Fearless
Passions

Just 50 miles off the coast of Florida lies a playground of 700 islands. Cruise ships routinely ply the waters of this archipelago stopping most frequently in Nassau.

There’s more to the Bahamas than the capital of Nassau but can only be experienced by boat or short flights to the outlying islands.

Thought to have been formed by a combination of coral and calcified sand dunes during the ice age, these islands are rocky limestone. Most of the farming happens on the largest island of Andros.

Discovered by Columbus in 1492, the island were populated with Lucayans. In our travels we’ve seen many spots that claim Columbus’s first landfall. History is a fickle business. It’s certain that Columbus sailed west from Spain and has had a lot of influence on the lands he encountered.

The Spaniards are responsible for moving the Lucayan settlers to mines and plantations of Hispaniola. Pirates and buccaneers found the islands idyllic. In the early 1600 Planters imported slave labor from Africa. After the American Revolution, loyalist to the crown, brought their slaves to the northern islands and are responsible for many settlements. Confederates used these islands for blockade runners and Prohibition bought an economic boon to the islands.

After World War II the Bahamians started promoting tourism which is strong and well today. Paradise Island and the Atlantis resort are popular attractions. The outlying islands are a source for sport fishermen, divers and cruisers alike. Each island group has something special for all interests.

1973 brought independence from a 300 year reign as a British colony. It’s no wonder there is a strong British influence.

Fawkes and it’s crew have made three visits to this beautiful country and haven’t seen half of the spectacular sights. One of our favorite memories, however is the cultural experience of Junkanoo, a Mardi Gras type of organized and judged parade. Groups of 500-1000 participants plan all year to celebrate freedom. Started during Christmas, when slaves were given three days freedom to celebrate with family, this celebration includes music, dance and costumes. You find goombay drums, cowbells, whistles and brass horns, filling the street with sound and excitement.

Whether traveling by Cruise Ship, sailboat or air. This island nation deserves your full attention.

Have you visited the islands in the past? Does a quick jaunt to these spectacular island intrigue a future vacation? There’s so much to see and do, I encourage everyone to consider a trip soon.