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Welcome to The Islands of the Bahamas |
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  Imagine 100,000 square miles of shallow waters scattered with thousands of islands strewn like seashells into the sea. This is the Islands of the Bahamas, seven hundred mystical islands and over 2,000 small islets or cays (pronounced keys) that form a veritable pilot’s playground. Islands of every size and shape, enough for a lifetime of adventure, invite exploration.
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Located just off the coast of Florida, this is a land where travelers find excitement both in and out of the waters. Duty-free shopping and lively casinos lure vacationers to some islands while others tempt travelers with the promise of pristine beaches and private coves. Some of the islands are remote and virtually uninhabited, if not desolate and unexplored, with miles of beaches and secluded hideaways to get away from it all. And getting away to the Bahamas is better than ever, thanks to over $500 million worth of improvements in the tourism industry. |
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 From the air, these waters boast a myriad of colors, enhanced by the coral reefs that rim the landforms. Nearly five percent of the world’s coral reefs (including the third largest) are found in these waters, home to multitudes of marine life. The seas are shallow because the islands are limestone shoals pushed up only a few feet out of the Bahamas Bank, and the Bahamas Bank itself is pushed up out of the deep Atlantic. The islands are basically flat, the highest point reaches only 206' MSL. |
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Skies are gorgeous and clear, with the weather being “severe clear” nearly every day of the year.
Temperatures are subtropical and are cooled by the light breezes of the southeasterly trade winds, effecting perennial summer. Puffy cumulus clouds generally dot the island skies at around 2,500' in the morning, if at all, rising to 7,500' in the afternoon, adding to the dazzling views.
High ceilings and excellent visibility are the norm. The aerial views and scenery in this part of the world are unparalleled and are sure to stir the emotions of even the staunchest pilot. No flight you have ever made will compare to this one, so keep your camera ready! |
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General Information
Most vacationers are familiar with the major islands in the chain: Nassau’s New Providence Island, neighboring Paradise Island, and Freeport’s Grand Bahama Island. A world of small islands awaits beyond these, however. Known for their leisurely pace, the Out Islands or the Family Islands each boasts its own history and its own unique charm. The largest island group of the Out Islands is Andros (the Big Yard), covering 2,300 square miles or more than 40% of the land area in the Bahamas. The smallest island group is the Cay Sal Bank, just two square miles peeking out of the ocean’s surface.
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The Bahamas is not officially part of the Caribbean but shares many of that region’s characteristics, from its excellent climate to its cultural and historical roots. |
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 Population —
Slightly over 300,000 residents, according to the Minister’s estimates, make their home in the Bahamas, almost 67% of those on New Providence Island in and around Nassau. Over 57% of the population is under 30 years of age. About half the working population is employed in the tourist trade assisting the 3.6 million visitors who arrive in the Bahamas each year and over 120,000 by small plane.
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Climate — The Bahamas enjoy a mild climate due to the Gulf Stream. Sea water temperatures average 82 degrees in August and 73 degrees in February. The climate is subtropical and weather conditions are mild, providing excellent flying weather year around. VFR conditions gen... |
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