An independent nation since 1973, the Bahamas are comprised of more than 700 pristine islands in the Lucayan Archipelago, just off the coast of southern Florida. Known worldwide for their striking crystal blue water, pristine white sand beaches, abundance of national parks (14 in total!) and incredible marine life, they are unrivaled for a sun-filled getaway.

But there's more than just natural beauty! The country has a diverse local culture, irresistible music (junkanoo, calypso, rake-n-scrape) and a Caribbean-African-European fusion cuisine that is sure to delight. It's a world waiting to be explored!

Experience a deep dive with green sea turtles off the coast of the Bahamian island of Eleuthera in this three-hour episode of Great Big Story’s Slow TV. To capture this mesmerizing footage, a harmless camera is placed on the turtle’s back by biologist Nathan Robinson and his team at the Cape Eleuthera Institute to gather information about turtle habits. (Never heard of Slow TV? Check out this New Yorker article on what makes it so special.)