Bahamas Vacation Rentals by Owner Beach Houses, Villas and Condos.

The Bahamas is a collection of  700 islands and 2,400 cays which dot the Atlantic Ocean from Florida almost to Haiti, only 30 of which are inhabited. Those islands that are inhabited are a favorite destination of tourists and vacationers looking for Bahamas vacation rentals beach houses on the crystal clear waters surrounding the islands. Diving, snorkeling and water sports along with the relaxed atmosphere draw people from all over the world to enjoy the beaches, fishing, dive spots and Bahamas vacation rentals.

The Bahamas also are a favorite haunt of the boating community who, after the approximately 50 mile trip from the Florida coast, are eager to abandon their sea legs for the comfort of a Bahamas vacation rental condo or beach house.

When Christopher Columbus first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492, the Arawak Indians were the only inhabitants there. Today, about 85 percent of Bahamians are of African heritage.

New Providence, one of the smallest of the major islands, is home to almost 70 percent of the population. The Bahamas takes in more than three billion dollars annually from nearly four million tourists. International banking and investment management augment the economy, with more than 400 banking institutions from 36 countries.

Bahamian culture is a hybrid of African and European influences. Perhaps its most famous expression is a rhythmic form of music called junkanoo. Aside from Junkanoo, other indigenous forms of music include rake and scrape, calypso, and a unique form of hymnal, known internationally through the music of the late Joseph Spence. Marching bands are also an important part of life, playing at funerals, weddings and other ceremonial events.

In the less developed out islands - more often called "family islands" - crafts include basketry made from palm fronds. This material, commonly called "straw", is also plaited into hats and bags that are popular tourist items today.

Regattas are important social events in many family island settlements. They usually feature one or more days of sailing by old-fashioned work boats, as well as an onshore festival.

Some settlements have festivals associated with the traditional crop or food of that area, such as the "Pineapple Fest" in Gregory Town, Eleuthera or the "Crab Fest" on Andros. Other significant traditions include story telling and the practice of Obeah.