encounters in the Bahamas. "Dolphin Encounters has literally given thousands of people the chance to make their dreams come true by swimming and interacting with dolphins. When we started receiving requests for weddings we didn't hesitate to provide this special service - it was really a natural extension of what we do everyday for so many."

The unique wedding day started with a scenic boat ride from Paradise Island to Blue Lagoon Island, where you can swim with dolphins. Once on the island, the couple were greeted by Dolphin Encounters staff and escorted to their secluded gazebo swim area, which was adorned with colourful tropical flowers and white decorations. As they descended in the water and began the ceremony, Jake (one of the male dolphins) brought their wedding bands over as they silently exchanged vows. After the minister pronounced the couple man and wife, the pair and the dolphins kissed in unison.

Over the years, Dolphin Encounters has helped couples make their dreams come true by arranging their weddings in paradise. Wedding packages include the service of a minister, beautiful decorations on the island and on platforms, catering, a wedding cake, champagne and professional photos and video that capture precious moments. Unlike traditional weddings, dolphin weddings require a few unique changes. For example, florists must provide bouquets that are capable of being taken into the water and sometimes carried by a dolphin, rings must be placed in a waterproof, floatable box (provided by Dolphin Encounters), and there are times when the officiating minister is required to perform the ceremony in the water alongside the dolphins.

Reverend Dr. Jackson Miller of Unforgettable Bahamas Weddings has married hundreds of couples on Blue Lagoon Island. He said the fact that the wedding is performed alongside dolphins does not take away from the beauty and seriousness of the union.

"I myself hope to get married here on Blue Lagoon Island one day. It's truly a wonderful experience. I wish I could sit here and do this all day and marry couples. Being here reminds me of how I imagine heaven is. It's just a peaceful, beautiful, calm paradise," he said.

Deacon Camarie Curties, who assisted Dr. Miller in performing the wedding, said: "Weddings here are just as special if not more so. It's so intimate and private, and hassle-free. You can't beat that."

After their swim program, the newly married couple changed into their traditional wedding attire and Mr. Both reflected on his marriage to his new bride.

"This feels so incredibly good right now. I feel like I'm dreaming. I'm in paradise with my new beautiful bride. It doesn't get better than this. Yesterday morning I was calling her Ms. Klein and today I'm calling her Mrs. Both. I'm looking forward to our lives together," he said.

Mrs. Both called the entire experience "absolutely amazing."

"There were so many things that I loved. This place is breathtaking; words cannot explain. Everything was just wonderful, from the ceremony itself to the swim that we did afterwards, to the organizers who went above and beyond to make our dreams come true."

Ms. Rolle coordinated the Both wedding from the start, and said it was the couple's easygoing personality that made her job easier.

"Charlene and Jan are two of the sweetest people I've ever met. They are both very personable and crazy in love. They made my job very easy, in that they give me their complete blessings to create their very own paradise." she said. "The entire experience with the Boths was wonderful; they filled my heart as I shared in their very special day. The most memorable part of the entire experience has got to be their appreciation for what we do here at Dolphin Encounters. We welcomed them into our family and they're just happy that we took such good care of them."

Dolphin weddings aren't the only way that the dolphins take part in occasions of the heart. Dolphin Encounters is also the perfect backdrop for anyone wanting to pop the question. The company provides engagement services free to guests who participate in one of its programs. The engagement takes place in the water, with the dolphin bringing the ring to the couple, a great thing to do on Valentine’s Day in Nassau, Bahamas.

"It never fails. Most women are expecting their boyfriends to get down on one knee and propose, so they never see it coming. When they realize that they're being proposed to in the water with dolphins, they get teary eyed. It's certainly a great way to start one's future together. It's truly a unique and unforgettable moment," said Annette Dempsey, Assistant Marine Mammal Director at Dolphin Encounters Ltd.





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This is a very nice valentine gift for you loved ones. Both of you will surely have fun in Bahamas..

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Bahamas - Cococay

Absorb the scenery as you relax in a hammock under a palm tree. Go snorkeling in the turquoise waters and discover an endless array of tropical fish and coral. Enjoy live entertainment and take in the charm of the Bahamas. Take an exciting waverunner tour around the island.

ABOUT THE REGION

Located in the middle of the Caribbean's bright blue water between Freeport and Nassau lies Royal Caribbean Internationals secluded 140-acre Private Island of CocoCay. With its white-sand beaches and spectacular surroundings, CocoCay is a wonderland of adventure. Reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests, this tropical paradise has recently been outfitted with new aquatic facilities, nature trails, and a ton of great places to just sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink.

