Yachting Art Magazine

With the summer holidays approaching, the Bahamas has a rich and varied programme of events on offer. With traditional festivals, major hotel developments and new flight connections, the archipelago is establishing itself as the ideal playground for lovers of sunshine, turquoise seas and authentic discoveries.

San Salvador, an iconic island located at the southeastern tip of the Bahamas, perfectly illustrates this little-known facet of the destination. Renowned as Christopher Columbus' first point of contact with the New World, it offers a unique blend of historical heritage and unspoilt nature. Visitors will discover pristine beaches, inland lakes and cliffs battered by the Atlantic, in an environment conducive to relaxation.

The island also attracts divers with its many sites scattered around the coral reefs. Snorkelers, coastal hikers and those simply seeking tranquillity will find a refuge here, far from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy islands. The Club Med Columbus, located on the seafront, provides easy access to these exceptional landscapes while offering comfortable accommodation. A direct flight from Paris operated by Air Caraïbes allows French travellers to reach San Salvador with ease.

Not far away, Rum Cay completes this off-the-beaten-track getaway. Less well known, it reveals its caves decorated with Lucayan remains, its wild beaches and its reefs ideal for diving. This small territory, marked by tales of pirates and forgotten shipwrecks, now lives to the rhythm of discreet tourism, between cottages for rent and deserted hamlets.

The 2025 summer season is also marked by a series of unmissable events. Among them, the Abacos Regattas, scheduled from 22 to 29 June, attract sailing enthusiasts and curious visitors alike to a festive atmosphere punctuated by concerts and local tastings. The Goombay Summer Festivals, which run from June to August, offer a lively glimpse of the archipelago's musical and culinary traditions across several islands.

For underwater enthusiasts, Bahamas Women's Dive Day, scheduled for 19 July, offers an immersive experience. This five-day event combines diving at iconic sites, meetings with experts and discussions on ocean conservation.

In terms of accessibility, airlines are increasing their connections to the various islands. Air Canada is increasing its frequency with up to three flights per week between Toronto and Nassau and two weekly connections from Montreal. Makers Air is introducing new daily services to Cat Island and Long Island, while Sunwing is maintaining its flights from several major Canadian cities, including Ottawa and Halifax.

In terms of hotel development, ambitious projects are multiplying. In Grand Bahama, the Grand Lucayan Resort is undergoing a major transformation with an investment of $827 million. When completed, the site will feature three hotels, a casino, a golf course designed by Greg Norman, a marina and beach clubs, with a planned capacity of 10,000 cruise passengers per day. This project is expected to generate more than 3,000 jobs, contributing to the revival of the local economy.

The Exumas are not to be outdone: the Aman group is beginning construction of its first property in the Bahamas. Named Amancaya, this exclusive resort will span two private islands and offer 36 pavilions, a spa, a marina, a beach club and private residences.

The cultural calendar and economic initiatives are testament to an archipelago on the move, committed to promoting its identity while meeting the expectations of modern travellers. Located just 80 kilometres from Florida, the Bahamas offer easy escape and a complete change of scenery.

The territory offers a wide range of activities: fishing, scuba diving, sailing, bird watching, or simply relaxing on unspoilt beaches. With more than 700 islands and cays and 16 main destinations, the archipelago invites visitors to create a tailor-made stay combining discreet luxury, gentle adventure and cultural immersion.