The quiet coves, sheltered bays and crowd-free beaches of the Bahamas offer visitors the intimacy of a secluded retreat within a surprisingly expansive archipelago. Twice the size of Spain, the Bahamas features over 700 palm-lined islands, tranquil coves, sheltered bays and vast beaches – enough to guarantee you quiet away from the maddening traveling crowd. Immerse yourself in its clear, turquoise waters, dive for ancient shipwrecks or discover colourful reefs with lush marine life. Take snapshots of pastel-coloured cottages and gorgeous blooms everywhere. Best of all, dance to the music of the islands and mix with the happy locals.

CocoCay

With pristine white-sand beaches and spectacular surroundings, the secluded island of CocoCay is a wonderland of adventure, reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests. This tropical paradise has recently been updated with new aquatic facilities. Explore the island’s winding nature trails, scuba dive in the clearest blue sea or just lie back and relax in a hammock on the beach and enjoy our island-style seaside barbecue. This private island doesn't have any restaurants or shops, but the private beach offers mixed and frozen drinks that are out of this world. Order yours from a shady hammock to capture the true spirit of CocoCay.

Attractions

• Caylanas Aqua Park, a fun-filled floating playground and the largest aqua park in the Caribbean.
• A parasailing adventure 400 feet above the island to get a bird's-eye view of CocoCay as well as the surrounding islands. It's definitely a flight worth taking.
• The wave runner, CocoCay’s most popular activity, which will have you flying past Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse, Slaughter Harbor and Starfish Alley.
• Snorkeling to check out the beautiful coral reefs, colorful tropical fish and sunken wrecks.

Nassau

The capital of the Bahamas has the best of everything, with its historic landmarks, shopping, excellent beaches and fantastic variety of both water and land activities. For many years, Nassau was a home base for notorious pirates, and was burned to the ground by the Spanish three different times. Since 1740, however, visitors seeking relaxation and adventure have made Nassau their favourite destination. For stunning views, climb the Queen’s Staircase to Fort Fincastle or head to Paradise Island to swim or snorkel in its crystal clear waters.

Attractions

• The Stingray Adventure, an amazing experience that brings you close to stingrays whose stingers have already been (painlessly) removed so they are safe. This could easily be the highlight of your trip. You also have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to kiss, pet and feed a dolphin, specially Universal Studios' Flipper, who starred in the 1996 movie with the same name.
• A horse-drawn carriage ride through old Nassau, to discover its colonial history.
• Relaxing on a semi-private island, Blackbeard's Cay, just a short boat ride away from Nassau. It’s surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water, sandy beaches and swaying palm trees.
• An exciting pirates and dungeons tour of Fort Charlotte and the Pirates of Nassau Museum to relive the swashbuckling past.
• A glass-bottom boat tour of the underwater world of the Bahamas.
• Predator Lagoon to see sharks, barracuda and other creatures from the deep.
• The Ardastra Gardens and Conservation Center, to marvel at the flora and watch the famous "marching" flamingoes.
• The Thriller, Nassau's fastest ride, to enjoy Nassau Harbor, Paradise Island and many other amazing spots. You can also dance the calypso and sip refreshing rum punch while sailing aboard the 85-foot Yellowbird.
• Competing in an actual race on one of New Zealand's former America's Cup yachts. If you like sailing, this is an event you won't want to miss.