The Bahamas

Think of sun and loads of fun, and you have the Bahamas. This archipelagic state in the West Indies comprises of more than 700 stunning islands and 2400 tropical cays all fringed with sparkly white beaches and clear turquoise waters. On the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay, there are swimming feral pigs, who clearly enjoy the experience.

The Bahamas are full of action packed adventure, tropical dreams and great nightlife, with an all-around happy atmosphere. From 5 star hotels to quirky beach shacks, hospitality, fun, culture and music have their own personality within this island destination. There are countless bars, live music venues, raves and beach parties to pump you up until sunrise, so pack you swimmers and little else.

With countless coral gardens supporting thousands of marine animals, the Bahamas has the most transparent water on earth, snorkelling and diving are popular with numerous shallow to deep water reefs and shipwrecks to explore. Andros Barrier Reef stretches 305 kilometres and is the world's third-largest fringing barrier reef, ranging in depth from two metres to over 1800 metres with the dramatic wall dive into the Tongue of the Ocean. A truly exhilarating experience and every conceivable water sport are available.

For land lovers, it's home to some of the worlds most scenic golf courses. Hiking trails like to the Glass Window Bridge, and Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve (on Eleuthera) and Lucayan National Park (on Grand Bahama Island) are all memorable experiences. For shoppers, there’s plenty of duty-free, so make sure you have room in your suitcase for the trip home. History buffs check out the ruins and artefacts from the colonial era and indigenous peoples such as the Lucayan and Arawak Indians. Some of the best are on San Salvador and Cat Island.

After a day out exploring, join the laid-back Bahamian locals and a night out at a local bar munching on fish fry with a rum punch or two.

Travel Tip: While it's not the cheapest of destinations, significant value is available, and one of life's pure pleasure is just sitting on a beach and soaking up the view. The array of experiences and accommodation is varied in and out of the water, so plan early and save.

Best time to visit the Bahamas

Peak season from mid-December to mid-April is the busiest, but it is the best time with clear skies for water activities. It’s also the party time with many festivals.

The low season lasts from June to November, and there can be some really good deals. However, there is a higher possibility of rain with tropical storms. Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30; however, they do not occur every year and arrive with ample warning.