Customs: The British and African influences on the Bahamas are still obvious, but the island's proximity to the US has resulted in a somewhat Americanized culture. Some of the islands and resorts are very upmarket and require a certain standard of dress. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and smart-casual dress is usually expected for the evening.

The Isle Of Capri Grand Bahama Classic: June.

Island Festival: July.

Annual Long Island Regatta: June.

Climate: Vacationers enjoy the warm Bahamian reception they receive and the idyllic climate. The temperatures during the summer months are between 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit and in the winter 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Night time temperatures are generally 5-20 degrees cooler.

The Bahamas are made up of the following islands: Andorra, Acklins and Crooked Islands, Abaco, Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, The Exumas, Grand Bahama Island, Harbour Island, Harbour Island, Long Island, Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island, Ragged Island, San Salvaador Island, and The Spanish Wells.

Did You Know?... the Bahamas is not really part of the Caribbean, it is in the North Atlantic. Sure, geography buffs, savvy travelers and Bahamians know that, but many people from around the globe apparently do not.

Summary: The Bahamas archipelago consists of over 700 islands and cays starting with Bimini, just 90 miles off the coast of Florida, and stretching hundreds of miles, down to Inagua, near the West Indies.

History: Early in its history, Grand Bahama Island was virtually uninhabited for almost 300 years. However, with the development of Freeport/Lucaya in the 1950s, and because of the island’s location just 55 miles from the east coast of Florida, it is now one of the most visited of all the Bahamian islands.

Caves: It has one of the world's largest underwater cave systems, three national parks, endless beaches, emerald green water and enchanting marine life.

Reefs: With more than 5% of the planet's reef mass, The Bahamas offer inexhaustible pleasures and challenges to snorkelers and divers.

Beaches: The natural beauty of the water extends to the thousands of miles of shoreline, which has some of the world's most stunningly beautiful and unsullied beaches. From the pink sands of Harbour Island and Eleuthera to the deserted strands of the Exumas and San Salvador.

National Parks: Further inland are gardens and National Parks with rare and endangered species, such as the exotic Abaco Parrot and the Bahamian Iguana.

Shopping: The heart of the shopping district is Bay Street, where you can shop at the largest straw market in the world.

The Capital: Nassau, the nation's capital, is steeped in modern American ways but has an undeniable quasi-Caribbean flavour.

Fishing: The islands are well known for their good fishing, and you'll be spoiled for choice: wahoo, tuna, sailfish, mako shark, barracuda, and, above all, blue marlin and other billfish put up a bruising battle. Legendary gamefish draw sport fisherman in search of the "big one," and more than 50 international fishing records have been set in these waters. The great writer / fisherman Ernest Hemingway considered the Bahamian island of Bimini a home.

Dolphins: In Bimini, pods of rare Atlantic spotted dolphins are regularly seen, and they like nothing better than to cavort and swim nose to nose with humans.

Hope Town: A quaint place that appears pinned to the ground by a 120ft (37m) candy-striped lighthouse. Although the town is one of the most visited places in The Bahamas, it has taken care to minimize the effects of tourism, boasting nearly 100 well-preserved, gaily painted old homes and all of two narrow, car-free lanes circling the village.