CLIMATE & WEATHER

The Bahamas have a "tropical marine" climate warmed by the nearby Gulf Stream waters. Temperatures vary little through the year, with lows ranging from 65°F - 75°F and afternoon highs, from 75°F - 88°F. Coco Cay enjoys mild winters that normally stay above 60°F with an occasional cold front to cause drastic temperature drops.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND

Royal Caribbean's CocoCay has a number of features that makes this island a place to spend a day cruise.

Sandy White Beaches              Tropical Greenery                     Coconut Palm Trees
Double-decked Tenders           Coral Reefs                               Sunken Airplane
Thatched roof Dining Areas    Beachside refreshment Bars     Straw Market

Other features include their SeaTrek Snorkeling Program, a sunken replica of Blackbeard's flagship "Queen Anne's Revenge" and the Mermaid of CocoCay- a nine foot bronze statue at the lagoon's entry.

RECREATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Beach Games    ShipShape Activities     Walk-a-Thons
Swimming          SeaTrek Activities         Snorkeling Tours
WaveRunners   Parasailing                     Paddleboats
Sailboats            Banana Rafts                Kayaks
Underwater Cameras                               Scuba Diving

CLOTHING GUIDE

Short-sleeved shirts and shorts are appropriate for almost all outdoor activities. Walking shoes are recommended.

THINGS TO DO

Floating Beach Mat
This is a great way to just relax and catch some sun in the water or on the beach. This super soft foam mattress is ideal for the beach or water. The floating beach mat is available all day at your leisure.

SeaTrek Waverunner Experience

This guided 50-minute adventure will take you around the Berry Islands, neighboring CocoCay. You will watch a safety video and receive an orientation, before boarding your Waverunner for an informative and exciting guided tour. Some of the sights you may see include the Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse, Slaughter Harbor, Star Fish Alley and the abandoned island community of Cistern Cay. Minimum age to drive is 16 years with a valid drivers license. A passenger between the ages of 10-15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Minimum age to ride is 10 years old. The maximum combined weight must not exceed 375 lbs. Waverunner price includes the driver and one passenger. Reserve one waverunner for each driver only. If under 21 years, must show proof of license. This is the adventure of a lifetime!

SeaTrek Parasailing

Take an exhilarating ride in the skies of CocoCay on a parasailing adventure. Soar 400 feet above the island and take in the spectacular scenery. You'll get a bird's-eye view of CocoCay as well as surrounding islands. It's a flight definitely worth taking!

SeaTrek Scuba Dive With Equipment

Experience the crystal-clear water of the Bahamas on a one-tank shallow water beach dive. This tour is for certified divers and proof of certification is required. You begin your dive in waist-deep water and continue to explore the reef up to a maximum depth of 40 feet. Your SeaTrek instructor will help you identify the various marine life and coral formations this reef has to offer. The tank and weights are included for all divers. Equipment package includes regulator, B.C., mask, fins and snorkel. This is limited to certified divers who have been on a dive within the past two years.

SeaTrek Scuba Dive Without Equipment

Experience the crystal-clear water of the Bahamas on a one-tank shallow water beach dive. This tour is for certified divers and proof of certification is required. You begin your dive in waist-deep water and continue to explore the reef up to a maximum depth of 45 feet. Your SeaTrek instructor will help you identify the various marine life and coral formations this reef has to offer. Tank and weight belt is included for all divers. This is limited to certified divers who have been on a dive within the past two years.

SeaTrek Snorkeling

Discover the underwater world, even if you've never snorkeled before! Royal Caribbean's professional SeaTrek instructors will guide you every step of the way, with equipment instruction and a marine life area orientation. An abundance of beautiful coral reef and tropical fish to see, this package includes all the snorkeling equipment and all day use. Be sure to see the fish-feeding extravaganza at our sunken plane wreck. A must see at CocoCay! The snorkeling equipment is available at your leisure all day.

Kayak Adventure

Come enjoy a very informative and interactive kayak tour in the beautiful turquoise waters around CocoCay. You will receive an orientation on how to use your safe, stable 2-person kayak. Then it's time for your leisurely guided tour through the shallow clear waters where you will encounter a variety of beautiful marine life. Touch and learn about Starfish and Conch. Encounter Stingrays and possibly Eagle Rays on this unique eco-adventure!





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For beach lovers and adventurous persons you should visit Coco Cay. This is a fantastic place to visit and spend your extra time with family and friends.

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