The Bahamas is a magical chain of 700 islands in the middle of the Caribbean that has been a popular tourist destination for decades, according to American Express Travel. The Bahamas is a world-renowned tourist destination with a rich history. In 1492, Christopher Columbus first made landfall on the island of San Salvador in the eastern Bahamas. Columbus commented on the shallow waters of the sea surrounding the islands, calling the water “low sea”. From these words comes the name “Bahama”. Since the Bahama Islands are located near Florida, they attracted the attention of explorers, settlers, invaders, and traders.
Pirate history in the Bahamas
One of the most interesting things about the Bahamas is its history with pirates. Black Beard, Calico Jack, and Captain Henry Morgan himself were known visitors to the Bahama Islands. 1680 to 1730 was the golden age of pirates in the Bahamas. These islands were an ideal base for pirates due to the many islands and islets. These were great places to hide your renegade ships and stolen treasure. The islands were also close to busy trade routes, creating the perfect opportunity to plunder merchant ships.
Battles fought between pirates, merchants, and other authorities often caused heavy casualties, especially on ships. These ships often sank off the coast of the Bahamas, laden with gold, silver, and other antiquities. Spanish galleons were easy prey for pirates. These ships carried riches stolen from the native peoples of South and Central America. Pirates would hide this treasure in the many limestone caves that dot the Bahamas or bury it somewhere along the miles of beaches.
Today there are rumors of a hidden treasure in the Bahamas. Pirate William Catt is supposed to have buried the loot on his namesake, Cat Island. Sir Henry Morgan, who preferred Andros Island, is said to have buried treasures on many islands. Where rumors may be false, the Bahamas certainly offer a mystique that encourages its visitors to indulge in opportunities for adventure and seclusion. American Express Vacations is beginning to offer special tours for travelers interested in highlighting famous pirate sites throughout the islands of the Bahamas.
Fun, rest and relaxation of today
The Bahamas today are still full of adventure and excitement. The islands of the Bahamas are some of the most popular places for travelers in the world. A big draw for most Caribbean tourists, the Bahamas caters to moderate to high budget travelers. AMT American Express Travel offers a number of moderate and high-end accommodations that give the best value for your money. There are no accommodations like hostels because the focus of the island is on a luxury experience. But traveling to the Bahamas is on the bucket list of most world travelers.