This cluster of islands on the southern fringe of The Bahamas is one of the last frontier outposts that can be reached relatively quickly from the U.S. mainland. Their remoteness is one of the most compelling reasons to visit them -- that, and a chance to see life in The Bahamas the way it used to be. Some of the islands are proud to proclaim that "we are as we were when Columbus first landed here," an exaggeration, of course, but one that certainly contains a kernel of the truth.
The Southern Bahamas have a colorful history. In the 18th century, Loyalists from the Carolinas and Virginia came here with slave labor and settled many of the islands. For about 20 years they had thriving cotton plantations until blight struck, killing crops and destroying the industry. In 1834, the United Kingdom Emancipation Act freed slaves throughout the British Empire. When the Loyalists moved on to more fertile ground, they often left behind the emancipated blacks, who then had to eke out a living as best they could.
With some notable exceptions, such as Long Island, tourism developers have stayed clear of these islands. However the isles have enormous potential, as most of them have excellent beaches, good fishing, and fine dive sites.
If you consider visiting any of these islands, be forewarned that transportation is inconvenient, and except for two or three resorts, accommodations are limited. For these and other reasons, the boating and yachting crowd composes the majority of visitors.
Many changes are in the wind for the Southern Bahamas. Right now, however, there's almost no traffic, no banks, no lawyers. There are, however, mosquitoes. Plan to bring a good insect repellent and a long-sleeved shirt for protection.
