Yello knows the Caribbean!  We are based in 20 countries across the region, and each one of them is quintessentially Caribbean while also offering visitors a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.

Our British, French and Dutch colonial past can be seen in our food, art, fashion, music, and languages. As a region, we are also slowly developing our own unique Caribbean identity based on our distinct geography, values, and experiences.

It’s time to appreciate our shared Caribbean culture and find out more about the islands in our region – let’s hop on over to The Bahamas.

Independence Day: 10 July 1973

Capital: Nassau (New Providence Island)

Background: The Bahamas is an archipelago that comprises of nearly 700 islands and 2,400 cays. Around 30 of the islands are inhabited.

Christopher Columbus landed on the island of San Salvador in 1492, and within a few decades the native inhabitants, called Lucayans, were all dead or enslaved.

The first English settlers, known as ‘Eleutheran Adventurers’, arrived in 1648. Following a crackdown on piracy, the Bahamas became a British colony in 1718.

Getting around: The best way to get around the Bahamas is either via taxi or rental car.

On New Providence Island and Grand Bahama Island, the most popular form of transport is the ‘jitney’ or public bus service. These vehicles can hold up to 32 people and run from 6.30am to 7pm daily with a reduced service on Sundays.

Island-hopping around the Bahamas is easiest on the inter-island air service, Bahamasair.

Must-see place of interest: Garden of the Groves in Freeport is labelled Grand Bahama’s “premier nature experience”. The 12-acre attraction was first opened in 1973 and became a certified wildlife habitat after being renovated and reopened in 2008.

The garden consists of winding trails, plunging waterfalls, lush vegetation, and flowing fountains. Visitors will also be treated to indigenous and migratory birds, butterflies, and insects.

You can explore the gardens on your own or take an hour-long guided tour. On Friday nights, patrons can also enjoy dinner and live music.

Must-do annual event: The Tru Tru Bahamian Festival is held every February on the grounds of the John Watling’s Distillery in Nassau. It was created in 2015 to showcase “everything Bahamian,” including local artisans, culture, history, art, cuisine, heritage sites, national parks, and indigenous flora and fauna.

Little known fact: The Bahamas is home to the world’s third-largest barrier reef. Stretching more than 190 miles in length and 6,000 feet in depth, the Andros Barrier Reef is brimming with sea life.

Motto: ‘Forward, Upward, Onward, Together’.

The Bahamas is open for visitors, but because of COVID-19 restrictions, you should visit the official Bahamas tourism website for up-to-date travel information.

Sources: Bahamas.com, Britannica.com, Lonely Planet, The Garden of the Groves, Fodors.com, TruTruBahamianFest and US News.