The Airline Air Canada is offering cheap flights from Vienna to the Caribbean from only €360 for a round trip, which includes 1 or 2 long stopovers in Toronto!
The islands of the Bahamas are well known for their turquoise, crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches. With more than 2,000 stunning islands and bays, they make the ideal holiday destination to relax for a few days.
Shipwrecks
Haunting and magnificent shipwrecks provide an underwater playground for divers. Discover the Skeleton of the Willaurie or the Sea Viking. In addition, you can easily snorkel and swim among the remains of the SS Sapona, the concrete steamship that sank near Bimini. Both the Hesperus (Grand Bahama Bank) and the Sugar Wreck (Grand Bahama Island) are shallow enough that snorkellers can easily discover each.
Located north of Bimini, you can find the rusted remains of the Gallant Lady, which sank in 1997 during Hurricane Mitch. The wreck, destroyed by the waves, lies adrift on the south coast of the island.
Sinkholes
Those with an adventurous spirit can go diving in the blue holes of the Bahamas. In a cove west of Clarence Town on Long Island is the world’s second deepest known saltwater blue hole. This circular sinkhole’s entrance is beneath the water’s surface. Filling with extremely clear water, the hole has a maximum depth of 202 metres (663 ft). After a 20 metre descent, it widens into a cavern with a diameter of 100 metres. What’s more, Dean’s Blue Hole is a popular training ground for divers and snorkellers. With sunny days, visibility underwater can be as good as 35 metres.
Further inland, there are also a number of underground caves to explore. These caves, which are entirely underwater, can be traversed by skilled scuba divers.
The Best Bahamian Beaches
Spot the iconic Pink Sands Beach on the eastern coast of Harbour Island. The intensive colour of the sand comes from the microscopic coral crumbs. Located 80 km (50 miles) east of Nassau, Eleuthera Island is also renowned for its expansive pink sand beaches. Lighthouse Beach, Surfer’s Beach, Winding Bay Beach and French Leave Beach are some more pink sand beaches.
Take a day of relaxation at the amazing Gold Rock Beach. It is situated in the Lucayan National Park. In Half Moon Cay you will find a magnificent crescent-shaped beach. In the Berry Islands, Little Stirrup Cay (Co Cay) has a collection of coves and small islands. You can also head to the beaches of Stocking Island, just off Georgetown Harbour (Great Exuma Island), a small, long and narrow island. Not far from Nassau, Blue Lagoon Island (Salt Cay) is host to the dolphins and sea lions of the dolphin encounters.
Nassau
Gaming enthusiasts may want to visit Nassau’s casino zone. In the 1920s, the Bahamas became quite a gambling hotspot when the prohibition in the States made it very profitable to trade in rum. Some of Nassau’s best-known casinos are the Crystal Palace Casino and The Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort.
Following a full night of casino gambling, you can unwind on one of the paradisiacal beaches or on a golf course. There are a number of unique attractions to visit too, including Clifton Heritage National Park, Parliament Square, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, Ardastra Gardens and Fort Charlotte. Outdoor lovers should go to Primeval Forest National Park to explore its sinkholes. This ancient deciduous forest is home to a multitude of pine trees, termite mounds and fossilised shells.
Swimming pigs
Experience the ultimate swimming adventure with friendly wild pigs on the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay. The charming animals live freely on Pig Beach, sunbathing for hours and swimming in the sea off the Exuma Cays.
To get there, you may want to join an organised tour or hire a boat. Staniel Cay is the best option if you want to stay close to Big Major Cay. Guests are only permitted to take photos and watch the water-loving piglets swim out to greet arriving boats. Feeding the pigs is forbidden.
Parktiger wishes you an unforgettable holiday. Here are some important informations you might want to know.
Travel dates
October – February 2023
Example dates to VRA: Oct 30-9, Nov 6-16, Nov 13-23, Nov 20-28
Example dates to GCM: Jan 19-27, Feb 2-10, Feb 2-17, Feb 9-17
Flight routes
From: Vienna
To: Kingstown, Aruba, Havana, Varadero, Curacao, Antigua & Barbuda, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Bridgetown
Baggage allowance
One piece of hand luggage per passenger.
